"But he likes you so," answered the child simply. "And you never tease him."
"Charles must learn not to be such a ninny," declared his father.
The supper was almost a betrothal feast. For a wonder, there were no guests. But before bedtime every slave on the plantation knew it, and great was the rejoicing. And the next morning numerous little gifts were brought for Jaqueline's acceptance. And now Roger hated to go away. How could he be content with this one brief sup of happiness?
"We must go up to the Pineries," Mr. Mason said. "Your grandmother would feel hurt if she were not informed at once. And—are you going next week?"
"Oh, of course. I even asked Mr. Carrington. Was not that dutiful?"
Her father laughed. "Jaqueline, you need a strong hand. You have had your way too much."
"I don't know why everyone thinks I ought to be ruled like a baby," she pouted.
"Jack, you are going to have one of the best husbands. Remember that."
It was not until afternoon that they started, and were to remain all night. As there was room for one more, Annis went with them. It hardly seemed like the same place, Jaqueline thought, and she decided she liked grandpapa much better than Uncle Brandon. He insisted upon the relationship having the right name, and was quite as great a stickler for attention as his father had been; but where Mr. Floyd's was really a fine old-fashioned dignity, Brandon's seemed more pretentious.
His wife was one of the ordinary women of that day, whose duty under all circumstances was to her husband. Master Archie put on many consequential airs.