This might account for his not having met him before.

Perhaps he was from an aristocratic Boston family.

His intimacy with Oscar rendered it probable, and it might be well to cultivate his acquaintance.

On this hint he spoke.
"Are you about to enter the Academy, Mr.Walton ?" "No; I should like to do so, but cannot." "You are one of Oscar's friends from the city, I suppose, then ?" "Oh no; I am living in Centreville." "Who can he be ?" thought Fitz.

With considerable less cordiality in his manner, he continued, impelled by curiosity,-- "I don't think I have met you before." "No: I have only just come to the village." Oscar understood thoroughly the bewilderment of his visitor, and enjoyed it.