" This I thought
strange, for there was a stiff southerly breeze; but as "the
circumstances" were not forthcoming, although I pumped for them
with much perseverance, I had nothing to do but to return home and
digest my impatience at leisure.
I did not receive the expected message from the captain for nearly
a week. It came at length, however, and I immediately went on
board. The ship was crowded with passengers, and every thing was
in the bustle attendant upon making sail. Wyatt's party arrived in
about ten minutes after myself. There were the two sisters, the
bride, and the artist--the latter in one of his customary fits of
moody misanthropy. I was too well used to these, however, to pay
them any special attention. He did not even introduce me to his
wife;--this courtesy devolving, per force, upon his sister Marian--
a very sweet and intelligent girl, who, in a few hurried words,
made us acquainted.
Mrs. Wyatt had been closely veiled; and when she raised her veil,
in acknowledging my bow, I confess that I was very profoundly
astonished. I should have been much more so, however, had not long
experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance,
the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when
indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.
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