It was not long after the explanation occurred, as respects
Jason, and the invitation was given to include him in our
party, before Herman Mordaunt opened a gate, and led the
way into the fields. A very tolerable road conducted us
through some woods, to the heights, and we soon found ourselves
on an eminence, that overlooked a long reach of the
Hudson, extending from Haverstraw, to the north, as far as

[figure description] Page 129.[end figure description]

Staten Island, to the south; a distance of near forty miles.
On the opposite shore, rose the wall-like barrier of the Palisadoes,
lifting the table-land, on their summits, to an elevation
of several hundred feet. The noble river, itself, fully
three-quarters of a mile in width, was unruffled by a breath
of air, lying in one single, extended, placid sheet, under the
rays of a bright sun, resembling molten silver. I scarce
remember a lovelier morning; everything appearing to harmonize
with the glorious but tranquil grandeur of the view,
and the rich promises of a bountiful nature. The trees were
mostly covered with the beautiful clothing of a young verdure;
the birds had mated, and were building in nearly
every tree; the wild-flowers started up beneath the hoofs of
our horses; and every object, far and near, seemed, to my
young eyes, to be attuned to harmony and love.

“This is a favourite ride of mine, in which Anneke often
accompanies me,” said Herman Mordaunt, as we gained
the commanding eminence I have mentioned. “My daughter
is a spirited horse-woman, and is often my companion in
these morning rides. She and Mary Wallace should be
somewhere on the hills, at this moment, for they promised
to follow me, as soon as they could dress for the saddle.”

A cry of something like wild delight burst out of Dirck,
and the next moment he was galloping away for an adjoining
ridge, on the top of which the beautiful forms of the two
girls were just then visible; embellished by neatly-fitting
habits, and beavers with drooping feathers. I pointed out
these charming objects to Herman Mordaunt, and followed
my friend, at half-speed. In a minute or two the parties
had joined.

Never had I seen Anneke Mordaunt so perfectly lovely,
as she appeared that morning. The exercise and air had
deepened a bloom that was always rich; and her eyes received
new lustre from the glow on her cheeks. Though
expected, I thought she received us as particularly acceptable
guests; while Mary Wallace manifested more than an usual
degree of animation, in her reception. Jason was not forgotten,
but was acknowledged as an old acquaintance, and
was properly introduced to the friend.

“You frequently take these rides, Mr. Mordaunt tells me,”
I said, reining my horse to the side of that of Anneke's, as

[figure description] Page 130.[end figure description]

the whole party moved on; “and I regret that Satanstoe is
so distant, as to prevent our oftener meeting of a morning.
We have many noted horse-women, in Westchester, who
would be proud of such an acquisition.”

“I know several ladies, on your side of Harlem river,”
Anneke answered, “and frequently ride in their company;
but none so distant as any in your immediate neighbourhood.
My father tells me, he used often to shoot over the fields of
Satanstoe, when a youth; and still speaks of your birds
with great affection.”

“I believe our fathers were once brother-sportsmen. Mr.
Bulstrode has promised to come and imitate their good example.
Now you have had time to reflect on the plays you
have seen, do you still feel the same interest in such representations
as at first?”

“I only wish there was not so much to condemn. I
think Mr. Bulstrode might have reached eminence as a
player, had not fortune put it, in one sense, beyond his
reach, as an elder son, and a man of family.”

“Mr. Bulstrode, they tell me, is not only the heir of an
old baronetcy, but of a large fortune?”

“Such are the facts, I believe. Do you not think it creditable
to him, Mr. Littlepage, that one so situated, should
come so far to serve his king and country, in a rude war
like this of our colonies?”

I was obliged to assent, though I heartily wished that
Anneke's manner had been less animated and sincere, as
she put the question. Still, I hardly knew what to think of
her feelings towards that gentleman; for, otherwise, she
always heard him named with a calmness and self-possession
that I had observed was not shared by all her young
companions, when there was occasion to allude to the gay
and insinuating soldier. I need scarcely say, it was no disadvantage
to Mr. Bulstrode to be the heir of a baronetcy, in
an English colony. Somehow or other, we are a little apt
to magnify such accidental superiority, at a distance from
home; and I have heard Englishmen, themselves, acknowledge
that a baronet was a greater man, in New York, than
a duke was in London. These were things, that passed
through my mind, as I rode along at Anneke's side; though
I had the discretion not to give utterance to my thoughts.

[figure description] Page 131.[end figure description]

“Herman Mordaunt rode in advance, with Jason; and
he led the party, by pretty bridle-paths, along the heights
for nearly two miles, occasionally opening a gate, without
dismounting, until he reached a point that overlooked Lilacsbush,
which was soon seen, distant from us less than half a
mile.

“Here we are, on my own domain,” he said, as he pulled
up to let us join him; “that last gate separating me from
my nearest neighbour south. These hills are of no great
use, except as early pastures, though they afford many beautiful
views.”

“I have heard it predicted,” I remarked, “that the time
would come, some day, when the banks of the Hudson would
contain many such seats as that of the Philipses, at Yonkers,
and one or two more like it, that I am told are now standing
above the Highlands.”

“Quite possibly; it is not easy to foretell what may come
to pass in such a country. I dare say, that in time, both
towns and seats will be seen on the banks of the Hudson,
and a powerful and numerous nobility to occupy the last.
By the way, Mr. Littlepage, your father and my friend Col.
Follock have been making a valuable acquisition in lands,
I hear; having obtained a patent for an extensive estate,
somewhere in the neighbourhood of Albany?”

“It is not so very extensive, sir, there being only some
forty thousand acres of it, altogether; nor is it very near
Albany, by what I can learn, since it must lie at a distance
of some forty miles, or more, from that town. Next winter,
however, Dirck and myself are to go in search of the land,
when we shall learn all about it.”

“Then we may meet in that quarter of the country. I
have affairs of importance at Albany, which have been too
long neglected; and it has been my intention to pass some
months at the north, next season, and early in the season,
too. We may possibly meet in the woods.”

“You have been at Albany, I suppose, Mr. Mordaunt?”

“Quite often, sir; the distance is so great, that one has
not much inducement to go there, unless carried by affairs,
however, as has been my case. I was at Albany before my
marriage, and have had various occasions to visit it since.”

“My father was there, when a soldier; and he tells me

[figure description] Page 132.[end figure description]

it is a part of the province well worth seeing. At all events,
I shall encounter the risk and fatigue next season; for it is
useful to young persons to see the world. Dirck and myself
may make the campaign, should there be one in that
direction.”

I fancied Anneke manifested some interest in this conversation;
but we rode on, and soon alighted at the door of
Lilacsbush. Bulstrode was not in the way, and I had the
supreme pleasure of helping Miss Mordaunt to alight, when
we paused a moment before entering the house, to examine
the view. I have given the reader some idea of the general
appearance of the place; but it was necessary to approach
it, in order to form a just conception of its beauties. As its
name indicated, the lawn, house, and out-buildings were all
garnished or buried in lilacs, the whole of which were then
in full blossom. The flowers filled the air with a species
of purple light, that cast a warm and soft radiance even on
the glowing face of Anneke, as she pointed out to me the
magical effect. I know no flower that does so much to embellish
a place, as the lilac, on a large scale, common as it
is, and familiar as we have become with its hues and its
fragrance.

“We enjoy the month our lilacs are out, beyond any
month in the year,” said Anneke, smiling at my surprise
and delight; “and we make it a point to pass most of it
here. You will at least own, Mr. Littlepage, that Lilacsbush
is properly named.”

“The effect is more like enchantment than anything else!”
I cried. “I did not know that the simple, modest lilac could
render anything so very beautiful!”

“Simplicity and modesty are such charms in themselves,
sir, as to be potent allies,” observed the sensible but taciturn
Mary Wallace.

To this I assented, of course, and we all followed Mr.
Mordaunt into the house. I was as much delighted with the
appearance of things in the interior of Lilacsbush, as I had
been with the exterior. Everywhere, it seemed to me, I met
with the signs of Anneke's taste and skill. I do not wish
the reader to suppose that the residence itself was of the very
first character and class, for this it could not lay claim to be.
Still, it was one of those staid, story-and-a-half dwellings,

[figure description] Page 133.[end figure description]

in which most of our first families were, and are content to
dwell, in the country; very much resembling the good old
habitation at Satanstoe in these particulars. The furniture,
however, was of a higher town-finish than we found it necessary
to use; and the little parlour in which we breakfasted
was a model for an eating-room. The buffets in the
corners were so well polished that one might see his face in
them; the cellarets were ornamented with plated hinges,
locks, &c., and the table itself shone like a mirror. I know
not how it was, but the china appeared to me richer and
neater than common under Anneke's pretty little hand;
while the massive and highly-finished plate of the breakfast
service, was such as could be wrought only in England. In
a word, while everything appeared rich and respectable,
there was a certain indescribable air of comfort, gentility,
and neatness about the whole, that impressed me in an unusual
manner.

“Mr. Littlepage tells me, Anneke,” observed Herman
Mordaunt, while we were at breakfast, “that he intends to
make a journey to the north, next winter, and it may be our
good fortune to meet him there. The —th expects to be
ordered up as high as Albany, this summer; and we may
all renew our songs and jests, with Bulstrode and his gay
companions, among the Dutchmen.”

I was charmed with this prospect of meeting Anneke
Mordaunt at the north, and took occasion to say as much;
though I was afraid it was in an awkward and confused
manner.

“I heard as much as this, sir, while we were riding,”
answered the daughter. “I hope cousin Dirck is to be of
the party?”

Cousin Dirck assured her he was, and we discussed in
anticipation the pleasure it must give to old acquaintances
to meet so far from home. Not one of us, Herman Mordaunt
expected, had ever been one hundred miles from his
or her birth-place, as was ascertained on comparing notes.
I was the greatest traveller; Princeton lying between eighty
and ninety miles from Satanstoe, as the road goes.

“Perhaps I come nearer to it than any of you,” put in
Jason, “for my late journey on the island must have carried
me nearly that far from Danbury. But, ladies, I can assure

[figure description] Page 134.[end figure description]

you, a traveller has many opportunities for learning useful
things, as I know by the difference there is between York
and Connecticut.”

“And which do you prefer, Mr. Newcome?” asked Anneke,
with a somewhat comical expression about her laughing eyes.

“That is hardly a fair question, Miss;” no reproof could
break Jason of this vulgarism, “since it might make enemies
for a body to speak all of his mind in such matters.
There are comparisons that should never be made, on
account of circumstances that overrule all common efforts.
New York is a great colony—a very great colony, Miss;
but it was once Dutch, as everybody knows, begging Mr.
Follock's pardon; and it must be confessed Connecticut has,
from the first, enjoyed almost unheard-of advantages, in the
moral and religious character of her people, the excellence
of her lands, and the purity” — Jason called this word
“poority;” but that did not alter the sentiment—though I
must say, once for all, it is out of my power to spell every
word as this man saw fit to pronounce it—“of her people
and church.”

Herman Mordaunt looked up with surprise, at this speech;
but Dirck and I had heard so many like it, that we saw
nothing out of the way on this particular occasion. As for
the ladies, they were too well-bred to glance at each other,
as girls sometimes will; but I could see that each thought
the speaker a very singular person.

“You find, then, a difference in customs between the two
colonies, sir?” said Herman Mordaunt.

“A vast difference truly, sir. Now there was a little
thing happened about your daughter, 'Squire Mordaunt, the
very first time I saw her” — the present was the second
interview — “that could no more have happened in Connecticut,
than the whole of the province could be put into
that tea-cup.”

“To my daughter, Mr. Newcome!”

“Yes, sir, to your own daughter; Miss, that sits there
looking as innocent as if it had never come to pass.”

“This is so extraordinary, sir, that I must beg an explanation.”

“You may well call it extr'ornary, for extr'ornary it
would be called all over Connecticut; and I 'll never give

[figure description] Page 135.[end figure description]

up that York, if this be a York usage, is or can be right in
such a matter, at least.”

“I entreat you to be more explicit, Mr. Newcome.”

“Why, sir, you must know, Corny, here, and I, and
Dirck there, went in to see the lion, about which no doubt
you 've heard so much, and Corny paid for Miss's ticket.
Well, that was all right enough, but—”

“Surely, Anneke, you have not forgotten to return to
Mr. Littlepage the money!”

“Listen patiently, my dear sir, and you will get the
whole story, my delinquencies and debts included, if any
there are.”

“That 's just what she did, 'Squire Mordaunt, and I
maintain there is not the man in all Connecticut that would
have taken it. If ladies can't be treated to sights, and
other amusements, I should like to know who is to be so.”

Herman Mordaunt, at first, looked gravely at the speaker,
but catching the expression of our eyes he answered with the
tact of a perfectly well-bred man, as he certainly was, on
all occasions that put him to the proof—

“You must overlook Miss Mordaunt's adhering to her
own customs, Mr. Newcome, on account of her youth, and
her little knowledge of any world but that immediately
around her. When she has enjoyed an opportunity of
visiting Danbury, no doubt she will improve by the occasion.”

“But, Corny, sir—think of Corny's falling into such a
mistake!”

“As for Mr. Littlepage, I must suppose he labours under
somewhat of the same disadvantage. We are less gallant
here than you happen to be in Connecticut; hence our
inferiority. At some future day, perhaps, when society
shall have made a greater progress among us, our youths
will come to see the impropriety of permitting the fair sex
to pay for anything, even their own ribands. I have long
known, sir, that you of New England claim to treat your
women better than they are treated in any other portion of
the inhabited world, and it must be owing to that circumstance
that they enjoy the advantage of being `treated' for nothing.”

With this concession Jason was apparently content.
How much of this provincial feeling, arising from provincial
ignorance, have I seen since that time! It is certain

[figure description] Page 136.[end figure description]

that our fellow-subjects of the eastern provinces are not
addicted to hiding their lights under bushels, but make the
most of all their advantages. That they are superior to us
of York, in some respects, I am willing enough to allow;
but there are certainly points on which this superiority is
far less apparent. As for Jason, he was entirely satisfied
with the answer of Herman Mordaunt, and often alluded to
the subject afterwards, to my prejudice, and with great selfcomplacency.
To be sure, it is a hard lesson to beat into
the head of the self-sufficient colonist, that his own little
corner of the earth does not contain all that is right, and
just, and good, and refined.

I left Lilacsbush, that day, deeply in love. I hold it to
be unmanly to attempt to conceal it. Anneke had made a
lively impression on me from the very first, but that impression
had now gone deeper than the imagination, and
had very sensibly touched the heart. Perhaps it was necessary
to see her in the retirement of the purely domestic
circle, to give all her charms their just ascendency. While
in town, I had usually met her in crowds, surrounded by
admirers or other young persons of her own sex, and there
was less opportunity for viewing the influence of nature and
the affections on her manner. With Mary Wallace at
her side, however, there was always one on whom she
could exhibit just enough of these feelings to bring out the
loveliness of her nature without effort or affectation. Anne
Mordaunt never spoke to her friend without a change appearing
in her manner. Affection thrilled in the tones of
her voice, confidence beamed in her eye, and esteem and
respect were to be gathered from the expectation and
deference that shone in her countenance. Mary Wallace
was two years the oldest, and these years taken in connection
with her character, entitled her to receive this tribute
from her nearest associate; but all these feelings flowed
spontaneously from the heart, for never was an intercourse
between two of the sex more thoroughly free from acting.

It was a proof that passion was getting the mastery over
me, that I now forgot Dirck, his obvious attachment, older
claims, and possible success. I know not how it was, or
why it was, but it was certain that Herman Mordaunt had
a great regard for Dirck Van Valkenburgh. The affinity

[figure description] Page 137.[end figure description]

may have counted for something, and it was possible that the
father was already weighing the advantages that might
accrue from such a connection. Col. Follock had the reputation
of being rich, as riches were then counted among
us; and the young fellow himself, in addition to a fine manly
figure, that was fast developing itself into the frame of a
youthful Hercules, had an excellent temper, and a good
reputation. Still, this idea never troubled me. Of Dirck I
had no fears, while Bulstrode gave me great uneasiness,
from the first. I saw all his advantages, may have even
magnified them; while those of my near and immediate
friend, gave me no trouble whatever. It is possible, had
Dirck presented himself oftener, or more distinctly to my
mind, a feeling of magnanimity might have induced me to
withdraw in time, and leave him a field to which he had
the earliest claim. But, after the morning at Lilacsbush,
it was too late for any such sacrifice on my part; and I rode
away from the house, at the side of my friend, as forgetful
of his interest in Anneke, as if he had never felt any. Magnanimity
and I had no further connection in relation to my
pretensions to Anneke Mordaunt.

“Well,” commenced Jason, as soon as we were fairly in
the saddle, “these Mordaunts are even a notch above your
folks, Corny? There was more silver vessels in that room
where we ate, than there is at this moment in all Danbury!
The extravagance amounts to waste. The old gentleman
must be desperate rich, Dirck?”

“Herman Mordaunt has a good estate, and very little of
it has gone for plate, Jason; that which you saw is old, and
came either from Holland, or England; one home, or the
other.”

“Oh! Holland is no home for me, boy. Depend on it, all
that plate is not put there for nothing. If the truth could be
come at, this Herman Mordaunt, as you call him, though I
do not see why you cannot call him 'Squire Mordaunt, like
other folks, but this Mr. Mordaunt has some notion, I conclude,
to get his daughter off on one of these rich English
officers, of whom there happen to be so many in the province,
just at this time. I never saw the gentleman, but
there was one Bulstrode named pretty often this forenoon,”—
Jason's morning always terminated at his usual breakfast

[figure description] Page 138.[end figure description]

hour,—“and I rather conclude he will turn out to be the
chap, in the long run. Such is my calculation, and they
don't often fail.”

I saw a quick, surprised start in Dirck; but I felt such a
twinge myself, that there was little opportunity to inquire
into the state of my friend's feelings, at this coarse, but unexpected
remark.

“Have you any particular reason, Mr. Newcome, for
venturing such an opinion?” I asked, a little sternly.

“Come, don't let us, out here in the high-way, begin to
mister one another. You are Corny, Dirck is Dirck, and
I am Jason. The shortest way is commonly the best way,
and I like given-names among friends. Have I any particular
reason?—Yes; plenty on 'em, and them that's good.
In the first place, no man has a daughter,”—darter à la
Jason,—“that he does not begin to think of setting her out
in the world, accordin' to his abilities; then, as I said before,
these folks from home” (hum) “are awful rich, and
rich husbands are always satisfactory to parents, whatever
they may be to children. Besides, some of these
officers will fall heirs to titles, and that is a desperate temptation
to a woman, all over the world. I hardly think there
is a young woman in Danbury that could hold out agin' a
real title.”

It has always struck me as singular, that the people of
Jason's part of the provinces should entertain so much profound
respect for titles. No portion of the world is of
simpler habits, nor is it easier to find any civilized people
among whom there is greater equality of actual condition,
which, one would think, must necessarily induce equality
of feeling, than in Connecticut, at this very moment. Notwithstanding
these facts, the love of title is so great, that
even that of serjeant is often prefixed to the name of a man
on his tombstone, or in the announcement of his death or
marriage; and as for the militia ensigns and lieutenants,
there is no end to them. Deacon is an important title,
which is rarely omitted; and wo betide the man who should
forget to call a magistrate “esquire.” No such usages prevail
among us; or, if they do, it is among that portion of
the people of this colony which is derived from New England,
and still retains some of its customs. Then, in no

[figure description] Page 139.[end figure description]

part of the colonies is English rank more deferred to, than
in New England, generally, notwithstanding most of those
colonies possess the right to elect nearly every officer they
have among them. I allow that we of New York defer
greatly to men of birth and rank from home, and it is right
we should so do; but I do not think our deference is as
great, or by any means as general, as it is in New England.
It is possible the influence of the Dutch may have left an
impression on our state of society, though I have been told
that the colonies farther south exhibit very much the same
characteristics as we do, ourselves, on this head.[15]

We reached Satanstoe a little late, in consequence of the
delay at Lilacsbush, and were welcomed with affection and
warmth. My excellent mother was delighted to see me
at home again, after so long an absence, and one which she
did not think altogether without peril, when it was remembered
that I had passed a whole fortnight amid the temptations
and fascinations of the capital. I saw the tears in her
eyes as she kissed me, again and again, and felt the gentle,

[figure description] Page 140.[end figure description]

warm embrace, as she pressed me to her bosom, in maternal
thanksgiving.

Of course, I had to render an account of all I had seen
and done, including Pinkster, the theatre, and the lion. I
said nothing, however, of the Mordaunts, until questioned
about them by my mother, quite a fortnight after Dirck had
gone across to Rockland. One morning, as I sat endeavouring
to write a sonnet in my own room, that excellent
parent entered and took a seat near my table, with the familiarity
the relation she bore me justified. She was knitting
at the time, for never was she idle, except when asleep. I
saw by the placid smile on her face, which, Heaven bless
her! was still smooth and handsome, that something was
on her mind, that was far from disagreeable; and I waited
with some curiosity for the opening. That excellent mother!
How completely did she live out of herself in all
that had the most remote bearing on my future hopes and
happiness!

“Finish your writing, my son,” commenced my mother,
for I had instinctively striven to conceal the sonnet; “finish
your writing; until you have done, I will be silent.”

“I have done, now, mother; 't was only a copy of verses
I was endeavouring to write out—you know—that is—write
out, you know.”

“I did not know you were a poet, Corny,” returned my
mother, smiling still more complacently, for it is something
to be the parent of a poet.

“I!—I a poet, mother?—I 'd sooner turn school-master,
than turn poet. Yes, I 'd sooner be Jason Newcome, himself,
than even suspect it possible I could be a poet.”

“Well, never mind; people never turn poets, I fancy,
with their eyes open. But, what is this I hear of your
having saved a beautiful young lady from the jaws of a
lion, while you were in town; and why was I left to learn
all the particulars from Mr. Newcome?”

I believe my face was of the colour of scarlet, for it felt
as if it were on fire, and my mother smiled still more decidedly
than ever. Speak! I could not have spoken to be
thus smiled on by Anneke.

“There is nothing to be ashamed of, Corny, in rescuing
a young lady from a lion, or in going to her father's to

[figure description] Page 141.[end figure description]

receive the thanks of the family. The Mordaunts are a
family any one can visit with pleasure. Was the battle
between you and the beast, a very desperate conflict, my
child?”

“Poh! mother:—Jason is a regular dealer in marvels,
and he makes mountains of mole-hills. In the first place,
for `jaws,' you must substitute `paws,' and for a `young
lady,' `her shawl.”'

“Yes, I understand it was the shawl, but it was on her
shoulders, and could not have been disengaged time enough
to save her, had you not shown so much presence of mind
and courage. As for the `jaws,' I believe that was my
mistake, for Mr. Newcome certainly said `claws.”'

“Well, mother, have it your own way. I was of a little
service to a very charming young woman, and she and her
father were civil to me, as a matter of course. Herman
Mordaunt is a name we all know, and, as you say, his is a
family that any man may be proud of visiting, ay, and
pleased too.”

“How odd it is, Corny,” added my mother, in a sort of
musing, soliloquizing way,—“you are an only child, and
Anneke Mordaunt is also an only child, as Dirck Follock
has often told me.”

“Then Dirck has spoken to you frequently of Anneke,
before this, mother?”

“Time and again; they are relations, you must have
heard; as, indeed, you are yourself, if you did but know
it.”

“I?—I related to Anneke Mordaunt, without being too
near?”

My dear mother smiled again, while I felt sadly ashamed
of myself at the next instant. I believe that a suspicion
of the truth, as respects my infant passion, existed in that
dear parent's mind from that moment.

“Certainly related, Corny, and I will tell you how. My
great-great-grandmother, Alida van der Heyden, was a first
cousin of Herman Mordaunt's great-great-grandmother, by
his mother's side, who was a Van Kleeck. So, you see,
you and Anneke are actually related.”

“Just near enough, mother, to put one at ease in their

[figure description] Page 142.[end figure description]

house, and not so near as to make relationship troublesome.”

“They tell me, my child, that Anneke is a sweet creature!”

“If beauty, and modesty, and grace, and gentleness, and
spirit, and sense, and delicacy, and virtue, and piety, can
make any young woman of seventeen a sweet creature,
mother, then Anneke is sweet.”

My dear mother seemed surprised at my warmth, but she
smiled still more complacently than ever. Instead of pursuing
the subject, however, she saw fit to change it, by
speaking of the prospects of the season, and the many
reasons we all had for thankfulness to God. I presume,
with a woman's instinct, she had learned enough to satisfy
her mind for the present.

The summer soon succeeded to the May that proved so
momentous to me; and I sought occupation in the fields.
Occupation, however, would not do. Anneke was with me,
go where I would; and glad was I when Dirck, about midsummer,
in one of his periodical visits to Satanstoe, proposed
that we should ride over, and make another visit to Lilacsbush.
He had written a note, to say we should be glad to
ask a dinner and beds, if it were convenient, for a day a
short distance ahead; and he waited the answer at the Neck.
This answer arrived duly by mail, and was everything
we could wish. Herman Mordaunt offered us a hearty welcome,
and sent the grateful intelligence that his daughter
and Mary Wallace would both be present to receive us. I
envied Dirck the manly feeling which had induced him to
take this plain and respectable course to his object.

We went across the country, accordingly, and reached
Lilacsbush several hours before dinner. Anneke received
us with a bright suffusion of the face, and kind smiles;
though I could not detect the slightest difference in her
manners to either. To both was she gracious, gentle, attentive,
and lady-like. No allusion was made to the past,
except a few remarks that were given on the subject of the
theatre. The officers had continued to play until the —th
had been ordered up the river, when Bulstrode, Billings,
Harris, virtuous Marcia, and all, had proceeded to Albany
in company. Anneke thought there was about as much to

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be displeased with, as there was to please, in these representations;
though her removal to the country had prevented
her seeing more than three of them all. It was admitted
all round, however, that Bulstrode played admirably; and
it was even regretted by certain persons, that he should not
have been devoted to the stage.

We passed the night at Lilacsbush, and remained an hour
or two after breakfast, next morning. I had carried a warm
invitation from both my parents to Herman Mordaunt, to
ride over, with the young ladies, and taste the fish of the
Sound; and the visit was returned in the course of the
month of September. My mother received Anneke as a
relation; though I believe that both Herman Mordaunt and
his daughter were surprised to learn that they came within
even the wide embrace of Dutch kindred. They did not
seem displeased, however, for the family name of my mother
was good, and no one need have been ashamed of affinity to
her, on her own account. Our guests did not remain the
night, but they left us in a sort of a chaise that Herman
Mordaunt kept for country use, about an hour before sunset.
I mounted my horse, and rode five miles with the
party, on its way back, and then took my leave of Anneke,
as it turned out, for many, many weary months.

The year 1757 was memorable in the colonies, by the
progress of the war, and as much so in New York as in any
other province. Montcalm had advanced to the head of
Lake George, had taken Fort William Henry, and a fearful
massacre of the garrison had succeeded. This bold operation
left the enemy in possession of Champlain; and the
strong post of Ticonderoga was adequately garrisoned by a
formidable force. A general gloom was cast over the political
affairs of the colony; and it was understood that a
great effort was to be made, the succeeding campaign, to
repair the loss. Rumour spoke of large reinforcements
from home, and of greater levies in the colonies themselves
than had been hitherto attempted. Lord Loudon was to return
home, and a veteran of the name of Abercrombie was
to succeed him in the command of all the forces of the king.
Regiments began to arrive from the West Indies; and, in
the course of the winter of 1757-8, we heard at Satanstoe
of the gaieties that these new forces had introduced into the

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town. Among other things, a regular corps of Thespians
had arrived from the West Indies.