Part 23 (2/2)

”I can endure anything now,” he said. ”You love me, Daisy--can it be true? I will go in with you--and I will wait. But not too long, my sweetheart; do not make me wait too long. Repent your confession, indeed! If you do, it will be from no fault of mine. _Daisy!_”

As he said these things they were gradually nearing the piazza, where the negro was taking in the chairs.

”I have something pleasant to tell you,” whispered Daisy. ”You don't like Hannibal. Well, he is going away soon.”

Roseleaf a.s.sumed surprise.

”Has your father discharged him?” he asked.

”No, he intends to leave of his own accord. He believes himself fitted for better work. Hus.h.!.+ He may hear you.”

As they pa.s.sed the servant, Daisy said, ”Good-evening, Hannibal.” It was her invariable custom, and she spoke with the greatest courtesy. But in this case the negro did not raise his eyes, nor turn his head toward her, nor make the slightest sign to show that he heard.

It was too much for Roseleaf, and he stopped.

”Did you hear Miss Daisy address you?” he demanded, sharply.

Hannibal looked up, with a curious mixture of amus.e.m.e.nt, contempt and hate in his dark face.

”I did,” he answered.

”Why did you not answer?”

”Because I did not choose.”

Daisy threw herself in front of Roseleaf, just in time to prevent Hannibal's receiving a blow.

”Oh, stop!” she exclaimed, ”I beg you!”

The noise and the sound of raised voices brought Mr. Fern and his other daughter, with Archie Weil, to the door. Mr. Fern took in the situation at a glance, and his troubled face grew more distressed.

”Mr. Roseleaf,” he said, speaking as if the words choked him, ”I am surprised--that you should--hold an altercation like this--in my daughter's presence.”

Roseleaf did not know what to do or say. Daisy's pleading eyes decided him, much against his judgment, to drop the matter where it was, galling to his pride though it might be. He escorted his sweetheart into the parlor, where the entire party followed, in a most uncomfortable state of mind.

”How can you permit that negro to insult your guests?” demanded Millicent, as soon as the door was closed. ”It is beyond belief. If he is master of this house it is time the rest of us left it. I am certain Mr. Roseleaf did not act without great provocation.”

Before Mr. Fern could answer, Daisy had spoken.

”It is over now, and there is nothing to be said. Hannibal is going away in a few days, and that will end your trouble.”

The father turned such an incredulous look toward his daughter that it was evident he had heard nothing of this.

”Going?” he echoed, faintly. ”Going?”

”Yes,” said Daisy. ”He told me to-day. He is going to some country where his color will not be counted a misdemeanor.”

Roseleaf had difficulty in maintaining the silence with which he had determined to encase himself. But Daisy did not wish him to speak, and her will was law.

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