As for Lord Dunbeg, he was an enthusiastic admirer of General Washington, and, as he privately intimated, eager to study phases of American society.

He was delighted to go with a small party, and Miss Dare secretly promised herself that she would show him a phase.
The morning was warm, the sky soft, the little steamer lay at the quiet wharf with a few negroes lazily watching her preparations for departure.
Carrington, with Mrs.Lee and the young ladies, arrived first, and stood leaning against the rail, waiting the arrival of their companions.

Then came Mr.Gore, neatly attired and gloved, with a light spring overcoat; for Mr.
Gore was very careful of his personal appearance, and not a little vain of his good looks.

Then a pretty woman, with blue eyes and blonde hair, dressed in black, and leading a little girl by the hand, came on board, and Carrington went to shake hands with her.

On his return to Mrs.Lee's side, she asked about his new acquaintance, and he replied with a half-laugh, as though he were not proud of her, that she was a client, a pretty widow, well known in Washington.