Martha was disappointed; but she changed the subject. We next talked of our own little private affairs, as they were connected with smaller matters.
"For whom is that beautiful chain intended, Hugh?" asked Patt, laughingly. "I can now believe the pedler when he says it is reserved for your future wife. But who is that wife to be? Will her name be Henrietta or Ann?"
"Why not ask, also, if it will be Mary?—why exclude one of your companions, while you include the other two?"
Patt started—seemed surprised; her cheeks flushed, and then I saw that pleasure was the feeling predominant.
"Am I too late to secure that jewel, as a pendant to my chain?" I asked, half in jest, half seriously.
"Too soon, at least, to attract it by the richness and beauty of the bawble. A more natural and disinterested girl than Mary Warren does not exist in the country."
"Be frank with me, Martha, and say at once; has she a favored suitor?"
"Why, this seems really serious!" exclaimed my sister, laughing. "But, to put you out of your pain, I will answer, I know of but one. One she has certainly, or female sagacity is at fault."
"But is he one that is favored? You can never know how much depends on your answer."
"Of that you can judge for yourself. It is 'Squire Seneky Newcome, as he is called hereabouts—the brother of the charming Opportunity, who still reserves herself for you."