things."

"That's just where the trouble lies, uncle. You and aunt have tried
to make her feel and act as if as old as yourselves. She's no longer
a child; neither is she exactly a woman. All young creatures at her
age are skittish. Bless you, she wouldn't be a Baron if she hadn't
lots of red, warm blood. So much the better. When I've married her
she'll settle down like other Southern girls."

"I think we had better discuss these matters more privately,
nephew," said Mrs. Baron.

"Beg pardon, I reckon we had, aunt. My advice, however, is that we
act first and discuss afterward."

"We'll talk it over to-morrow, nephew," said Mr. Baron. "Of course
as guardian I must adopt the best and safest plan."

Chunk's ears were long if he was short, and in waiting on a soldier
near the window he caught the purport of this conversation.




CHAPTER V

WHATELY'S IDEA OF COURTSHIP


When waiting on the table, Zany either stood like an image carved