As he did so he noticed at the door two young men who were quietly making their way into the room.  The elder—­who might have been twenty-six or seven—­was dark, with brilliant eyes and an alert, almost restless manner, while the younger, who was scarcely more than a boy, not over nineteen, was fair, with deep blue eyes, reflective and calm, and a quiet dignity and strength of manner that in some fashion was not unsuited to his youth.  Both were slender, wellbuilt, and rather under than over middle height.  Mr. Jefferson hastened to them and shook hands warmly with the elder gentleman.

“My dear Colonel Hamilton, this is an unexpected pleasure and honor.  Welcome to Monticello!” and then turning to the youth and laying a hand affectionately on his shoulder, he cried, gayly: 

“My dear Ned, when did you come and why have I not seen you before?”

“Sir,” replied the young man, respectfully, “we have but just arrived in Monsieur de Lafayette’s company, and, feeling myself at home, I stayed without a few moments to give some orders about the stabling of the horses.  Colonel Hamilton was kind enough to remain with me.  Will you pardon our delay and assurance?”

“My dear boy, as you well know, I am only too happy to have you look upon Monticello as your other home, and every servant and horse upon the place is at your disposal.  But how did you two happen to fall in with the Marquis?”

“Both Colonel Hamilton and myself were passing a few days at Mount Vernon by invitation of General Washington, when news that the Marquis was coming reached him.  The General insisted that we should remain to see Monsieur de Lafayette, so we were still at Mount Vernon when your note asking his attendance here was received by him.  Sure of my old welcome at Monticello, I determined to accompany him on his journey.  As for Colonel Hamilton, he is charged with important affairs for you, sir.”

“’Tis an ill wind that blows nobody good, Colonel,” said Mr. Jefferson, smiling, “and I shall certainly not call even business an ill wind since it has blown you hither.”

“There is a better reason still, Mr. Jefferson,” replied Mr. Hamilton, “for I came on business of General Washington’s, and never yet blew ill wind from that quarter.”

“Then you are doubly welcome, my dear Colonel,” rejoined Mr. Jefferson, heartily.

“Thank you, Mr. Jefferson,” said Mr. Hamilton.  “Besides the business I am charged with, which relates to the commercial treaties with Flanders, and which I hope to have the honor of discussing with you fully before your departure, I bear General Washington’s greetings and best wishes for your welfare and the success of your difficult mission.  It would have given him the greatest pleasure to convey these in person, and, indeed, I think he would have been tempted to make the journey to Monticello himself to see you had he not expected a visit from Mr. Gouverneur Morris, who, I doubt not, is at Mount Vernon by this time.”