Page:A fool in spots (IA foolinspots00riveiala).pdf/21

 told me she was the only child of Darwin Bell, an excellent man. A man of good blood, good sense and piety, 'but the best of all,' continued the Major, 'he was a gallant Confederate captain.'

"Then he happened to recall the fact that I was of the other side and said: 'I beg your pardon young man, but Darwin and I were army mates, and that eulogy was but a heart-throb.'

"He had quite a little to tell of the negress. She was Cherokee's 'black mammy,' and her faithfulness was a striking illustration of the devotion of the slaves. It seems to me that the most callous man or woman could not fail to appreciate little touches, here and there, of the sweet kindly feeling that nestles close to the core of honest human hearts. I went home that night in a softer mood."

"Softer in more senses than one, I judge, also poorer," Frost returned, amusedly.

"You mean I had lost my heart?" the other asked in an odd tone.

"To be sure, but tell me more of Miss Bell, she is very like a serial story, and I want awfully to read the next chapters."

"Then you must learn the sequel from her."

"That is not quite fair of you, but I have a mind to; in fact, I know I cannot resist cultivating your blonde amaryllis, if you don't object?"