Mrs. McVeigh smiled and pointed across the field, where some men were just then running after a couple of dogs who barked vociferously in short, quick yelps, bespeaking a hot trail before them. "There is a living contradiction of your idea," she said; "the Southerners are intensity personified when the game is worth it; the game may be a fox chase or a flirtation, a love affair or a duel, and our men require no urging for any of those pursuits." They were quite close to the men now, and the Marquise declared they were a perfect addition to the scene of moonlit savannas backed by the masses of wood now near, now far, across the levels. Two of them had reached the road when the carriage wheels attracted attention from the dogs, and they halted, curious, questioning. "Why, it's our Pluto!" exclaimed Mrs. McVeigh; "stop the carriage. Pluto, what in the world are you doing here?" Pluto came forward smiling, pleased. "Welcome home, Mrs. McVeigh. I'se jest over Loringwood on errend with yo' all letters to Miss Lena an' Miss Sajane. Letters was stopped long time on the road someway; yo' all get here soon most as they did. Judge Clarkson--he aimen' to go meet yo' at Savannah--start in the mawning at daybreak. He reckoned yo' all jest wait there till some one go fo' escort." "Evilena is at Loringwood, you say? Then Miss Loring and her uncle have got over from Charleston?" "Yes, indeedy!--long time back, more'n a week now since they come. Why, how come you not hear?--they done sent yo' word; I _know_ Miss Lena wrote you, 'cause she said so. Yes'm, the folks is back, an' Miss Sajane an' Judge over there this minute; reckon they'll feel mighty sorry yo' all passed the gate." "Oh, but the letter never reached me. I had no idea they were home, and it is too far to go back I suppose? How far are we from the house now?" "Only 'bout a mile straight 'cross fields like we come after that 'possum, but it's a good three miles by the road." "Well, you present my compliments and explain the situation to Miss Loring and the Judge. We will drive on to the Terrace. Say I hope to see them all soon as they can come. Evilena can come with you in the morning. Tell Miss Gertrude I shall drive over soon as I am rested a little--and Mr. Loring, is he better?" "Heap better--so Miss Gertrude and the doctor say. He walks roun' some. Miss Gertrude she mightily taken with Dr. Delaven's cure--she says he jest saved Mahs Loring's life over there in France." "Dr. Delaven!" uttered the voice of the Marquise, in soft surprise--"_our_ Dr. Delaven?" and as she spoke her hand stole out and touched that of the handsome serving woman she called Louise; "is he also a traveller seeking adventure in your South?" "Did I not tell you?" asked Mrs. McVeigh. "I meant to. Gertrude's note mentioned that her uncle was under the care of our friend, the young medical student, so you will hear the very latest of your beloved Paris."