probably twenty or twenty-one years of age, of tall, good person,
a handsome face, which was smooth, though of dark complexion, and
lightened by an eye of more than ordinary size and intelligence. His
tones were those of one whose sensibilities were fine and active,
and it would not have called for much keen observation to have
seen that his manner, in approaching and addressing the maiden,
was marked with some little trepidation. She, on the contrary,
seemed too familiar with his homage, or too well satisfied of his
inferiority, to deign much attention to his advances. She answered
his salutation coldly, and was preparing to move forward, when his
words again called for her reluctant notice.

"I have looked for you, Margaret, full an hour. Mother sent me
after you to beg that you will come there this evening. Old Jenks
has come up from the river, and brought a store of fine things--there's
a fiddle for Ned, and Jason Lightner has a flute, and I--I have a
small lot of books, Margaret, that I think will please you."

"I thank you, William Hinkley, and thank your mother, but I can
not come this evening."

"But why not, Margaret?--your mother's coming--she promised for you
too, but I thought you might not get home soon enough to see her,
and so I came out to seek you."

"I am very sorry you took so much trouble, William, for I cannot
come this evening."

"But why not, Margaret? You have no other promise to go elsewhere
have you?"