"I wouldn't have spoiled the errand."
"I am going down to listen to the politics, and learn who will be next President."
"Then I'll hunt up Annis."
Jaqueline hoped Annis had gone wandering in the woods. But Varina went straight to the retreat. Yes, there was Annis swinging in her shady nook with a very slow movement that did not hinder her from sewing on her strip of gay embroidery. And Charles sat on his horse in his delicate, high-bred manner. They all said he resembled the old courtier in the parlor.
The little creek purled over the stones, crooning its way along. The air was sweet with innumerable fragrances, the sunshine veiled with a soft haze that deepened the shadows all about. Charles enjoyed the brooding atmosphere and the picture Annis made. His horse had taken a few steps in the creek and quenched his thirst, and now seemed enjoying the fine prospect.
Varina made her complaint at once.
"I didn't want you to go with me," he answered. "Papa had nothing to do with it."
"Oh, you might have made me Jack at a pinch, if Annis could not go."
"I didn't ask Annis. And I didn't want any pinches," laughingly.
Varina roamed up and down, interrupting the talk. Charles had stumbled over his brother's copy of Shakspere, that had opened a new world to him. Louis laughed a little at his enthusiasm, but Annis never laughed.