Colonel Carvel, in annoyance, started to move on. “Come Jinny,” he said, “I had no business to bring you aver.”
But Virginia caught his arm. “Pa,” she cried, “it's Mr. Benbow's Hester. Don't go, dear. Buy her for me You know that I always wanted her. Please!”
The Colonel halted, irresolute, and pulled his goatee Young Colfax stepped in between them.
“I'll buy her for you, Jinny. Mother promised you a present, you know, and you shall have her.”
Virginia had calmed.
“Do buy her, one of you,” was all she said
“You may do the bidding, Clarence,” said the Colonel, “and we'll settle the ownership afterward.” Taking Virginia's arm, he escorted her across the street.
Stephen was left in a quandary. Here was a home for the girl, and a good one. Why should me spend the money which meant so much to him. He saw the man Jenkin elbowing to the front. And yet—suppose Mr. Colfax did not get her? He had promised to buy her if he could, and to set her free:
Stephen had made up his mind: He shouldered his way after Jenkins.