Rivers had now deserted her, and she really would not sit with her kinsman's cigar a whole evening in the library.

She said, "The night is warm for October, come out onto the porch, George." "With all the pleasure in the world," said Grey, as he followed her.
By habit and training hospitable and now resigned to her fate, Mrs.Ann said, "Light your cigar, George; I do not mind it out-of-doors." "I am greatly indebted--I was given to understand that it was disagreeable to you--like--politics--ah! Cousin Ann." "We are not much given to talking politics," she said rather sharply.
"Not talk politics!" exclaimed Grey.

"What else is there to talk about nowadays?
But why not, Cousin Ann ?" "Well, merely because while I am Southern--and a Democrat, James has seen fit to abandon our party and become a Republican." "Incomprehensible!" said Grey.

"Ours is the party of gentlemen--of old traditions.

I cannot understand it." "Nor I," said she, "but now at least," and she laughed--"there will be one Republican gentleman.