"Oh, my dear Mr. Blocque!" I could not help saying to myself, "keep
your champagne, and canvass-backs, and every luxury, and welcome! I
like dry bread and tea, with this company, better!"
I have not room to repeat the charming words, mingled with laughter, of
the young women, on that evening. Their presence was truly like
sunshine, and you could see the reflection of it upon the old
statesman's countenance.
Only once that countenance was overshadowed. I had uttered the name of
Willie Davenant, by accident; and then all at once remembering the
scene at Culpeper Court-House, had looked quietly at Judge Conway and
Miss Virginia. A deep frown was on his face--that of the young girl was
crimson with blushes, and two tears came to her eyes, as she caught her
father's glance of displeasure.
I hastened to change the topic--to banish the dangerous subject; and in
a few moments everybody was smiling once more. Miss Georgia, in her
stately and amusing way, was relating their experiences from a scouting
party of the enemy, at "Five Forks."
"I heard something of this from old Juba," said the Judge; "you do not
mention your deliverer, however."
"Our deliverer, papa?"
"General Mohun."
Miss Georgia unmistakably blushed in her turn.
"Oh, I forgot!" she said, carelessly, "General Mohun _did_ drive them
off.
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