“Yes; class of ’67. He left college when the war broke out and served in the army――the Southern army, you know.” John nodded. “Then after it was over he came back and finished college. He married three days after he graduated, but his wife died less than a year later. And he didn’t marry again until he was nearly forty. Mamma says Margey and I came mighty near not being born, because she refused my father three times before she finally gave in.” “Your father was persevering,” laughed John. “Margey is your sister? Have you any brothers?” “No, there’s just Margey and me. Margey is two years older than I.” “And how old are you?” “Nineteen last June. I――I reckon you’re a good deal more than that?” “Twenty-four,” answered John. “I understood from Corliss that your mother is somewhat of an invalid.” “Yes, she’s never been right well since I can remember. And since father died she has been a good deal worse, I fear.” “I can understand that,” answered John. “And of course the care of such a big place as――Elaine, is it?――must be hard on her.” “Well, she doesn’t have much to do with it. Margey has always looked after things ever since she was big enough. She’s got lots of sense, has Margey. And then there’s the overseer; he’s been with us for about twenty years, I reckon.” “I see.” John felt something cold against his hand and looked down to find the setter beside him. “Hello, what’s your name?” “Her name’s Tudor Maid,” answered Phillip. “She’s out of Valley Maid by Tudor Prince, and one of the finest bird dogs in Virginia. She’s getting pretty old, though, now; she’s eleven. I just couldn’t bear to give her up and so I brought her along with me. She’s having a mighty dull time of it, though, I reckon; aren’t you, girl? I take her out for walks whenever I can, but somehow I don’t seem to be able to find much time for walking.” “Well, what do you say to taking a tramp now?” asked John. “It’s a fine afternoon and I usually try to get out on Sunday; and it’ll give the dog a run.” “I should like to go very much,” answered Phillip eagerly. “That is, if――if you weren’t going with some one else?”