But, whatever might have been the emotions of Mr. Howard, he suppressed them through that regnant self-control that ever distinguished his manners. And he was the first to perceive the entrance of Mr. and Mrs. Legare, and to arise and advance to receive them.
My brother presented Mr. Howard to Mr. Legare, who received him with cordial politeness, and in his turn introduced him to Mrs. Legare, who smilingly welcomed him to Virginia.
Certainly Howard had nothing to complain of in his reception. There was not the slightest lack of respect and kindness, and not the least over-doing of ceremony, which would have been still more offensive. All was natural and genial, as if there had not once existed a strong hostility to Frank Howard, the machinist. I was charmed at the manner with which my dear host and hostess completely overcame their prejudices, or at least suppressed them, and treated Mr. Howard in all respects as an honored and welcome guest, and did this assuredly not in the spirit of hypocrisy, but of hospitality, as they understood its requirements.
Soon Rachel Noales and the other young persons of the Christmas party came in, were introduced, seated, and conversation became general and free. This afforded me the coveted opportunity of having a moment's talk aside with my brother.
"Johnny! tell me now, and tell me quickly, and truly—was there any design on you or your friend's part to get him invited here?"
"Design! bless you, no!" replied my brother, opening wide his great gray eyes.
"I thought not; for, if the truth must be told, honest Johnny was anything but a diplomat."
"Well, there was no conscious manœuvring on your part, but was there not on his?"
"Why, bless you, no! Why should there have been?" "'Why should there have been?' Oh, Johnny! Johnny! where are your perceptive faculties? You will never be wideawake enough for a soldier!"
"I don't know what you would be at."