"Miss Ravenel," he said, "you are a very influential person. Every body who knows you admits it. Mr. Colburne admits it. I admit it."
Lillie blushed with unusual heartiness and tried in vain to think of some saucy answer. The Colonel's quizzical smile, his free and easy compliments and confident address, sometimes touched the pride of the young lady, and made her desire to rebel against him.
"I want you," he continued, "to persuade Doctor Ravenel to be a colonel."
"A colonel!" exclaimed father and daughter.
"Yes, and a better colonel than half those in the service."
"On which side, Colonel Carter?" asked Miss Ravenel, who saw a small chance for vengeance.
"Good heavens! Do you suppose I am recruiting for rebel regiments?"
"I didn't know but Mrs. Larue might have brought you over."
The Colonel laughed obstreperously at the insinuation, not in the least dashed by its pertness.
"No, it's a loyal regiment; black in the face with loyalty. General Butler has decided on organizing a force out of the free colored population of the city."