Daniel glanced at the very conscious but decorous back of Lucas, and smiled. No one was ever worried about what Daniel said!
“I’m coming. I’ve been wanting to come all along,” he said gravely; “but—I’m afraid of wearing out my welcome.”
She looked surprised, then, catching his eye, realized that Daniel had been afraid that William’s brother was unwelcome. She blushed gloriously this time.
“You couldn’t—you couldn’t if you tried,” she said softly. Then to the coachman: “Go on, Lucas. I mustn’t keep you, Dan, but be sure you come soon.”
He stood bare-headed in the sunshine, watching the old wagonette disappear; then he put on his hat and walked haltingly and slowly toward the court-house. He was to address the jury in the afternoon, and in some way the sight of Virginia always helped him. He seemed to carry her smile, like sunshine, into the old dim court-room. He always spoke well afterward, so well that he was getting the name of an orator without being aware of it.
Plato had just served a light lunch for Colonel Denbigh on the lawn. The old man, sitting under his favorite horse-chestnut-tree, ate sparingly and drank one iced julep, made in the old Virginia style. He had finished, and Plato was holding the lighter for his cigar.
“Go to the concert the other night, Plato? Miss Virginia says you carried her bundles, and she thinks you heard it all.”
Plato held the lighter dexterously.
“Yessuh, I went ’long wid Miss Jinny. Didn’t pay no ’mission fee, jus’ walked righ’ in, same as Miz Payson an’ de quality. Yessuh, de music mighty fine, but I was lookin’ at young Miz Carter when she was dancin’. Dat’s what done took dis yere nigger!”
The colonel puffed at his cigar, a twinkle in his eye.