"There, mother," quoth Barbara, "what could be more reasonable,—more gentlemanly? Say you consent to his terms."
Mrs. Dinwiddie motioned a negative with her handkerchief, and stamped her feet, as if no power on earth should extort from her the slightest concession.
"There, Sir, she consents, she consents, you see," said Barbara.
"Um—um—um!" shrieked Mrs. Dinwiddie, shaking her head, and stamping her feet with renewed vigor.
"I see," said Captain Penrose; "and I need not ask if you, Miss Dinwiddie, also consent."
"I do, Sir; and I thank you for your consideration," said Barbara.
"I don't—don't—don't!" stormed the elderly lady, quivering in every limb, like a blown ribbon.
It was strange that Captain Penrose did not hear the exclamation, loud and emphatic as it was; but he simply bowed and quitted the room, followed by Dinwiddie, Nero, and Sergeant MacFuse.
No sooner had the military men quitted the house than the dinner-bell rang. Madam refused to make her appearance. Barbara came down and presided. Boys in the street were crying the news of Sherman's capture of Savannah.
"Good for Sherman!" said Dinwiddie. "I'm devilish glad of it."