But, Miles, I must quit you
now, for I have an engagement to accompany a party to the theatre, and
was on my way to join them when we met. Cooper plays, and you know
what a lion _he_ is; one would not wish to lose a syllable of his
Othello."
"Stop, Rupert--one word more before we part. From your conversation, I
gather that the Mertons are still here?"
"The Mertons! Why, certainly; established in the land, and among its
tip-top people. The Colonel finds his health benefited by the climate,
and he has managed to get some appointment which keeps him among
us. He has Boston relatives, moreover, and I believe is fishing up
some claims to property in that quarter. The Mertons here, indeed!
what would New York be without the Mertons!"
"And my old friend the Major is promoted, too--you called him Colonel,
I think?"
"Did I? I believe he is oftener called _General_ Merton, than
anything else. You must be mistaken about his being only a Major,
Miles; everybody here calls him either Colonel, or General."
"Never mind; I hope it is as you say. Good-bye, Rupert; I'll not
betray you, and--"
"Well-you were about to say--"
"Why, mention me to Lucy; you know we were acquainted when
children. Tell her I wish her all happiness in her new position, to
which I do not doubt she will do full credit; and that I shall
endeavour to see her before I sail again.
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