Her father shook his head as he slowly peeled an orange. "Because I have given him my word, my dear. The only stipulation he made when I engaged him was that he should not be required to drive on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, and, when I hear people complaining about their surly, incapable coachmen, I consider it is a light price to pay. Pompey is as sober as a church and as pleasant-tempered in a rain storm as a water-spaniel,--no matter what hour of the night you keep him waiting; so it is the least we can do to let the poor fellow be sure of one evening to himself;" and the Judge opened his Times and began to study the money market. "Well," said Isabelle crossly. "I, for one, don't believe in allowing servants to have such cast-iron rules. It savors too much of socialism." "Exactly so," said Louis from the doorway, where he stood leisurely buttoning his gloves. "You will never pose as the goddess of liberty, _ma belle soeur_. It is a good thing that Lincoln got the Emancipation bill signed before you came into power, or dusky millions might still be weeping tears of blood." Isabelle swept past him with an indignant toss of her head, and the front door closed after the trio with a metallic clang. "I don't wonder the poor child is annoyed," said Mrs. Hildreth as she played with her grapes. "It is very embarrassing when people know that we keep a carriage; and the Joliettes are such sticklers in the matter of etiquette. It is a ridiculous fad of yours, Lawrence, to be so punctilious." "But, my dear, I gave him my word of honor!" "What if you did? There are exceptions to every rule." "Not in the Hildreth code of honor, Kate." "Nonsense! What does a colored coachman understand about that! Why, Evadne, you cannot go to prayer meeting alone!" she exclaimed, as Evadne came into the room with her hat on. "Your uncle is busy and I am too tired, so there is no way for you to get home." "I am going to Dyce's church, Aunt Kate. Pompey will bring me home." "Among a lot of shouting negroes! You must be crazy, child!" "Their souls are white, Aunt Kate, and there is no color line on the Rock of Ages." "Oh, well, tastes differ," said her aunt carelessly, "but it is a strange fancy for Judge Hildreth's niece. Next thing you will suggest going to board with Pompey." "I might fare a good deal worse," said Evadne with her soft laugh. "Dyce keeps her rooms like waxwork and she is a capital cook." "Really, Evadne, I am in despair! You have not an iota of proper pride. How are you going to maintain your position in society?" "I don't believe I care to test the question, Aunt Kate; but I think my position will maintain itself." "Well said, Evadne," said her uncle, looking up from his paper. "You will never forget you are a Hildreth, eh?" "Higher than that, uncle," said Evadne softly. "I am a sister of Jesus Christ."