It was in this way that they met their acquaintance--found society,
and obtained the news; objects of primary importance, at all times, with
a people whose insulated positions, removed from the busy mart and the
stirring crowd, left them no alternative but to do this or rust
altogether. The regular lodgers of the tavern were not numerous
therefore, and consisted in the main of those laborers in the diggings
who had not yet acquired the means of establishing households of their
own.
There was little form or ceremony in the proceedings of the repast.
Colleton was introduced by a few words from the landlord to the
landlady, Mrs. Dorothy Munro, and to a young girl, her niece, who sat
beside her. It does not need that we say much in regard to the
former--she interferes with no heart in our story; but Lucy, the niece,
may not be overlooked so casually. She has not only attractions in
herself which claim our notice, but occupies no minor interest in the
story we propose to narrate.
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