an expression of offended dignity, and the meal began in depressing
silence, which Mrs. Baron was naturally the first to break. "It must
be evident to you, Louise," she said in a thin, monotonous voice,
"that the time has come for you to consider and revise your conduct.
The fact that your uncle has been kept waiting for his supper is
only one result of an unhappy change which I have observed, but have
forborne to speak of in the hope that your own conscience and the
influence of your past training would lead you to consider and
conform. Think of the precious moments, indeed I may say hours, that
you have wasted this afternoon in idle converse with an old negress
who is no fit companion for you! You are becoming too old--"

"Too old, aunt? Do you at last recognize the fact that I am growing
older?"

With a faint expression of surprise dawning in her impassive face
Mrs. Baron continued: "Yes, old enough to remember yourself and not
to be compelled to recognize the duties of approaching womanhood. I
truly begin to feel that I must forbid these visits to an old,
ignorant and foolish creature whose ideas are totally at variance
with all that is proper and right."

"Uncle thinks I have approached womanhood sufficiently near to know
something of my business affairs, and even went so far as to suggest
his project of marrying me to my cousin in order to unite in sacred--
I mean legal bonds the two plantations."

The two old people looked at each other, then stared at their niece,
who, with hot face, maintained the pretence of eating her supper.
"Truly, Louise," began Mr. Baron, solemnly, "you are indulging in