Isabelle swept past him with an indignant toss of her head, and the front door closed after the trio with a metallic clang.
"I don't wonder the poor child is annoyed," said Mrs. Hildreth as she played with her grapes. "It is very embarrassing when people know that we keep a carriage; and the Joliettes are such sticklers in the matter of etiquette. It is a ridiculous fad of yours, Lawrence, to be so punctilious."
"But, my dear, I gave him my word of honor!"
"What if you did? There are exceptions to every rule."
"Not in the Hildreth code of honor, Kate."
"Nonsense! What does a colored coachman understand about that! Why, Evadne, you cannot go to prayer meeting alone!" she exclaimed, as Evadne came into the room with her hat on. "Your uncle is busy and I am too tired, so there is no way for you to get home."
"I am going to Dyce's church, Aunt Kate. Pompey will bring me home."
"Among a lot of shouting negroes! You must be crazy, child!"
"Their souls are white, Aunt Kate, and there is no color line on the
Rock of Ages."
"Oh, well, tastes differ," said her aunt carelessly, "but it is a strange fancy for Judge Hildreth's niece. Next thing you will suggest going to board with Pompey."