Mr. Carvel looked uneasy. It was Virginia's turn to blush, and she grew red as a peony.
"He's a tall, hateful, Black Republican Yankee!" she said.
"Phee-ew!" whistled the Captain. "Any more epithets?"
"He's a nasty Abolitionist!"
"There you do him wrong, honey," the Colonel put in.
"I hear he took Hester to Miss Crane's," the Captain continued, filling the room with his hearty laughter. "That boy has sand enough, Jinny; I'd like to know him."
"You'll have that priceless opportunity to-night," retorted Miss Virginia, as she flung herself out of the room. "Pa has made me invite him to my party."
"Here, Jinny! Hold on!" cried the Captain, running after her. "I've got something for you."
She stopped on the stairs, hesitating. Whereupon the Captain hastily ripped open the bundle under his arm and produced a very handsome India shawl. With a cry of delight Virginia threw it over her shoulders and ran to the long glass between the high windows.
"Who spoils her, Lige?" asked the Colonel, fondly.