Here Ross made an impatient movement, which his sister saw, and half resented.
“Now don’t you turn against me, Herman. It’s bad enough to have Carter curling up his nose at old friends, that were always ready to help him, when he needed help; but my own brother——”
“You misunderstand,” said Ross. “I find no fault with feelings that do you honor.—Far from it. But as for Miss Laurence, we had arranged about her coming, and there need be no alteration in that, I should think.”
“But Carter objects even to her. And as for Battle, his sneers about going into that neighborhood are beyond bearing.”
“Perhaps in some respects, Carter is right. You will find it very difficult to make classes mingle harmoniously; even in this republican country. Stronger and more experienced woman than you have tried it, and failed signally. A land that owns no aristocracy but that of wealth, will always draw sharp lines between the poor and the rich.”
“But you do not object—you will help me out. I wish now it hadn’t been done; but one can’t take back an invitation; and Carter is very cruel to ask it; isn’t he?”
“Of course you cannot take back an invitation. And I dare say your old friend will manage to appear well enough for the occasion. Society, since the war, has put up with a great many strange innovations. So, I have no doubt that your friend will pass.”
“It’s kind of you to say so,” answered Mrs. Carter, with tears in her eyes. “As for Carter, his heart is like a millstone, since he became so rich. Oh, Herman! sometimes I wish we had been content as it was.”
“Well, well, throw all these little troubles off your mind. I have something to tell you—something to propose. Perhaps a great favor to ask of you and Carter.”
“It’s granted, Herman. I’d lay down my life for you; and so would Carter. He’s awful proud of having a real gentleman in the family. So am I—and that gentleman my own brother.”