The Settlers | Page 6

the side of
the house.
"Here comes Cicely with Barnaby, and we shall ere long have dinner,
for which I doubt not, my young friends, you will be ready," observed
the captain.
Gilbert acknowledged that his appetite was becoming somewhat keen;
but Vaughan made no remark. He was of an age to watch with some
interest for the appearance of Mistress Cicely Layton, though of her
existence he had not heard till her father mentioned her.
He had not long to wait before a side-door opened, and a young damsel
with straw hat on head and riding-habit fitting closely to a graceful
form, entered the hall. She turned a surprised glance at the strangers,

and then gave an inquiring one at her father, who forthwith made
known their guests to her as the sons of an old friend; on which she put
forth her hand and frankly welcomed them. The colour of her cheek
heightened slightly as Vaughan, with the accustomed gallantry of the
day, pressed her hand to his lips, and especially as his eyes met hers
with a glance of admiration in them which her beauty had inspired.
Truly, Cicely Layton was a maiden formed in nature's most perfect
mould--at least, so thought Vaughan Audley. Gilbert also considered
her a very sweet girl, though not equal in all respects to his sister
Lettice, who was fairer and somewhat taller and more graceful; but
then Gilbert always declared that Lettice was perfection itself.
Having delivered certain messages she had brought from Plymouth for
her father, Cicely addressed a few remarks to the young gentlemen;
then, saying that she must go to prepare for serving up the dinner,
which, as it was near noon, ought soon to be on the table, she dropped a
courtesy and left the room. Each time the door opened, Vaughan turned
his eyes in that direction, expecting to see Mistress Cicely enter; but
first came a waiting-maid to spread a damask table-cloth of snowy
whiteness, and then came Barnaby Toplight with knives and forks; then
Becky came back with plates. "This must be she," thought Vaughan;
but no--it was Barnaby again with a huge covered dish, followed by
Becky with other viands.
At length the door again opened, and Mistress Cicely tripped in, her
riding-dress laid aside. She was habited in silken attire, her rich tresses
falling back from her fair brow, her neck surrounded by a lace ruff of
wondrous whiteness. The captain having said grace, desired his guests
to fall to on the viands placed before them; though Vaughan seemed
often to forget to eat, while conversing with Mistress Cicely; Gilbert
meantime finding ample subject for conversation with her father.
Dinner occupied no great length of time, though the captain insisted on
his friends sitting with him to share a bottle of Canary, which he
ordered Barnaby to bring from the cellar, that they might drink success
to their proposed voyage to Virginia. The young men then rose,
offering to return to Plymouth, but their host would on no account hear

of it, declaring that they must remain till he could see certain friends in
Plymouth with whom he desired to consult about their projected
voyage. They without hesitation accepted his proffered hospitality;
possibly the satisfaction the elder felt in Mistress Cicely's company
might have assisted in deciding him to remain, instead of returning
home. Indeed, he considered it would be better to wait, that he might
carry some certain information to his mother as to the progress made in
the matter.
In the evening Mistress Cicely invited him to stroll forth into the
neighbouring woods, beneath whose shade the sea-breeze which
rippled the surface of the Sound might be fully enjoyed. Their
conversation need not be repeated; for Cicely talked much of her
gallant brother, and was sure that Master Audley would be well pleased
to make his acquaintance when he should return from the East Indies.
"Though, alack! I know not when that will be," she added, with a sigh.
The captain and Gilbert followed, talking on various interesting
subjects. The captain was highly pleased with Gilbert, who reminded
him greatly of his father.
"I knew him when he was no older than you are," observed the former.
"A right gallant youth he was. Already he had been in two or more
battles, and had made two voyages to the Spanish main. He married
young, and I thought would have given up the ocean; but, like many
others, was tempted to go forth in search of fortune, intending, I believe,
that your mother should follow when he had founded a home for her in
the Western World."
"I have heard my mother say, sir," said Gilbert, "that my father was but
twenty-five when he sailed for Virginia, leaving me an infant, and my