To Stephen's surprise the Colonel rose, and, coming toward him, laid a kindly hand on his shoulder.
"Stephen," said he, "there will be no law until Monday you must stay with us until then. A little rest will do you good."
Stephen was greatly touched.
"Thank you, sir," he said. "I should like to very much. But I can't."
"Nonsense," said the Colonel. "I won't let the Judge interfere."
"It isn't that, sir. I shall have to go by the two o'clock train, I fear."
The Colonel turned to Virginia, who, meanwhile, had sat silently by.
"Jinny," he said, "we must contrive to keep him."
She slid off the railing.
"I'm afraid he is determined, Pa," she answered. "But perhaps Mr. Brice would like to see a little of the place before he goes. It is very primitive," she explained, "not much like yours in the East."