in place by a tall Spanish comb, and decorated with a flower. To be
sure, the details of her costume were only suggested in the vague,
uncertain light, but her pose and manner were unusually impressive.

"I hope you will not think that all Virginians are as inhospitable as
we appear to be, Mr. Henley," she exclaimed, with a graciousness that
was quite bewitching.

"I'm sure," said Henley, "that I have never been treated with greater
consideration by any one; my room is simply perfect!"

"In its way, yes; but its way is that of a century past. But what I
was referring to in the matter of special negligence was the time we
have kept you from food."

"Do you know," Paul replied, "that I have been so absorbed with the
many strange things I have seen since my arrival that I have scarcely
had time to think of food?"

"But I told you that you would be expected to have a good appetite."

"And I have. In fact, when I think of it, I am ravenous," he
answered.

"Then follow me," she said, leading the way toward a heavily-curtained
door upon the right. They passed into a narrow passage, and then,
turning to the left, entered a softly-lighted room. Paul was amazed
at the sight that met his eyes. A round table, set for two, loaded
with flowers, cut glass, and silver, and lighted with wax candles
grouped under a large central shade of yellow silk, with a deep