"It's your name!" cried Carolina, passionately. "What could you expect with those two names pulling you in opposite directions! Why did they ever name you, a Southern man, Sherman?"
"Father named you, and mother named me," answered her brother. "I have heard them say that it was all planned before either of us was born. Then, too, you must remember that--well, that I am not as enthusiastic over the traditions of the Lee family as you are. I think that my leanings are all toward the de Cliffords, if anything."
"It's only fair," said Carolina, with justice, "that you should be like mother and love her family best. Only--only I am glad my name is Carolina!"
Her brother bent down and kissed her flushed face.
"And I am glad, too, little sister, for you are a veritable Lee, and one to be proud of."
Carolina felt herself grow warm in every fibre of her being over the first compliment which had ever reached her heart.
Sherman was still holding her hand, and she pressed his fingers gratefully.
"I will look up the papers to-morrow, and let you know the moment I discover anything. I can easily guess what your plan is, but--without money?"
Carolina laughed strangely.
"Thank you, brother. And in the meantime I shall go to stay with Kate."