He reached over, took hold of the sword and drew it part way out of the scabbard. "For a long time I have kept it hidden in my closet," he said, pulling the blade further out and then shoving it back to the hilt. "I was afraid of a sharper and perhaps a juster weapon--my old father's tongue." He got up with a shudder, turned his back upon me and stood at the window. "The time may come when I shall acknowledge that I was bewitched," he said, looking out into the darkness. "But her love and her encouragement urge me on. Dan,"--and now he faced about--"Dan, the woman I love is a champion of the Southern cause. She said that she could not love me if--but it is cruel of me to tell you of love and of smiles. Your heart is sore; I have long known it. But--" "Master, please don't think of me. Do you need me now?" I asked. "If not, I will go out." "Go and stay as long as you choose," he said. Titine was singing to the little child. The door was partly open and I looked into the room. She was bending over the cradle, her long hair hanging loose. I heard Miss May talking in Old Master's room. "Titine." "What do you want?" she asked, looking at me. "Is the child asleep?" "What is that to you?" "Please don't snap at me that way. I want to talk to you--in the yard alone." "I know what you would say, and you needn't say it." "No, you don't. I have something to tell you that I never told before. I am going away and I want to talk to you." "Oh, going with your master? Poor fool, to fight against your own interest, but you can't help it--You are a piece of yellow property." "So is gold," I declared. "Yes, so is gold, a piece of yellow property." "But will you come down?" "What is the use? You have already told me." "And have you said all that you could say?" "Yes, you are a poor fool." "Your frankness will become insulting, the first thing you know." "Indeed! Shut the door, please." "Are you a human being?" "No." "I believe you are but a beautiful witch." "Thank you. Even witches like a compliment. Shut the door, please." I shut the door with a slam and I heard the child crying as I strode down the stairs. CHAPTER XXVI.