object all things else are either unheeded or dwindle into comparative
insignificance.

It will occasion no surprise, then, that Anne, engrossed with her own
happiness, should hardly have observed the road taken by Pownal, or
been conscious of how far they had driven, until some remark of his
attracted her attention to the scenery. She then perceived that they
were in the midst of the Indian settlement on the Severn, and to a
playful question of Pownal, inquiring how she would like to leave her
card with Queen Esther, she replied by expressing her delight at the
proposition. Esther's cabin stood some little distance off from the
main road, towards which a long and narrow winding track led, seldom
travelled by any other vehicles than ox carts and sleds. Over the yet
unbroken snow, Pownal directed the horse, the light pung plunging
with every motion of the animal, and threatening to upset, causing
merriment, however, rather than alarm to the occupants of the
conveyance. In this manner, straining through the snow-drifts, they
finally reached the dwelling of Esther. She herself, attracted by the
sound of the bells, came to the door, and welcomed them with great
cordiality.

"Mr. Pownal and I," cried the lively Anne, "are come to make a
New-Year's call, Esther. I have not your presents with me, but the
next time you are at our house, you shall have them."

"Miss Anne more'n all present," replied the pleased Esther. "She cold;
she must come to the fire."

"No," said Anne, as she was being ushered by the squaw into the cabin,
"I am not cold. Why, what a nice"--but the sentence was not concluded.