"Are you here for any time?" inquired Mr. Hammond.
"I should say that I am," replied Parkington. "If the hospitality I have received to-day is any test, you will not be quit of me for a year."
"You honor us," said Mr. Paca.
"No, I do not; I simply appreciate you. We have not got a more charming man, in London, than your Mr. Dulany; while as for your Governor, he is a true officer of his Majesty."
"We have never had so popular a Governor. He is a natural leader," said Mr. Worthington. "And now, that he has bought Whitehall, and erected a spacious mansion overlooking the Bay, he has become one of us. The only pity is that we have not been able to provide him with a wife."
"Not for want of charming women, I warrant."
"No, not on that account—Annapolis will yield to none in the beauty of her daughters. It is said there is an old wound that rankles still."
"An old wound! got in England?"
"No, got in Maryland, the very day he landed at the dock, from the good ship 'Mollie.' It is common rumor, and I violate no confidence by telling. There came with him, as secretary, one John Ridout—now, the Honorable John Ridout. He was met at the wharf by the Honorable Benjamin Tasker, President of the Council and acting Governor, who had with him his grandchild, Mary Ogle—then a mere slip of a girl of fourteen, but giving promise of rare beauty in the future. It is said, the Governor and John Ridout both fell in love that day, while they walked up Green Street, and along the Spa to the Tasker residence. Five years later, she chose the secretary, and gave the Governor nay."
"And Ridout remained the Governor's secretary?" Parkington asked.