The week passed and the Cabinet of Buchanan had not dared accept the Southern leader's challenge to arrest and trial.
The Davis party had found their seats in the train for the South. Socola strolled the platform alone, waiting without sign of interest for the hour of departure.
Dick Welford arrived five minutes before the train left and extended his hand to Jennie.
"Forgive me, Jennie!"
With a bright smile she clasped his hand.
"Of course, Dick—I took your silly ravings too seriously."
"No—I was a fool. I'll make up for it. I'll go over now and shake hands with the reptile if you say so—"
"Nonsense—you'll not do anything of the sort. He's nothing to me. He's the guest of the South—that's all."
"Honest now, Jennie—you don't care for any other fellow?"
"Nor for you, either!" she laughed.