"It's very mean of you all," she said. "He is a perfect gentleman. You are cruel and unjust to condemn people for the colour of their skin."
Her father did not answer her, but when she had gone looked at his wife. Their glances met and fell. They both sighed deeply.
The next day Washington Gibbs called, but only saw Mr. Allison, and he did not come again. Lucy did not appear disappointed. She was gay and full of plans to amuse the guests in the evening. She arranged the tables for cards so that all had partners except herself. "I will be the orchestra," she said beaming, "when I find my music." She disappeared for over an hour. George thought it the dullest assembly he had ever been at till she returned. She had found her music after much seeking. Would they spare George to turn the leaves for her? George was spared gladly—he was playing vilely.
III
Washington Gibbs did not appear again, but one day Virginia came upon an envelope
S
