Anthony did not appear at the breakfast-table, and when he did leave his
chamber and joined the family party at dinner, he met Godfrey, who had
just returned from Captain Whitmore's, his handsome countenance glowing
with health and pleasure.
"Why, Godfrey, my boy!" cried the Colonel, regarding him with parental
pride, "What have you been doing with yourself all the morning?"
"Gardening with the jolly old tar, Captain Whitmore; quizzing the old
witch, his sister; and making love to his charming daughter. Upon my
word, sir, she is a delightful creature, and sings and plays divinely!
Her personal charms I might have withstood, but her voice has taken me
by surprise. You know that I was always a worshipper of sweet sounds;
and this little girl kept her divine gift so entirely to herself, that
it was by mere chance that I found out that she could sing. She was a
little annoyed too by the discovery. I came in upon her unawares, and
surprised her in the very act. She gave herself no affected airs, but
when I requested it, not only concluded the song she was singing, but
sang many others, in which I was able to accompany her. The old Captain
has insisted upon my bringing my flute over, that I may accompany his
Juliet upon the piano. He could not have done me a greater kindness, and
I have no doubt that we shall get on delightfully together.
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