Mrs. Whately's affectionate
smiles and encouraging words were even harder to endure. That good
lady acted as if Miss Lou were a timid and coy maiden, who merely
needed heartening and reassuring in order to face a brief ordeal,
and then all would be well. Her cousin gallantly lifted her hand to
his lips and then rode away with part of his men, saying cheerfully,
"I'll manage everything for the best."
A vague terror seized upon the girl and she again sought the refuge
of Aun' Jinkey's cabin. She must have some one to speak to who
understood her, who felt for her. She found that Mrs. Baron had been
there before her, urging the completion of certain tasks. Indeed,
the old woman was ironing a white muslin dress which looked very
bridal-like. Miss Lou recognized it as her own gown, which might
naturally be worn on such an occasion.
"Who brought that here?" she asked quickly.
"Ole miss, honey. She said you cud war dis or de one you hab on, des
ez you pleases."
"Aun' Jinkey," said the girl in an awed whisper, "do you think they
can marry me against my will?"
"Miss Lou, I declar ter you I'se been smokin' en projeckin' ober dat
mos' all night.
Pages:
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143