"The hospitality in the South is certainly marvelous," said Dora to
Dick. "When I left home I never thought I should be treated so well."
"You are right, Dora. The whole world over, you will find no greater gentleman than one from our South."
"And what a beautiful plantation!" cried Nellie. "What grand walks, and trees and flowers!"
"And what a fine lot of colored servants," came from Grace. "Really they won't let me do a thing for myself!"
"I should think Mr. Bird would be very happy," said Mrs. Laning, for at that moment the owner of the estate was not present.
"You'd think so," answered Dick. "But do you know, notwithstanding his smiling face he appears at times to be very sad."
"I thought so," said Mrs. Stanhope. "He acts as if he had something on his mind."
"Yes, and something that worried him a great deal," added Tom.
They were right, Harold Bird had a great deal to worry him, and what it was we shall learn as our tale proceeds.