"We are sure of nothing, it seems. Are you very homesick?"
A quick rift of color flashed up in her face. "I'm not homesick at all. I like Washington so much. There are so many beautiful places, and the sails on the rivers and queer nooks where the Indians used to live, and the Capitol and the Senate where the great men talk, and so many lovely people in fine clothes, and the officers, and the French minister's carriage that spins along like a great butterfly, and handsome Mrs. Madison and the grand ladies—"
"You will hardly want to go back to the plantation."
"Jaqueline is going to live in Washington," she said, evading the question.
"I am afraid you are getting off with the old love," half reproachfully.
"Not mamma, not—oh, I love you all just the same!" clasping his arm vehemently.
Her cheeks were very bright. She experienced a curious feeling about Charles. Perhaps it was because she had seen these grown lovers so much, and she herself was growing out of childish things.
Mr. Mason was on his way to the plantation, and then to the Pineries. His mother had missed his visits very much through the winter, and she was becoming more feeble.
They all felt disappointed that Charles was not really well.
"It is probably the best thing you can do," said Dr. Collaston. "He needs bracing up after this trying ordeal. I was afraid he would sink under it."