The first question asked by Governor Dinwiddie was,
"My Lord Fairfax tells me, Mr. Washington, that you have explored much in the Northwest?"
"I have, your Excellency."
"I should very much like at your leisure to have an account of affairs in that region."
"Your Excellency may command me."
"And I shall meanwhile have pleasure in presenting you to Madam Dinwiddie and my daughters Mistress Eleanor and Mistress Katharine."
Madam Dinwiddie, a comely dame, and the two young ladies courtesied low to the handsome young man presented to them, and Madam Dinwiddie said,
"I hope, Mr. Washington, that we may see you at the ball to-night."
"I have promised myself that honor, madam," replied George.
With the Earl he then withdrew to the back of the hall, where they found many acquaintances, old to the Earl but new to George; and no man or woman who saw George that day but was impressed with him as a youth of whom great things might be expected.