'Wall, Squire, I'll gwo, but 'counts 'tween you an' me ain't settled yit.'
As he went, Selma leaned forward, and, kissing Preston's cheek, said;
'O father! I'm so glad you didn't speak harshly to her.'
Preston put his arm about her, and replied:
'You helped me, my child. I should be a better, happier man, if you were with me.'
'And I will be, father; I won't go away any more.'
'But Frank?' said Preston, again kissing her.
'Oh, you know we're not to be married for a good while yet. I'll stay with you till then, father.'
'Ah! there she goes,' said Joe, looking out at the window, which commanded a view of the porte cochere; 'she can't get to Newbern till ten, but the night air won't hurt her.'