"Evidently you are proud of your name."
"I am proud, sir, for there is no family in South Carolina which bears a better name. We are descended from St. George Ruthven, one of the knights of Queen Elizabeth's reign."
"I congratulate you, sir, and I now understand how this matter grates upon you. But permit me to state, the boy may prove to be of as high birth as yourself."
"What, Jack? Never!"
"Do not say that. Strange things have happened in this world."
"But he looks as if he came of low birth," responded St. John haughtily.
"There I must disagree with you, Mr. Ruthven."
"Dat's de talk!" muttered Old Ben, as he eyed St. John darkly. "Massah Jack's as good as dat coward any day!"
"As you please, doctor; but I shall hold to my opinion."
Dr. Mackey shrugged his shoulders.