It was toward the close of a warm summer day, that our friends drew in a within sight of the residence of Mr. Underwood, in the same spot that they had encamped a number of weeks before.  
George Inwood was rather shabby in his appearance, but he to call upon Marian, and have a chat with her before he returned East. He washed himself in a running , combed out his hair and whiskers, brushed his clothes, and, having made himself as presentable as possible under the circumstances, he told his friends that perhaps he would not return until late in the evening, and that they were by no means to wait for him.
 
There was a faint moon, as he came up the path made by the passage of many animals, and he could discover no human beings near the house. He missed the voice of Marian, but he knew she was there, and that in a few moments more he would be sitting face to face with her.
 
Walking forward, he stepped upon the long, low porch which ran along the entire front of the house, and, seeing no bell near, or knocker upon the open door, he rapped it smartly with his , and then stepped back and endeavored to feel cool and unconcerned.
 
In a moment a servant appeared, and he said:
 
“Is Miss Underwood in?”
 
“¿Pregunta V. alguno?”
 
Not understanding Spanish, Inwood stood for a moment embarrassed and silent.
 
“¿Acerca de quien quiere V. informarse? A quien bresca V.?” said the female, quite excitedly.
 
Seeing little probability of coming to an understanding, Inwood repeated the words “Miss Marian Underwood,” and then walked into a low broad hall. The servant immediately opened a door on his right, and the young man walked into a broad, well-furnished room. Taking his seat on a sofa, which he knew had been brought from the East, he awaited the coming of whomsoever chose to answer his summons.
 
He had waited scarcely a minute, when a light step caught his ear, and, looking up, Marian stood before him. He saw at once she did not recognize him in the dim light, and he concluded not to undeceive her for a moment. Rising, and bowing profoundly, he lowered his voice and asked:
 
“Have I the honor to address Miss Marian Underwood?”
 
“Yes, sir,” was the reply, as she still remained .
 
“I am from the East; Mr. Inwood desires you to receive his kindest wishes.”
 
“Ah! you are acquainted with him?” she said, with[99] great , exceedingly inspiring to the listener, as she seated herself in front of him. “When did you leave New York?”
 
“Several months ago; I am on my return now.”
 
“Is he well?”
 
“Never bett............