"Well, what then, Preston?" I said laughing.

"I despise them!"

"Aren't there Yankees among the cadets?"

"Of course; but they are no count—only here and there there's one of good family. Don't you have anything to do with them, Daisy!—mind;—not with one of them, unless I tell you who he is."

"With one of whom? What are you speaking of?"

"The cadets."

"Why I have nothing to do with them," I said. "How should I?"

Preston looked at me curiously.

"Nor at the hotel, neither, Daisy—more than you can help. Have nothing to say to the Yankees."

I thought Preston had taken a strange fancy. I was silent.