tigued, in compliance with the request of her daughters, she proceeded to raise the latch of the little gate leading to the enchanting cot, when a gentleman of placid, humble, yet dignified mien, who might have numbered fifty years or more, appeared at the door of his modest habitation.
Mrs. De Brooke would have retired, but he advanced to meet her, as also the General, begging them to walk in and rest themselves.
"The evening was sultry," said he, "and the ladies might be fatigued."
His invitation was accepted. Encouraged by the candour his countenance exhibited, they accordingly entered, and when seated, the neatness and simplicity of all around charmed them equally as did the owner of this lovely retreat. His mild and gentle look, his sable habiliments, announced him, as they supposed, a minister of the Gospel. His eye, dark and penetrating, might have inspired awe, had not the smile of true benevolence accompanying its searching glance infused confidence, at once portraying a virtue severe yet flexible. In contemplating still further the physiognomy of their new acquaintance, a slight contraction of brow might have denoted to the De Brookes that he too had experienced those shafts of calamity from which few are exempt.
