The
shouts of the driver and the darky hostlers, the pounding of horses'
feet in the bouldered yard below, the rush of footsteps across the
broad veranda, and the sudden opening of the door by an ebony porter,
--all went to divert the attention of those who waited eagerly by the
fireplace to catch a glimpse of new arrivals.
Preceded by bags and satchels and rugs, there came two women out of
the drenched night into the glow of the firelit room. Two of the girls
in the circle stared for a moment, and then, with sharp cries of
surprise, rushed over to the desk where the newcomers stood, having
been conducted by the porters: two pretty girls from Baltimore. The
group looked on with interest while greetings were exchanged.
The arrivals were persons of consequence. Two French maids followed
them into the room and stood at the foot of the staircase, respectful
but with the composure which denotes tolerance. In those days few
people in the South presented an opulence extending to French maids.
The younger of the two women at the desk was tall, slender and
strikingly attractive: of the dashing, brilliant type.
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