"Nay, the best gown is not needed if you want to pass off someone in her stead," said Norris. "That would be suspected at once. Plan again."
"Oh, I forgot! Little Miss Bella hath so much pretty attire. I do suppose she would be astray in a Quaker frock. Well, what can we do? Mr. Henry, we shall outwit thee, never fear."
"Madam Wetherill hath refused me already," he answered. "But she was merciful."
"And I brought him hither for consolation. An old woman's refusal cannot be so heart-breaking as that of a young lass."
"But we have had no chance to refuse," said saucy Miss Mifflin, raising her coquettish eyes.
"Cherry hill is a large estate, but somewhat out of the way. I have ridden by it," said Norris. "We of the town get spoiled by neighbors. It must be dreary in the winter."
"The evenings are lonesome. In summer, what with being up at sunrise and busy all day, the nights are welcome, but in winter the city hath a deeper interest. Although I have so far been content."
"We are in a curious heat now. Our staid town never saw such a ferment. Every day we wait for news from some of the provinces, north or south. I suppose thou wilt take little heed to it. Yet we number many of the Friends on our side."
"I have not paid much attention to what has gone before, I must admit, but one day I heard some speeches at Carpenter's."
"Nay, you are not to talk war to Friend Henry. He will take us for a party of savages. Is there no more inviting topic?"