"Let it pass on its way as I will on mine. It will reck but little of
the garments of an unknown man."

It was more for the sake of his friend than himself that Pownal
proposed the change. Perceiving the feelings of the other, he forbore
to press a proposal further, which, after all, was of but little
consequence. A sloop was to sail the next day--the wind favoring--from
Hillsdale, and it was agreed between the two to take passage together.

We may judge of the feelings of Pownal at this time, from the fact
that the last evening he spent at Hillsdale, before he left for New
York, where, indeed, he expected to remain but a short time, found him
at the house of Judge Bernard. He was fortunate, whether beyond his
expectations or not we cannot say, in finding Miss Bernard alone. At
least it was a fortunate coincidence with his wishes, and might we
judge, from the raised color of the cheeks, and the smiles that played
round the lips of the beautiful girl, not displeasing to her. It is
wonderful, when we look back, how frequently these charming accidents
of youth occur.

It was unnecessary that Pownal should speak of his intended trip to
the commercial capital. He seemed to assume that Anne was already
acquainted with his purpose, but of Holden's discovery she had not
been informed.

"Beautiful!" cried Anne, clapping her hands. "We shall have a
_dénouément_ fit for a novel yet. Oh, I do hope he may find his son.
And," added she, with a warm quick feeling, "I can see now reason for
the strange habits of our poor dear prophet. Oh, to think of the long
years of lonesome misery he must have passed!"