University of Virginia Library

15. XV.
The Arrival.

On the second of September, 187-, as the down
express due at 3.40 left the station at Hampton,
a young man, leaning on the shoulder of a servant,
whom he addressed as Watkins, stepped
from the platform into a hack, and requested to
be driven to “The Pines.” On arriving at the
gate of a modest farm-house, a few miles from
the station, the young man descended with difficulty
from the carriage, and, casting a hasty
glance across the road, seemed much impressed
by some peculiarity in the landscape. Again
leaning on the shoulder of the person Watkins,
he walked to the door of the farm-house and inquired
for Mr. Edward Delaney. He was informed
by the aged man who answered his knock,
that Mr. Edward Delaney had gone to Boston the
day before, but that Mr. Jonas Delaney was within.
This information did not appear satisfactory

to the stranger, who inquired if Mr. Edward Delaney
had left any message for Mr. John Flemming.
There was a letter for Mr. Flemming, if
he were that person. After a brief absence the
aged man reappeared with a Letter.