British and American uniforms hung peaceably by the side of
each other; and on the peg that supported a gown of striped calico, such
as was the usual country wear, was also depending a well-powdered wig:
in short, the attire was numerous and as various as if a whole parish
were to be equipped from this one wardrobe.
In the angle against the rock, and opposite to the fire which was
burning in the other corner, was an open cupboard, that held a plate or
two, a mug, and the remains of some broken meat. Before the fire was a
table, with one of its legs fractured, and made of rough boards; these,
with a single stool, composed the furniture, if we except a few articles
of cooking. A book, that by its size and shape, appeared to be a Bible,
was lying on the table, unopened. But it was the occupant of the hut in
whom Frances was chiefly interested. This was a man, sitting on the
stool, with his head leaning on his hand, in such a manner as to conceal
his features, and deeply occupied in examining some open papers. On the
table lay a pair of curiously and richly mounted horseman's pistols, and
the handle of a sheathed rapier, of exquisite workmanship, protruded
from between the legs of the gentleman, one of whose hands carelessly
rested on its guard. The tall stature of this unexpected tenant of the
hut, and his form, much more athletic than that of either Harvey or her
brother, told Frances, without the aid of his dress, that it was neither
of those she sought.
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