“He took me to Freeport, sir, where I listened to the most remarkable speech I ever expect to hear.”
“What!” cried the Judge, “so far from Boston?”
Stephen hesitated, uncertain whether to laugh, until he chanced to look at Virginia. She had pursed her lips.
“I was very much surprised, sir,” he said.
“Humph!” grunted Mr. Whipple, “and what did you chink of that ruffian, Lincoln?”
“He is the most remarkable man that I have ever met, sir,” answered Stephen, with emphasis.
“Humph!”
It seemed as if the grunt this time had in it something of approval. Stephen had doubt as to the propriety of discussing Mr. Lincoln there, and he reddened. Virginia's expression bore a trace of defiance, and Mr. Carvel stood with his feet apart, thoughtfully stroking his goatee. But Mr. Whipple seemed to have no scruples.
“So you admired Lincoln, Mr. Brice?” he went on. “You must agree with that laudatory estimation of him which I read in the Missouri Democrat.”
Stephen fidgeted.