Margaret Tudor: A Romance of Old St. Augustine

  CHAPTER XI.

  August, the 7th day.

  When I began this tale of our captivity it was with the hope that Imight find some means of sending it to friends, in this country or inEngland, who would interest themselves in obtaining our release.However, from what Mr. Collins told me, I feel assured that news of Mr.Rivers's capture has already been sent to their Lordships theproprietors, and this record of mine seems now but wasted labour. Yetfrom time to time, for my own solace, I shall add to it; and perchance,some day in safety and freedom, I and----another----may together readits tear-stained pages.

  This day I have completed the seventeenth year of my age. It is a doubleanniversary, for one year ago this night--it being the eve of ourdeparture from England--I first set eyes upon my dear love.

  Can it be possible that he, in his dolorous prison, has taken account ofthe passing days and remembers that night--a year ago? 'Twould be likera man if he took no thought of the date till it was past,--yet I dogreatly wonder if he has forgotten.

  As for me, the memory has lived with me all these hours since I unclosedmy eyes at dawn.

  I can see now the brightly lighted cabin of the _Carolina_, where thelong supper-table was laid for the many passengers who were to set outon the morrow for a new world. I had been somehow parted from my uncle,Dr. Scrivener, and I stood in the cabin doorway half afraid to venturein and meet the eyes of all the strangers present. I felt the colourmounting warmly in my cheek, and my feet were very fain to run away,when Captain Henry Brayne, the brave and cheery commander of thefrigate, caught sight of me, and, rising hastily, led me to a seat athis own right hand.

  (I do recollect that I wore a new gown of fine blue cloth--a soft andtender colour, that became me well.)

  As I took my place I glanced shyly round, and saw, at the farther end ofthe long table, the gallantest gentleman I had ever set eyes upon in allmy sixteen years of life. He was looking directly at me, and presentlyhe lifted his glass and said:

  "Captain Brayne, I give you _the Carolina and every treasure shecontains_!"

  There was some laughter as the toast was drunk, and my uncle--who hadonly that moment entered and taken his seat beside me--asked of me anexplanation.

  "Nay, Dr. Scrivener," said the jovial captain, "'tis not likely thelittle lady was attending. But now I give you--_the health of MistressTudor!_ (and it will not be the first time it has been proposedto-night!)"

  And that was but a year ago. I would never have guessed that atseventeen I could feel so very old.