This was his opportunity.

Re-entering the parlor somewhat ostentatiously, he confronted a tall negro girl who was passing through the room carrying a tiny slipper in her hand.
"Excuse me," he said politely, "but I could not find any one to announce me.

Is Miss Dows at home ?" The girl instantly whipped the slipper behind her.

"Is yo' wanting Miss Mirandy Dows," she asked with great dignity, "oah Miss Sally Dows--her niece?
Miss Mirandy's bin gone to Atlanta for a week." "I have a letter for Miss Miranda, but I shall be very glad if Miss Sally Dows will receive me," returned Courtland, handing the letter and his card to the girl.
She received it with a still greater access of dignity and marked deliberation.

"It's clean gone outer my mind, sah, ef Miss Sally is in de resumption of visitahs at dis houah.