Page:The Berkeleys and their neighbors.djvu/174

 "White, by all means," answered Pembroke, gravely. "I like to see women in white."

"A white gown," continued Olivia, reflectively, "is always safest."

"I suppose, you will go to balls all the time after this one. It will be like the first taste of blood to a tiger."

"Yes, after a long period of—what do you call it—graminivorous diet. By the way, some friends of yours came to see me to-day. The De Peysters."

"Yes, I like them very much. Helena is a charming little thing."

"Delightful girl," echoed Olivia, with much more emphasis than the subject required.

Pembroke had only intended to pay an ordinary afternoon call, but it was so unexpectedly pleasant sitting there with Olivia that the fall of night and the Colonel's return both took him unawares. The Colonel was delighted to see him.

"This is pleasant," cried he, standing with his broad back to the fire, and stroking his white mustache. "I brought my riding horse up, and Olivia's, too, and I sent Petrarch around this morning to make a permanent arrangement. The rogue of a livery man asked me such a stupendous price that I was forced to send him word I didn't desire board for myself and my daughter included with the horses. Ah, times are changed—times are changed! Sad lot of you in public life now, begad."

"Very sad lot, sir."

"If we could only get back to Old Hickory in