"
"He, too, will enter the army?"
The girl drew a deep breath and hesitated.
"He says he will not. He is bitterly opposed to my father's views."
Socola's eyes sparkled.
"He is for the Union then?"
"Yes."
"He is a man of decided views and character I take it."
"Yes--as firm and unyielding in his position as my father on the other
side."
"You will be very bitter towards him if war should come?"
"Bitter?" A little sob caught her voice. "He is my Big Brother. I love
him. It would break my heart--that's all--but I'll love him always."
Her tones were music, her loyalty to her own so sweet in its simplicity,
so utterly charming, he opened his lips to speak the first words to test
her personal attitude toward him. A flirtation would be delightful with
such a girl. And Mr. Dick Welford was a fearful temptation. He put the
thought out of his heart. She was too good and fine to be made a pawn in
such a game. Beside it was utterly unnecessary.
He had gotten exactly the information about this older brother in New
Orleans he desired and sat in brooding silence.
Jennie rose suddenly.
"Oh, I forgot--I must go in. My maids are waiting for me, I've an affair
to settle between them before they go to bed."
Socola accompanied her to the door and turned again on the lawn to enjoy
the white glory of the Southern moon.
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