But while the Commodore was performing on the stage, and on Sunday afternoons and evenings, the General found plenty of opportunities to talk to Lavinia, and it was evident that his suit was progressing.
Finally, Tom Thumb returned to Bridgeport, and privately begged Mr. Barnum to bring Lavinia up the next Saturday evening, and also to invite him to the house.
His immediate object was that his mother might see Miss Warren.
Mr. Barnum agreed to the proposition, and on the following
Friday, while Miss Warren and the Commodore were sitting in the
green-room, he said:
"Lavinia, would you like to go up to Bridgeport with me to-morrow, and stay until Monday?"
"I thank you," she replied, "it will be a great relief to get into the country for a couple of days."
"Mr. Barnum," said the Commodore, "I should like to go up to
Bridgeport to-morrow."
"What for?" asked Barnum.
"I want to see my ponies; I have not seen them for several months;" he replied.
Mr. Barnum remarked that he was afraid he could not spare the
Commodore from the Museum, but he said:
"Oh! I can perform at half past seven o'clock and then jump on the evening train and go up by myself, reaching Bridgeport at eleven, and return early Monday morning."