“I think you do him an injustice, my dear,” answered the Colonel. But uneasiness was in his voice. “Hopper is hard working, scrupulous to a cent. He owns two slaves now who are running the river. He keeps out of politics, and he has none of the Yankee faults.”
“I wish he had,” said Virginia.
The Colonel made no answer to this. Getting up, he went over to the bell-cord at the door and pulled it. Jackson came in hurriedly.
“Is my bag packed?”
“Yes, Marsa.”
“Where are you going?” cried Virginia, in alarm.
“To Jefferson City, dear, to see the Governor. I got word this afternoon.”
“In the rain?”
He smiled, and stooped to kiss her.
“Yes,” he answered, “in the rain as far as the depot, I can trust you, Jinny. And Lige's boat will be back from New Orleans to-morrow or Sunday.”