The coldness in her voice, rather than her words, aroused him. He rose, took one lingering look at the river, and followed her to the house.
At dinner, when not talking about his mare, the Colonel was trying to persuade Stephen to remain. Virginia did not join in this, and her father thought the young man's refusal sprang from her lack of cordiality. Colonel Carvel himself drove to the station.
When he returned, he found his daughter sitting idly on the porch.
“I like that young man, if he is a Yankee,” he declared.
“I don't,” said Virginia, promptly.
“My dear,” said her father, voicing the hospitality of the Carvels, “I am surprised at you. One should never show one's feelings toward a guest. As mistress of this house it was your duty to press him to stay.”
“He did not want to stay.”
“Do you know why he went, my dear,” asked the Colonel.
“No,” said Virginia.
“I asked him,” said the Colonel.