“Jacob Eaton gave it to him,” Diana replied simply, “he thought he needed it; he’s been out of work, and you know what a nuisance Lysander is.” “But fifty dollars, my dear!” protested Miss Hollis faintly. Diana caught the glances between the judge and Trench and stiffened. “My cousin is generous,” she said. The judge took snuff. Poor Caleb fell into the snare. “Miss Royall, do sit down,” he urged, pushing forward the chair. Diana’s chin went up; her eyes sparkled. “Thank you, I only came for that bolt of pink ribbon,” she said grandly, indicating it with her parasol, and then, opening her purse, “How much is it?” “It’s sold,” said Trench, and shut his lips like a steel trap. Diana turned crimson. “Oh,” she said, then she swung around and drew her arm through Miss Sarah’s thin black silk-clad elbow, that was like the hook of a grappling iron. “I think you were going?” she cooed. The old lady hesitated, confused. “I--I--” she began. “Here’s the carriage,” said Diana sweetly, and drew her out of the door; “there’s room for you, judge,” she called back, not even glancing at Trench. “I’ll walk,” said the judge, “I’m a young man yet; don’t you forget it, my girl!” Diana laughed. “The youngest I know, in heart,” she said, and waved her hand as they drove off. The judge looked at Caleb soberly. “You’ve done it, young man,” he said quietly. A slow painful blush went up to Caleb’s hair. “So be it,” he said bitterly. “I’m human and I’ve borne all I can,” and he turned away. “My God!” he added, with a violence so unusual and so heartfelt that it startled the judge, “does that girl think me the dirt under her feet because I’ve sold ribbon? I’m a gentleman; I’m as well-born and as well-bred as she is, but she won’t recognize it--more than half an hour. One day she’s--she’s an angel of courtesy and kindness, the next she insults me. She and Eaton have made my life here a hell!” He clenched his hands until the nails bit into the flesh. “She’s young,” said Judge Hollis slowly, “and ill advised.” Trench struggled to be calm; his face paled again, the light died out of his eyes. “Let her leave me in peace!” he cried at last. The judge drew a pattern on the floor with his stick. “She admires you immensely,” he said deliberately, “and she respects you.” Trench laughed bitterly. The judge put on his hat again and held out his hand. “I’ll give you the odds on the money, Caleb,” he said, “but I’d like to know--by the Lord Harry, I’d like to know--what Eaton’s buying niggers for at this late date?” He got no answer. Caleb’s face was as set as flint. XII