Dean. A day or two afterwards I met her in company with young
Dewey, and observed her closely. Alas! In my eyes the work of moral
retrocession had already begun. She was gay and chatty, and her
countenance fresh and blooming. But I missed something--something
the absence of which awakened a sigh of regret. Ralph was very
lover-like in his deportment, fluttering about Delia, complimenting
her, and showing her many obtrusive attentions. But eyes that were
in the habit of looking below the surface of things, saw no heart in
it all.
Squire Floyd was delighted with his daughter's fine prospects; and
he and Judge Bigelow drew their heads together over the affair in a
cosy and confidential way very pleasant to both of them. The Judge
was eloquent touching his nephew's fine qualities and splendid
prospects; and congratulated the Squire, time and again, on his
daughter's fortunate matrimonial speculation. He used the word which
was significative beyond any thing that entered his imagination.
A few days after the engagement Ralph Dewey returned to New York.
The wedding-day had not been fixed; but the marriage, as understood
by all parties, was to take place some time during the next winter.
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