CHAPTER II

GENTLEMEN, BE CALM!

Two nights after, a carriage, driven by a pompous black coachman,
rolled up to a rambling frame structure surrounded by locust trees.
The Honourable Richard and Mrs. Cavenleigh stepped out and were
welcomed at the home of the Churchills.

When the callers reached the sitting-room, Mrs. Cavenleigh was
given a wicker arm-chair and footstool and Mr. Cavenleigh a com-
fortable spot near the fireplace. just then Miss Bessie, dark and
Winsome, came in beaming with smiles and greetings till she learned,
with great disappointment, that Catherine couldn’t come because
she was away in Albany, visiting old friends-the Carletons.

Mr. Churchill, a short, heavy-set man with double chin, opened a
small inlaid box which he brought from a near-by cabinet.
“ Richard,” he said, addressing his guest, “ try some of my tobacco.
Direct from old Kentucky and as fresh as a daisy.”

“ Ah I it looks choice. Imported, eh? ”

“ Friends in Lexington sent it up.”

Mr. Cavenleigh took a portion in his palm. “ Has a likely odour,
Philip,” he said, “ a likely odour, true enough.”

“ I think you’ll find it a rare smoke.”

Mr. Cavenleigh began filling his pipe, his tall figure facing the
group. “Philip,” he said genially, “ I’ve an important question,
before I trust myself with this weed.”

“ Yes, come along.”

“ This tobacco isn’t tainted with Henry Clay’s politics, is it? ”

“ By Jupiter, I Wouldn’t wonder if it is.”

The two laughed and glanced at the ladies.

“ See here,” joined Mrs. Churchill, shaking her head good-
naturedly. “ You know I’m a Vermonter. Don’t you dare step

on my toes.”
“Better be dashed careful, Richard,” winked Mr. Churchill.

“ My wife has enough Yankee relatives to fill Noah’s Ark.”
Mr. Cavenleigh bowed. “Of course,” he replied; “ I know all

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