Once or twice, so provoked with her was I for disappointing our pet, I could not resist the temptation of saying some words about him which, if she cared for him, I knew would wound her: and, indeed, they did,--wounded her so deeply, as was manifest in her manner and her face, that I had not the heart to repeat the experiment.
"One week ago I had a letter from Willie, enclosing another to her, and an entreaty, as he had written one which he was sure had miscarried, that I would see that this reached her hands in safety.

So anxious was I to fulfil his request in its word and its spirit, and so certain that I could further his cause,--for I was sure this letter was a love-letter,--that I did not forward it by post, but, being compelled to come to Burlington, I determined to go on to Philadelphia, drive out to her home, and myself deliver the missive into her very hands.

A most fortunate conclusion, as you will presently decide.
"Last evening I reached the city,--rested, slept here,--and this morning was driven to her father's place.

For all our sakes, I was somewhat anxious, under the circumstances, that this should be quite the thing; and I confess myself, on the instant of its sight, more than satisfied.
It is really superb!--the grounds extensive, and laid out with the most absolute taste.

The house, large and substantial, looks very like an English mansion; with a certain quaint style and antique elegance, refreshing to contemplate, after the crude newness and ostentatious vulgarity of almost everything one sees here in America.