Page:The Father Confessor, Stories of Danger and Death.djvu/273

Rh of our dark brothers, that we want you to tell us about them."

Mrs. Allison grew white, and glanced at her daughters. They rose to meet her, and went smiling towards the new-comer. She introduced the young man as Mr. Furlong, then began to talk of the possibilities of a drive next morning.

Mr. Furlong was enthusiastic over the idea. "Let me drive some of you" he said. "We could go to Burnham Beeches, and if I may bring my friend, Washington Gibbs, I think you will be interested. He is a nice fellow, so original, and a coming man."

"An American," Miss Anderson questioned, "by the name?"

"An American!" Mr. Furlong laughed, and added, with the air of one imparting a delightful surprise, "a coloured gentleman."

The little group of women clapped their hands, all except Mrs. Allison and Virginia.

"He is writing a book," Mr. Furlong continued. "Really, he is awfully nice and clever, not a bit like we imagine the negroes to be."

"Oh, you must bring him," Lucy cried, delighted. "It's just what I was saying—give