“These contributions,” said Mr. Brandon, “show that the people of the Colonies, or at least a large portion of them, sympathize with us in our resistance to tyranny.”
“You have not told me about Rachel; is she well?” Berinthia asked.
Robert informed her she was quite well, and hard at work as usual.
“I suppose she is spinning for herself, these days?” said Berinthia, smiling.
“Yes, I dare say; she has been making sheets and pillow-cases since Roger Stanley was in Rumford.”
“She has written me about him, and thinks there is nobody else in the world so good as he. I’m glad they are engaged. She is just the one for him and he for her.”
There was one person whom Robert wished to know about, who had been in his thoughts through every step of his journey. How should he ask about Miss Newville without revealing his interest in her? How ascertain if she were well: if her heart was still her own?
“I suppose the arbitrary acts of Parliament may have brought about estrangements between old-time friends,” he said.
“Yes, former friendships are being broken. Many of my old acquaintances do not speak to me.”
“Is it so bad as that?”