“Miss Ammidon, you probably mean,” said Aunt Adeline. “I am that person, and you, sir, I presume, are Colonel Mornington. You needn’t hunt for your letter of introduction. I have been expecting the honor of a visit, sir, for some days, and now bid you heartily welcome to Glenwood. Have the goodness to walk into the parlor. Your baggage shall be taken care of. I must insist on your making our cottage your home while you are in the village.” “Thawideawquoitewavishesme,” said the colonel, but whether he was speaking in the Choctaw or Hindostanee tongue, Aunt Adeline could not guess. Entering the parlor he encountered Amy, to whom he was at once introduced by Aunt Adeline. He again went through the process of inspection with the aid of an opera-glass, and Amy, in spite of her aunt’s frowns, burst into a fit of laughter and left the room. “Extwardinarygwirl!” exclaimed the colonel, in the same unknown tongue. Then turning to Aunt Adeline, he abruptly asked for “bwandy and water.” As soon as she could comprehend his wants, she recollected, much to her chagrin, that there was no brandy in the house; and informed the colonel of the fact, promising at the same time to send to the nearest grocery, which was a mile off, and obtain the desired article. “No bwandy! No bwandy in the house!” exclaimed the noble visiter, staring at his dismayed hostess with an expression of utter consternation and despair depicted in his countenance. Assuring him that the brandy should be procured with all possible expedition, Aunt Adeline hurried out of the room, and despatched all the servants in different directions, promising a reward to that one who would be the first to bring home a pint of brandy. No sooner had she disappeared than Amy re-entered the parlor; and when Aunt Adeline returned, which she did not venture to do until, after great exertions, the brandy had been obtained, she saw to her surprise her niece and the colonel sitting familiarly on the sofa, engaged, apparently, in affectionate dalliance. “Now, colonel, if you will try some of this brandy,” said Aunt Adeline. “Throw it away!” exclaimed the colonel, “here is something better than _eau de vie_!” and saying thus, he kissed Amy, first on either cheek, then on her lips, to all which she submitted with perfect resignation. Aunt Adeline flung up both arms in astonishment. “This is the quickest wooing,” thought she, “that I ever heard of!”