As she went smilingly toward her seat in the schoolroom she passed
Elinor Mayhew, who was already seated.

"Yankee!" whispered Elinor sharply, looking at her with scornful eyes.

But Sylvia, remembering that her father had said that all Americans were
Yankees, nodded to the older girl and responded: "Yankee your-self!"




CHAPTER III

SYLVIA IN TROUBLE


The Hayes plantation was about ten miles distant from Charleston, on the
opposite side of the Ashley River. Flora told Sylvia and Grace that the
Hayes coachman would drive them out, and that they would start early on
Saturday morning. Sylvia, remembering her former visit, knew well how
delightful the drive would be, and thinking of the pleasure in store
quite forgot to be troubled by Elinor Mayhew's hostility.

At recess the girls usually walked about in the garden, or tossed a ball
back and forth. Miss Rosalie would sit on the broad piazza overlooking
the garden, her fingers busy with some piece of delicate embroidery.

To-day, as they filed out and down the steps, Elinor whispered to
several of her companions. And suddenly Sylvia realized that she was
standing alone. Grace Waite had lingered to speak to Miss Rosalie; Flora