He doffed his cap, but Susan stood stiffly in the middle of the doorway. "Marse Robert is not at home," she said coldly.
The young man flushed, looked half embarrassed and started to pass her. "I would like to see Miss Frances!"
Susan dodged before him. "She's not at home."
"When will she be back?" asked the young man, angered at the old darkey's manner.
"I dunno!"
"Tell her that I will call and see her a few moments this evening." He unbuttoned his coat and fumbled for his card-case.
Susan waited until the bit of cardboard was in her hand. "She won't be hyar!" she said in a perfectly expressionless tone, as she turned the card over in her yellow palm and eyed it curiously.
"When will she be?"
"Lord only knows!"
"She's at home?" asked the young fellow in a sudden sharp anxiety.