Ferris indignantly.
"Judith, the moral is as obvious as it is necessary."
Mrs. Ferris gave her a reproachful look and turned to the
children.
"You will all be here next Sunday, won't you?--and at the same
hour?" she said, rising.
There was a sudden clatter of hoofs beyond the door. A man, well
dressed and well mounted had ridden into the yard. As Mrs.
Ferris came from the cabin he flung himself out of the saddle
and, hat in hand, approached her.
"I am hunting a place called the Barony; can you tell me if I am
on the right road?" he asked. He was a man in the early
thirties, graceful and powerful of build, with a handsome face.
"It is my husband you wish to see? I am Mrs. Ferris."
"Then General Quintard is dead?" His tone was one of surprise.
"His death occurred over a year ago, and my husband now owns the
Barony; were you a friend of the general's ?"
"No, Madam; he was my father's friend, but I had hoped to meet
him." His manner was adroit and plausible.
Mrs. Ferris hesitated. The stranger's dress and bearing was that
of a gentleman, and he could boast of his father's friendship
with General Quintard. Any doubts she may have had she put
aside.
"Will you ride on with us to the Barony and meet my husband, Mr.
--?" she paused.
"Murrell--Captain Murrell. Thank you; I should like to see the
old place. I should highly value the privilege," then his eyes
rested on Miss Malroy.
"Betty, let me present Captain Murrell.
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