"Well, Major, this gentleman and myself are engaged, so"——
"Engaged!" howled Cully, with flashing eyes and vociferous speech. "Engaged! And you dare to confess it to me, your brother! Engaged! And to an Abolitionist,—a low-born Yankee! I cancel the engagement."
Barbara was too much roused by the cub's insolence to care to correct the misapprehension which he had blundered into so precipitately, and which she was now disposed to make a verity.
"Do you mean to tell me," demanded the cub, "that you are engaged to be married to this man?"
"Yes, if he'll have me," said Barbara, putting forth her hand, which Penrose eagerly seized, exclaiming,—
"Will I have you, Barbara? Yes, as the best treasure life can offer."
And the first kiss was exchanged.
"Look here," said Cully, "this business must stop where it is. I demand, Sir, that you leave the house with me this instant."
And then, as an amused expression flitted over the Captain's face, the cub asked angrily,—
"Why do you smile, Sir?"