Miss Arnold bowed distantly, and held herself aloof, during the dialogue that ensued. Ida gathered courage as she witnessed her uninterested attitude, which could hardly have been feigned. She had not recognised her; or as she reflected, in her humility, was more probable, had never heard of her. The thought was unflattering, but there was relief in it. Miss Murray was affable and unaffected; her features only redeemed from plainness by their agreeable expression. They talked of the distinctive traits of town and country life. She "had never resided in the city," Miss Murray said, "but had attended Mr. Purcell's school one session." Ida inquired "when?" and heard that they were there together, but in different classes.
"I do not remember seeing you," said she.
"But I knew your face, yesterday afternoon;" was Miss Murray's reply.
"Carry Carleton was your desk-mate, and Anna Talbot sat before you."
They were at no loss for topics now; and "Alice" and "Ida" superseded the formal "Miss."
"I read of Carry's marriage in the papers, but the name of her caro sposo has slipped my memory;" said Miss Murray.
"Dr. Dana,—he is an excellent young man; handsome, amiable, and has a high reputation as an intelligent man, and skilful physician."
"Dana! was there a gentleman of that name here last night?" asked Alice.
"Yes—his brother."
"He was introduced to me;"—and she laughed. "He is an original. I was highly entertained by his humorous sayings."