Master Lovell.
“You awaken my curiosity. But what will one who knows so much think of the awkward fellow keeping you company? Will she not regard me as a simpleton?”
“No, indeed; that would not be like Ruth Newville. Be assured, she will do what she can to make it a pleasant occasion to you.”
“What can I say that will interest her, what talk about?”
“She will enable you to find your tongue. The chances are that you will fall in love with her just as everybody else does,—colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants of the army and navy, besides widowers and bachelors; but Ruth is too sensible a girl to throw herself away. Her mother would like her to marry some nobleman, or lord of ancient family. Ruth does not care much for coats-of-arms or titles, but would rather be sure of what a man is, rather than who were his ancestors. But we are almost there.”
Many guests had already arrived. Ladies and gentlemen were strolling beneath the trees in the orchard, and along the garden paths. Pompey showing his white teeth, his dusky countenance beaming with pleasure, bowed very courteously as they entered the mansion.
“Massa and Missus Newville will welcome de ladies and genmens in de garding,” he said.
Berinthia led the way and introduced Robert as her relative from New Hampshire.