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 bauble. 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 favoured 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 favoured? 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."
"And they are as rank anti-renters as any male and female in the country."
"They are rank Newcomites; and that means that each is for himself. Would you believe it, but Opportunity really gives herself airs with Mary Warren!"
"And how does Mary Warren take such an assumption?"