She looked at the girlish hair hanging in ringlets about Mrs. Lenoir’s handsome face, smiled pathetically, and asked:
“Did you really make such sacrifices for your cause?”
“Yes, indeed. I was glad when the war was ended for some things. We certainly needed a few pins, needles, and buttons, to say nothing of a cup of coffee or tea.”
“I trust you will never lack for anything again,” said Elsie kindly.
“You will bring us good luck,” Mrs. Lenoir responded. “Your coming is so fortunate. The cotton tax Congress levied was so heavy this year we were going to lose everything. Such a tax when we are all about to starve! Dr. Cameron says it was an act of stupid vengeance on the South, and that no other farmers in America have their crops taxed by the National Government. I am so glad your father has come. He is not hunting for an office. He can help us, maybe.”
“I am sure he will,” answered Elsie thoughtfully.
Marion ran up the steps lightly, her hair dishevelled and face flushed.
“Now, Mamma, it’s almost sundown; you get ready to go. I want her awhile to show her about my things.”
She took Elsie shyly by the hand and led her into the lawn, while her mother paid a visit to each room, and made up the last bundle of odds and ends she meant to carry to the hotel.
“I hope you will love the place as we do,” said the girl simply.