"I think it was a very brave thing to do--and Lady Griffin, with her English prejudices and aristocratic notions, had to tolerate it. He is very tall and dark, and he was dressed in scarlet, with a long black satin vest; and you may believe that the scarlet cap on his black curling hair was very imposing." "Imposing! How could it possibly be that? It is only associated with mobs, and mob law--and guillotining." "I shall not contradict you--though I could do so easily. I will say, then, that it was very picturesque. He asked me to dance a minuet with him, and when I did not refuse he was beside himself with pleasure and gratitude. And after I had opened the way, several of the best ladies in the town followed. After all, it was a matter of political opinion; and it is against our American ideas to send any man to Jersey for his politics. Mr. Jefferson was in red also." "I wish to dance with Mr. Jefferson, but I now think of waiting till he gets a new suit." "I am sure that no one ever made a finer figure in a dance than I, in my white satin and pearls, and the Marquis Athanase de Tounnerre in his scarlet dress and Liberty cap. Every one regarded us. He tells me, to-day, that the emotion I raised in his soul that hour has not been stilled for a moment." "Have you thought of your father? He would never consent to such a marriage--and what will Rem say?" "My father will storm, and speak words he should not speak; but I am not afraid of words. Rem is more to be dreaded. He will not talk his anger away. Yes, I should be afraid of Rem." "But you have not really decided to accept the Marquis Tounnerre?" "No. I have not quite decided. I like to stand between Yes and No. I like to be entreated to marry, and then again, to be entreated NOT to marry. I like to hesitate between the French and the Dutch. I am not in the least sure on which side I shall finally range myself." "Then do not decide in a hurry." "Have I not told you I like to waver, and vacillate, and oscillate, and make scruples? These are things a woman can do, both with privilege and inclination. I think myself to be very clever in such ways." "I would not care, nor dare, to venture--" "You are a very baby yet. I am two years older than you. But indeed you are progressing with some rapidity. What about George Hyde?" "You said he had gone out of town." "And I am glad of it. He will not now be insinuating himself with violets, and compelling you to take walks with him on the Battery. Oh, Cornelia! you see I am not to be put out of your confidence. Why did you not tell me?" "You have given me no opportunity; and, as you know all, why should I say any more about it?" "Cornelia, my dear companion, I fear you are inclined to concealment and to reticence, qualities a young girl should not cultivate--I am now speaking for dear Sister Maria Beroth--and I hope you will carefully consider the advantages you will derive from cultivating a more open disposition."