After a walk of about a quarter of a mile through the bushes they
descended by the natural staircase of moss-covered rocks, and sat down
together upon a bed of violets at its foot.
Before them, through the canopy of over-arching trees, was seen, like a
picture in its frame of foliage, a fine view of the open country and the
bay now bathed in purple haze of evening.
But the fairest prospect that ever opened had no more attraction for
Thurston than if it had been a view of chimney tops from a back attic
window. He passed his right hand around Marian's shoulders, and drew her
closer to his side, and with the other hand began to untie her bonnet
strings.
"Lay off this little bonnet. Let me see your beauteous head uncovered.
There!" he said, putting it aside, and smoothing her bright locks. "Oh,
Marian! my love! my queen! when I see only the top of your head, I think
your rippling, sunny tresses your chief beauty; but soon my eyes fall to
the blooming cheek--there never was such a cheek--so vivid, yet so
delicate, so glowing, yet so cool and fresh--like the damask rose bathed
in morning dew--so when I gaze on it I think the blushing cheek your
sweetest charm--ah! but near by breathe the rich, ripe lips, fragrant as
nectarines; and which I should swear to be the very buds of love, were
not my gaze caught up to meet your eyes--stars!--and then I know that I
have found the very soul of beauty! Oh! priceless pearl! By what rare
fortune was it that I ever found you in these Maryland woods? Love!
Angel! Marian! for that means all!" he exclaimed, in a sort of ecstasy,
straining her to his side.
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