He looked up, and saw the girl watching him. He dared not think that the expression he caught was one of sympathy, for it changed instantly.
“I am afraid you are the silent kind, Mr. Brice,” said she; “I believe it is a Yankee trait.”
Stephen laughed.
“I have known a great many who were not,” said he, “When they are garrulous, they are very much so.”
“I should prefer a garrulous one,” said Virginia.
“I should think a Yankee were bad enough, but a noisy Yankee not to be put up with,” he ventured.
Virginia did not deign a direct reply to this, save by the corners of her mouth.
“I wonder,” said she, thoughtfully, “whether it is strength of mind or a lack of ideas that makes them silent.”
“It is mostly prudence,” said Mr. Brice. “Prudence is our dominant trait.”
Virginia fidgeted. Usually she had an easier time.