It came nearer.
"Edward!" was just passing joyfully from the lips of Mrs.Markland, when the word was suppressed.
"Good-evening, ladies," said a strange voice, as a man whom neither of them recognised paused within a few steps of where they stood.
"Mr.Willet is my name," he added.
"Oh! Mr.Willet, our new neighbour," said Mrs.Markland, with a forced composure of manner.

"Walk in, if you please.

We were on the lookout for Mr.Markland.He has not yet arrived from the city, and we are beginning to feel anxious about him." "I am here to relieve that anxiety," replied the visitor in a cheerful voice, as he stepped on the portico.

"Mr.Markland has made me the bearer of a message to his family." "Where is he?
What has detained him in the city ?" inquired Mrs.
Markland, in tones expressing her grief and disappointment.
"He has gone to New York," replied Mr.Willet.
"To New York!" "Yes.

He desired me to say to you, that letters received by the afternoon's mail brought information that made his presence in New York of importance.