In his brain he could feel the parting one by one of the strings which but now sang in unison.

Discord, darkness, dismay, sat on all the world.
The leisurely foot of Buford sounded on the stair, and he knocked gaily on the door jam as he entered.
"Well, niece," said he, "Mrs.Buford thinks we ought to be starting back for home right soon now." Mary Ellen rose and bowed to Franklin as she passed to leave the room; but perhaps neither she nor Franklin was fully conscious of the leave-taking.

Buford saw nothing out of the way, but turned and held out his hand.

"By the way, Captain Franklin," said he, "I'm mighty glad to meet you, sir--mighty glad.

We shall want you to come down and see us often.