"No. On the contrary he assumed that I would accept it, and that I must do so in justice to myself. Here is his letter. Read it if you please."
Col. Barksdale read the letter, with which the reader is already familiar, and, handing it back, said:
"A very proper and manly letter."
"Because it came from a very proper and manly man," said Miss Sudie.
"You don't believe he has been guilty of the dishonorable acts laid to his charge, then?"
"Of the acts, yes. Of the dishonor, no," said the girl.
"On what ground do you base your persistent good opinion of him?"
"On my persistent faith in him."
"Your faith is very unreasonable, my dear."
"Perhaps so, but it exists nevertheless."