Mr. de Saussure gave me his arm and took me with him, as he said, to help about the luncheon. It was soon spread out of doors, beneath the shade of some large trees, and we gathered round it in holiday mood. Bread was sweet, with that page of beauty spread out before my eyes all the time; - for between the boles of the trees and under their hanging branches I could see the glittering waters of the lake and a bit of its distant shore. I did not go into a brown study, however, not wishing to give occasion to Mr. De Saussure's good offices. I thought he had quite enough enjoyed his charge during the business before luncheon. To my disappointment, after the meal papa declared himself tired and went to lie down.
"We have forgotten our agreement," said Mr. De Saussure. "At luncheon, we were all to tell, Mrs. Randolph, what we think the worthiest thing to live for."
"Were we?" said mamma. "That sounds like one of Daisy's problems."
"It is not hers, however," he rejoined; "any further than that
I am mainly curious to know what she will say about it."
"You ought to be equally anxious about my opinion, it seems to me," mamma said.
"Do I not know it already? Pour la patrie, - does anything go before that in your mind? Honestly, Mrs. Randolph, - is it not in your opinion the worthiest thing anybody can do, to fight, or to die - still better, - for the independence of the South?"
"You do not think so," said mamma, "or you would be there."
"I am selfish, and have selfish hopes and fears. But you think so?"
"Let us hear what you consider the worthiest object of life," said mamma.
"It is not my turn. Miss Randolph, your mother has spoken - the next honour belongs to you."