A LEGEND OF THE SAVANNAH.
295
seated upon the trunk of a large tree, which, uprooted by a former hurricane, and slightly covered by a little alluvial earth, had shot forth a few sickly branches—" dearest Zulmiera, how long I have waited for you—how much I have to tell you ! I have watched each star as it peeped forth from the heavens—heard the shrill pipe of the curlew as it flew to its nest—but listened in vain for your light footstep ; say, dearest, what kept you from the trysting-tree ?" " I was in attendance upon my mistress until this late hour," replied Zulmiera, speaking in an "ironical tone, and laying a strong emphasis upon the word mistress, while a slight look of scorn passed over her animated features ; " or else doubt not I would have met you long before ; for where, Raphe," would the bird with weary wing seek for rest but by the side of its own fond mate ? or why should yon white flower," pointing to a night-jasmine which was growing in all its wild luxuriance near the spot, and loading the air with sweet and powerful perfume—"why should yon white flower haste to open its pretty leaves, as soon as the day melts away, were it not to seek the fond love of those beautiful stars which are twinkling above us ? Raphe, you are my mate, and your eyes are my stars, in which I read my destiny." To this fond but fanciful rhapsody, Raphe de Merefield made no answer, except by pressing the beautiful hand which rested in his ; and the half-Carib continued : " But it was not to tell you this, Raphe, that brought me here so late to-night. Come with me." And suffering himself to be led by her, they quitted the deep recess in which they had been seated, and walked into the open ground already mentioned. Looking up the ascent above the tops of the trees, which grew in vast profusion, forming a complete barrier around, the moon-beams fell upon the roof of an irregular but commodious building. This was government house, and through an opening in the leafy enclosure, the light of a taper was seen brightly shining from a small diamond-pane casement, in one of the gable ends of the edifice. " In that room,"