Mrs. Donald answered. "One American lady told me that she was christened Virginia by Mr. Allison when she was a tiny baby. He was so amused at her appearance—like a little picanniny, with her black curls—but he did not think she would grow up keeping the resemblance. The other explanation is that she was called so before he adopted her—if she is not their own—by her real parents. Of course, in America the race feeling is so strong against any coloured people that the Allisons were treated rather coldly, I imagine."
"What a shame," some one said. "I'm sure I think Virginia more Spanish-looking than negro, and we must take them as we find them. They are kind, sweet people. I don't believe a word against them."
"Have I said a word against them?" Mrs. Donald said coldly. "I am sure I never meant to. I am very fond of them myself, and know nothing of the truth about Virginia." She spoke regretfully. "I have never even hinted there was anything wrong in it all—though it was strange that they were thrust out of American society."
"Thrust out?" Miss Anderson questioned.
