“Don’t you remember me—Frederick?” She smiled wistfully as she said his name, and the years dissolved. He remembered the dahlias.
“Miss Amelia!” He took her hand, and his somber face lit up with delight.
“Could you come with us? Have you a little time?” Her words were bubbling over.
Douglass turned to Garrison, who was regarding the scene with some misgiving. They two were far from safe in Washington.
“I think we’d better leave at once,” he said with a frown.
Douglass’ face showed his disappointment. He said, and it was clear he meant it, “I’m terribly sorry, Miss Amelia.”
Jack Haley turned to Garrison. His voice was low.
“I understand the situation, sir. But if I drove you directly to our house, I assure you we shall encounter no difficulties. We would be honored.”
Once more Douglass looked hopefully at Garrison. The older man shrugged his shoulders.
The fringed-top carryall stood at the curb. Garrison helped Amelia into the back seat and sat down beside her. Douglass climbed into the front seat with Jack. As Jack picked up the reins, Douglass grinned and said, “I could drive, you know.”