Mowbray felt a shudder run through his body, and turned to leave the spot.
As he did so, he heard a voice which made his ears tingle, his heart sink, his cheek flush, utter in the most quiet manner, and without any exhibition of coldness or satire or affectation, the words:
"Good evening, Mr. Mowbray. Will you not speak to me?"
Mowbray became calm suddenly, by one of those efforts of resolution which characterized him.
"Good evening, madam," he said, approaching the young girl unconsciously; "I trust you are well."
And wondering at himself, he stood beside her.
"I believe I am very well," she said, smiling; "will you give me your arm?"
Mowbray presented his arm, bowing calmly; and with a smile which embraced the whole mortified group of gentlemen, the young girl turned away with him.
"I have not had the pleasure of seeing you—have I?—lately," she said; "where have you been, if I may ask a very impertinent question?"
"At Williamsburg, madam."