MD3PAD 412-414

[Toby G Levy]

        Mr. LeSpark attempts to convey his romantic notions about iron
and the sway it holds over him.  Later Wicks will write in his journal
that LeSpark does not mention the slavery that made exploitation of the
metal possible.

        Mason and Dixon stumble onto the estate by being lost one
evening and saw a light in a cabin. Upon entering it they discovered it
was much bigger inside than apparently possible.  It was brightly lit
inside.

vw#95: plafond - A decorated ceiling.

        Dixon wants to leave immediately but Mason says it is too
dangerous to wander aimlessly at night.  Then they begin to hear music.
They move to find it and pass through several rooms until they hear
noises of a gathering. As they pass through a grand archway they are
announced by someone unseen as "Mr. Mason and Mr. Dixon, Astronomers of
London."

        Mason wants to flee the room, but Dixon tells him they must not
offend the hostess, whoever she may be. Soon they are subjected to some
sarcastic comments by Captain Dasp, described by Mason as a "notorious
Calvert agent." I suppose this means he was in the government of the
Maryland colony.

        Captain Dasp advises them to be as invisible as possible in the
room.

        Suddenly the hostess, Lady Lepton appears and greets Mason and
Dixon.

Toby