She wore a close-fitting cap, likewise of black velvet, edged with pearls, beneath which her raven tresses were gathered in such a manner as to display most becomingly the smooth and snowy expanse of her forehead.

The gravity of her manner, not less than her charms of person, seem to have struck Catesby mute.

He gazed on her in silent admiration for a brief space, utterly forgetful of the object of his visit, and the part he intended to play.

During this pause, she maintained the most perfect composure, and fixing her dark eyes full upon him, appeared to await the moment when he might choose to open the conversation.
Notwithstanding his age, and the dissolute and distracted life he had led, Catesby was still good-looking enough to have produced a favourable impression upon any woman easily captivated by manly beauty.

The very expression of his marked and peculiar physiognomy,--in some degree an index to his character,--was sufficient to rivet attention; and the mysterious interest generally inspired by his presence was not diminished on further acquaintance with him.