South derogatory to him, and he had almost made himself believe that
this state of things might go on for years, perhaps forever, though that
was scarcely possible. At all events he'd wait till the storm burst, and
then meet it somehow. He was a Crompton and had faith in himself, and
the faith was increased by the compliment paid by his townspeople; and
as he was not one to receive a favor without returning it, he conceived
the idea of giving an immense lawn-party, to which nearly everybody
should be invited. He had shut himself up too much, he thought--he must
mingle more with the people, and build around himself a wall so strong
that nothing in the future could quite break it down.

Peter and the rest of his servants were consulted and entered heartily
into his plan. Cards of invitation were issued bearing the Crompton
monogram, and a notice inserted in the daily paper to the effect that
any who failed to receive a card were to know it was a mistake, and come
just the same. There was a great deal of excitement among the people,
for it had been a long time since any hospitality had been extended to
them, and they were eager to go, knowing that something fine was to be
expected, as the Colonel never did anything by halves. The day of the
lawn-party was perfect--neither too hot nor too cold--and the sun which
shone upon that humble funeral in the palmetto clearing shone upon a
very different scene in the Crompton grounds, where the people began to
assemble as early as one o'clock. The grass on the lawn was like velvet,
without a stick or stone to be seen, for two gardeners had been at work
upon it since sunrise, cutting and raking, and sprinkling, until it was
as fresh as after a soft summer shower. The late roses and white lilies
were in full bloom, the latter filling the air with a sweet odor and
making a lovely background. There were tables and chairs under the
maples and elms, and rugs and pieces of carpet wherever there was a
suspicion of dampness in the ground. There was a brass band in one part