第34章

A request from the mistress of the mansion now compelled George to make his appearance among the musicians, and in a few minutes his flute was heard alone.There was a vacancy in the looks of Charlotte, during the scientific execution of the different individuals who had been labouring at the several instruments in the course of the evening, that denoted a total indifference to the display.But, the moment that George was called on to take his part in the entertainment, this restlessness disappeared, and was succeeded by an expression of intense interest and deep anxiety.The melody of George was simple and plaintive; he aimed at no extraordinary exhibition of skill, and it was difficult to compare his music with that of Seymour.The latter, however, studied the countenance of the young lady near him as the best index to their comparative merit, and he was soonable to read his own want of success.For the first few minutes, anxiety was the principal expression portrayed in her lovely face, but it was soon succeeded by a deep and powerful emotion.There is something contagious in the natural expression of our passions, that insensibly enlists the sympathies of the beholder--and Seymour felt a soft melancholy stealing over him as he gazed, that was but a faint reflection of the tenderness excited in the breast of Charlotte, while she listened to sounds that penetrated to her very soul.There is no mistaking the effect of music that depends only on its melody.Its appeal to the heart is direct end unequivocal, and nothing but callous indifference can resist its power.The most profound silence pervaded the apartment, and George was enabled to finish his piece with a spirit that increased with the attention.As the last breathing notes died on the ear, Delafield turned to meet those eyes which had already secured an unconscious victory, and saw them moistened with a lustre that added to their natural softness.Beauty in tears is proverbially irresistible--and the youth, bending forward, said in a voice that was modulated to the stillness of the room--"Such melody, Miss Henly, captivates the senses.""Does it not touch the heart?" asked the young lady, with a little of unusual animation.

"The heart too.But Mr.Morton looks exhausted after his labours."All the pleasure which had shone in the countenance of Charlotte, vanished instantly, and gave place to deep concern.

"Oh! it is unjustifiable, thus to purchase pleasure at the expense of another," said she, in a tone that Seymour scarcely heard.

How tenderly would the man be loved, thought the youth, who succeeded in engaging the affections of this young creature! how disinterested is her regard--and how considerate are her feelings! Here will I trust my hopes for happiness in this life, and here will I conquer, or here will I die!