Edward, who, it appeared, had fought through the whole Civil War, and was in consequence perfectly good-humored and peaceable in his feelings upon that subject, replied hastily and amiably: “Oh, yes, yes! Why, I believe it was!”
But this availed nothing; Juno bent her great height forward, and addressed Mrs. Braintree. “This is the first time I have been told Southerners were vandals.”
“You will never be able to say that again!” replied Mrs. Braintree.
After the bell and Daphne had stopped, the invaluable Briton addressed a genial generalization to us all: “I often think how truly awful your war would have been if the women had fought it, y’know, instead of the men.”
“Quite so!” said the easy-going Edward “Squaws! Mutilation! Yes!” and he laughed at his little joke, but he laughed alone.
I turned to Juno. “Speaking of mutilation, I trust your nephew is better this evening.”
I was rejoiced by receiving a glare in response. But still more joy was to come.
“An apology ought to help cure him a lot,” observed the Briton.
Juno employed her policy of not hearing him.
“Indeed, I trust that your nephew is in less pain,” said the poetess.