CHAPTER IV.
Notwithstanding the earnest injunction that Maria had given to Mr. Delafield to continue where she left him, until her return, she expressed no surprise at not finding him in the room. The countenance of this young lady exhibited a droll mixture of playful mirth and sadness; she glanced her eyes once around the apartment, and perceiving it was occupied only by her friend, she said, laughing—
"Well, Charlotte, when is it to be? I think I retired in very good season."
"Perhaps you did, Maria," returned the other, without raising her face from the reflecting attitude in which she stood—"I believe it is all very well."
"Well! you little philosopher—I should think it was excellent—that—that is—if I were in your place. I suspected this from the moment you met."
"What have you su
