He didn't happen to tell YO' anything about it--did he, co'nnle ?" she added with a grave mouth, but an indescribable twinkle in her eyes.
Courtland's face darkened.

"He did--and he further told me, Miss Dows, that he himself was your suitor, and that you had refused him because of the objections of your people." She raised her eyes to his swiftly and dropped them.
"And yo' think I ought to have accepted him ?" she said slowly.
"No! but--you know--you told me"-- he began hurriedly.

But she had already risen, and was shaking out the folds of her dress.
"We're not talking BUSINESS co'nnle--and business was my only excuse for coming here, and taking Sophy's place.

I'll send her in to yo', now." "But, Miss Dows!--Miss Sally!" She stopped--hesitated--a singular weakness for so self-contained a nature--and then slowly produced from her pocket a second letter--the one that Courtland had directed to the company.

"I didn't read THIS letter, as I just told yo' co'nnle, for I reckon I know what's in it, but I thought I'd bring it with me too, in case YO' CHANGED YO'R MIND." He raised himself on his pillow as she turned quickly away; but in that single vanishing glimpse of her bright face he saw what neither he nor any one else had ever seen upon the face of Sally Dows--a burning blush! "Miss Sally!" He almost leaped from the bed, but she was gone.