"He seems to have no doubt," said Pownal, "of discovering his lost
son. I confess that when I heard him in his animated way tell his
story, with eyes raised in thankfulness to heaven, I was swept along
by his enthusiasm, and felt no more doubt than himself of his success;
but when I reflect more calmly on the circumstances the prospect is
not so brilliant."

"Do not doubt: the prospect _is_ brilliant: Jeremiah shall cease his
lamentations: our prophet shall be made happy. Ah, why anticipate
anything but good!"

"I accept the omen, dear Miss Bernard," said Pownal, looking with
admiration upon her beaming countenance, "Men arrive at conclusions,
how often false, by a fallible process of reasoning, while truth comes
to your more fortunate sex by a happy inspiration."

"And I accept the compliment, since you accept the inspiration. I hope
it is with more than the ordinary sincerity of those in the habit of
making compliments."

"I wish you could see into my heart."

"You would wish the window closed immediately. What do you suppose I
should see there?"

"Yourself."

"Then it is a looking-glass," said Anne, blushing. "A valuable piece
of furniture certainly, in which any lady may view her face!"