She lingered, putting things in order on her work-table, wondering what Leila could have said to thus influence a man the village described as "set in his ways." She was curious to know, but not of a mind to question Leila.
Before going to bed, she went to her own sitting-room on the left of the hall.

It was sacred to domestic and church business.

It held a few books and was secured by long custom from men's tobacco smoke.

She sat down and wrote to her cousin, George Grey.
"DEAR GEORGE: If politics do not keep you, we shall look for you this month.

There are colts to criticize and talk over, Leila is eager to see her unknown cousin before she goes to school near Baltimore this September.
"I believe this town will go for Buchanan, but I am not sure.