The seven years which had
passed since I had seen her had somewhat changed her countenance; but
her smile was the same. As she took the arm of the gentleman who
accompanied her, and ascended the steps of the piazza, I stepped forward
and spoke to her as any stranger might accost another in a place of
public resort. I wished to see if she would recognize me. She replied to
me only as she might have done to any other stranger, but without the
least sign of recognition. Perceiving that she did not recognize me, I
went near to her and said,--
"Can it be possible, Miss Edmonds, that you have forgotten your old
pupil, Clara Roscom?"
In a moment I was clasped in her arms and felt her kisses upon my cheek.
Turning to the gentleman whose arm she had left, she said,--
"Allow me, Miss Roscom, to introduce to you Mr. Harringford, my
husband."
I acknowledged the introduction as well as my feelings of joyful
excitement would admit of, for I knew of no other friend whose presence
would afford me so much happiness as she with whom I had so unexpectedly
met. Seeing that she looked very much fatigued, I conducted her at once
to my own apartment. She was very anxious to learn all that had befallen
me since we parted in Philadelphia, but I insisted upon her resting
before entering upon the long conversation which we anticipated enjoying
together.
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