The very day after the reception of this letter, as Jack was sauntering along the street, he suddenly perceived in front of him a form which at once reminded him of Mrs. Hardwick. Full of hope that this might be so, he bounded forward, and rapidly passed the suspected person, turned suddenly round, and confronted Ida's nurse.
The recognition was mutual. Peg was taken aback by this unexpected encounter.
“Her first impulse was to make off, but the young man's resolute expression warned her that this would prove in vain.
“Mrs. Hardwick!” said Jack.
“You are right,” said she, nodding, “and you, if I am not mistaken, are John Crump, the son of my worthy friends in New York.”
“Well,” ejaculated Jack, internally, “if that doesn't beat all for coolness.”
“My name is Jack,” he said, aloud.
“Indeed! I thought it might be a nickname.”
“You can't guess what I came here for,” said Jack, with an attempt at sarcasm, which utterly failed of its effect.
“To see your sister Ida, I presume,” said Peg, coolly.