“‘Tis a miracle! What is Mary Darner doing in America?”
“She is on a visit to her cousin, who is married to the Governor of Massachusetts. He is here on some state matter, and as Miss Damer also wished to see Washington, he brought her with him.”
“Mary Damer! We went nutting together one autumn. She came often to Hyde Court when I was a lad.”
“And she promises to come often to see me when I return to England. I wonder what we have been brought together for. There must be a reason for a meeting so unlikely—Can it be Cornelia?”
“‘Tis the most improbable of suppositions. I do not suppose she ever saw Cornelia.”
“She had not even heard of her—and yet my mind will connect them.”
“You have no reason to do so; and it is beyond all likelihood. I am sorry I went away from Mary.”
“She took no notice of your desertion.”
“That is, as maybe. I was a mere lad when I saw her last. Is she passable?”
“She is extremely handsome. My aunt heard that she is to marry a Boston gentleman of good promise and estate. I dare say it is true.”