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mother of Eudora, written after the birth of the latter, and with the
endearing affection of a woman. The love between the young merchant and the
fair daughter of his secret correspondent had been less criminal on his part
than most similar connexions. Nothing but the peculiarity of their situation,
and the real embarrassment of introducing to the world one whose existence was
unknown to his friends, and their mutual awe of the unfortunate but still
proud parent, had prevented a legal marriage. The simple forms of the colony
were easily satisfied, and there was even some reason to raise a question
whether they had not been sufficiently consulted to render the offspring
legitimate. As Myndert Van Beverout, therefore, read the epistle of her whom
he had once so truly loved, and whose loss had, in more senses than one, been
to him an irreparable misfortune, since his character might have yielded to
her gentle and healthful influence, his limbs trembled, and his whole frame
betrayed the violence of extreme agitation. The language of the dying woman
was kind and free from reproach, but it was solemn and admonitory. She
communicated the birth of their child; but she left it to the disposition of
her own father, while she apprized the author of its being of its existence;
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and, in the event of its ever being consigned to his care, she earnestly
recommended it to his love. The close was a leave-taking, in which the
lingering affections of this life were placed in mournful contrast to the
hopes of the future.
Why has this so long been hidden from me? demanded the agitated
merchant-- Why, oh reckless and fearless man! have I been permitted to expose
the frailties of nature to my own child?
The smile of the free-trader was bitter, and proud.
Mr. Van Beverout, we are no dealers of the short voyase. Our trade is the
concern of life;-- our world, the Water-Witch. As we have so little of the
interests of the land, our philosophy is above its weaknesses. The birth of
Eudora was concealed from you, at the will of her grandfather. It might have
been resentment;--it might have been pride.-- Had it been affection, the girl
has that to justify the fraud.
And Eudora, herself?--Does she--or has she long known the truth?
But lately. Since the death of our common friend, the girl has been solely
dependent on me for counsel and protection. It is now a year since she first
learned she was not my sister. Until then, like you, she supposed us equally
derived from one who was the parent of neither. Necessity has compelled me, of
late, to keep her much in the brigantine.
The retribution is righteous! groaned the Alderman. I am punished for my
pusillanimity, in the degradation of my own child!
The step of the free-trader, as he advanced nearer to his companion, was full
of dignity; and his keen eye glowed with the resentment of an offended man.
Alderman Van Beverout, he said, with stern rebuke in his voice, you
receive your daughter, stainless as was her unfortunate mother, when necessity
compelled him whose being was wrapped up in hers, to trust her beneath your
roof. We of the contraband have our own opinions of right and wrong, and my
gratitude, no less than my principles, teaches me that the descendant of my
benefactor is to be protected, not injured. Had I, in truth, been the brother
of Eudora, language and conduct more innocent could not have been shown her,
than that she has both heard and witnessed while guarded by my care.
From my soul, I thank thee! burst from the lips of the Alderman, The girl
shall be acknowledged; and with such a dowry as I can give, she may yet hope
for a suitable and honorable marriage.
Thou may st bestow her on thy favorite Patroon; returned the Skimmer, with
a calm but sad eye. She is more than worthy of all he can return. The man is
willing to take her, for he is not ignorant of her sex and history. That much
I thought due to Eudora herself, when fortune placed the young man in my
power.
Thou art only too honest for this wicked world, Master Skimmer! Let me see
the loving pair, and bestow my blessing, on the instant!
The free-trader turned slowly away, and, opening a door, he motioned for
those within to enter. Alida instantly appeared, leading the counterfeit
Seadrift, clad in the proper attire of her sex. Although the burgher had often
seen the supposed sister of the Skimmer in her female habiliments, she never
before had struck him as a being of so rare beauty as at that moment. The
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