As yet, she had no suspicion whatever
of the engagement existing between Mr. Hastings and her cousin.
There was nothing in the manner of either to betray it, and when,
next morning, attired in her traveling dress, she stood with them
upon the piazza, she little thought how and where she would next
meet them. At her side was Stephen Grey. He had been won over by
her gracious smiles the night previous, and was now going with her
as far as Rochester, where, if a favorable opportunity were
presented, he intended offering himself for her acceptance. Uncle
Nat was not present, and Eugenia was glad that it was so, for
there was something about him exceedingly annoying to her, and she
always felt relieved at his absence.
"Why do you go so soon? I thought you were intending to spend the
summer," said one of her old admirers; and with a scornful toss of
her head, she replied, "It is getting so insufferably dull here,
that I can't endure it any longer."
Just then the omnibus was announced, and with a hurried good-by,
she followed her baggage down the stairs, and amid a cloud of dust
was driven rapidly away, while Uncle Nat, from his chamber window,
sent after her a not very complimentary or affectionate adieu.
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