"Mr. Haines," she said, timidly.
Bud jumped to his feet.
"Yes, Miss Hope Georgia."
As the Senator's younger daughter came toward him he noticed that she was excited over something, and for a newly made cynic he took altogether too much notice of her youthful beauty, her fresh, rosy complexion and her dancing, sparkling eyes. The thought occurred to him, "What a woman she will make—if she doesn't imitate her sister!"
"I couldn't let you go, Mr. Haines, without telling you good-by and letting you know that, no matter what the others say, I don't think there has been anything wrong."
Before Haines could reply, the young girl rushed on, excitedly:
"That's why I came. I know father and Carolina won't like it—they won't think it's nice—but I wanted to say to you that I don't think one ought to believe things against one you've liked and trusted."
"You think one ought not," said Haines. "So do I; but in this case the proofs were very strong. What are you going to do when people you can't doubt pledge their word?"
The girl tossed her head.
"Well, the only one's word I'd like to take would be the person accused. I know I'm only a girl, Mr. Haines, and I'm not grown up, but you've made a mistake. Do try to clear things up. Why don't you see father and talk with him? Please do, Mr. Haines."