He did not dare to say that the quaint frock she was then wearinga plain checked household gingham used for childrens pinafores, with its ribbons of the same pattern, gathered in bows at the smart apron pocketshad become a part of her beauty, for he was already hopelessly conscious that she was lovely in anything, and he might be impelled to say so. He thanked her gravely and earnestly, but without gallantry or effusion, and had the satisfaction of seeing the mischief in her eyes increase in proportion to his seriousness, and heard her say with affected concern: Bear up, connle! Dont let it worry yo till the time comes, and took his leave.
On the following Sunday he was present at the Redlands Episcopal Church, and after the service stood with outward composure but some inward chafing among the gallant youth who, after the local fashion, had ranged themselves outside the doors of the building. He was somewhat surprised to find Mr. Champney, evidently as much out of place as himself, but less self-contained, waiting in the crowd of expectant cavaliers. Although convinced that the young Englishman had come only to see Miss Sally, he was glad to share his awkward isolation with another stranger, and greeted him pleasantly. The Dows pew, being nearer to the entrance than the Reeds, gave up its occupants first. Colonel Courtland lifted his hat to Miss Miranda and her niece at the same moment that Champney moved forward and ranged himself beside them. Miss Sally, catching Courtlands eye, showed the whites of her own in a backward glance of mischievous significance to indicate the following Reeds. When they approached, Courtland joined them, and finding himself beside Miss Octavia entered into conversation. Apparently the suppressed passion and sardonic melancholy of that dark-eyed young lady spurred him to a lighter, gayer humor even in proportion as Miss Sallys good-natured levity and sunny practicality always made him serious. They presently fell to the rear with other couples, and were soon quite alone.
A little haughty, but tall and erect in her well-preserved black grenadine dress, which gave her the appearance of a youthful but implacable widow, Miss Reed declared she had not seen the connle for a coons age, and certainly had not expected to have the honor of his company as long as there were niggers to be elevated or painted to look like white men. She hoped that he and paw and Sally Dows were happy! They hadnt yet got so far as to put up a nigger preacher in the place of Mr. Symes, their rector, but she understood that there was some talk of running Hannibal JohnsonMiss Dows coachmanfor county judge next year! No! she had not heard that the connle HIMSELF had thought of running for the office! He might laugh at her as much as he likedhe seemed to be in better spirits than when she first saw himonly she would like to know if it was Nothn style to laugh coming home from church? Of course if it WAS she would have to adopt it with the Fourteenth Amendment. But, just now, she noticed the folks were staring at them, and Miss Sally Dows had turned round to look. Nevertheless, Miss Octavias sallow cheek nearest the colonelthe sunny sidehad taken a faint brunettes flush, and the corners of her proud mouth were slightly lifted.
But, candidly, Miss Reed, dont you think that you would prefer to have old Hannibal, whom you know, as county judge, than a stranger and a Northern man like ME?
Miss Reeds dark eyes glanced sideways at the handsome face and elegant figure beside her. Something like a saucy smile struggled to her thin lips.
There mightnt be much to choose, Connle.
I admit it. We should both acknowledge our mistress, and be like wax in her hands.
Yo ought to make that pooty speech to Sally Dows, shes generally mistress around here. But, she added, suddenly fixing her eyes on him, how does it happen that yo aint walking with her instead of that Englishman? Yo know that its as plain as day that he took that land over there just to be near her, when he was no longer agent.
But Courtland was always master of himself and quite at ease regarding Miss Sally when not in that ladys presence. You forget, he said smilingly, that Im still a stranger and knew little of the local gossip; and if I did know it, I am afraid we didnt bargain to buy up with the LAND Mr. Champneys personal interest in the LANDLADY.
Yo d have had your hands full, for I reckon shes pooty heavily mortgaged in that fashion, already, returned Miss Reed with mere badinage than spitefulness in the suggestion. And Mr. Champney was run pooty close by a French cousin of hers when he was here. Yo havent got any French books to lend me, connlehave yo? Paw says you read a heap of French, and I find it mighty hard to keep up MY practice since I left the Convent at St. Louis, for paw dont knew what sort of books to order, and I reckon he makes awful mistakes sometimes.
The conversation here turning upon polite literature, it appeared that Miss Octavias French reading, through a shy, proud innocence and an imperfect knowledge of the wicked subtleties of the language, was somewhat broad and unconventional for a young lady. Courtland promised to send her some books, and even ventured to suggest some American and English novels not intensely Nothn nor metaphysicalaccording to the accepted Southern beliefs. A new respect and pitying interest in this sullen, solitary girl, cramped by tradition, and bruised rather than enlightened by sad experiences, came over him. He found himself talking quite confidentially to the lifted head, arched eyebrows, and aquiline nose beside him, and even thinking what a handsome high-bred BROTHER she might have been to some one. When they had reached the house, in compliance with the familiar custom, he sat down on one of the lower steps of the veranda, while she, shaking out her skirt, took a seat a step or two above him. This enabled him, after the languid local fashion, to lean on his elbow and gaze up into the eyes of the young lady, while she with equal languor looked down upon him. But in the present instance Miss Reed leaned forward suddenly, and darting a sharp quick glance into his very consciousness said:
And yo mean to say, connle, theres nothing between yo and Sally Dows?
Courtland neither flushed, trembled, grew confused, nor prevaricated.
We are good friends, I think, he replied quietly, without evasion or hesitation.
Miss Reed looked at him thoughtfully, I reckon that is soand no more. And thats why yo ve been so lucky in everything, she said slowly.
I dont think I quite understand, returned Courtland, smiling. Is this a paradoxor a consolation?
Its the TRUTH, said Miss Reed gravely. Those who try to be anything more to Sally Dows lose their luck.
That isare rejected by her. Is she really so relentless? continued Courtland gayly.
I mean that they lose their luck in everything. Something is sure to happen. And SHE cant help it either.
Is this a Sibylline warning, Miss Reed?
No. Its nigger superstition. It came from Mammy Judy, Sallys old nurse. Its part of their regular Hoo-doo. She bewitched Miss Sally when she was a baby, so that everybody is bound to HER as long as they care for her, and she isnt bound to THEM in any way. All their luck goes to her as soon as the spell is on them, she added darkly.
I think I know the rest, returned Courtland with still greater solemnity. You gather the buds of the witch-hazel in April when the moon is full. You then pluck three hairs from the young ladys right eyebrow when she isnt looking