She nodded to Verty, and asked him how he was.
"I'm very well," said the young man, "and I hope you are too, Miss
Lavinia. I saw your carriage at the door, and knew you were in here.
Oh! how tight your hair is curled!" he added, laughing.
Miss Lavinia drew herself up.
"I reckon you are going to see Redbud," said Verty.
Miss Lavinia looked intently at him.
"Yes," she said.
"Give my love to her," said the young man, "and tell her I'm coming to see her very soon—just as quick as I can get off from this dull old place."
Which words were accompanied by a smile, directed toward Roundjacket. As to Miss Lavinia, she stood aghast at Verty's extraordinary communication, and for some moments could not get words to express her feelings.
Finally she said, solemnly—
"How—have you been—"