CHAPTER X.
A CHRISTMAS AUGURY.
The slaves at the Pineries were kept with a rather strict hand. Veryfew were sold off the plantation, and then for the gravest misconduct,when whipping had ceased to be efficacious. But they had increasedlargely, and were often hired out, those for the year at Christmas orthe beginning of the year. Christmas Eve there was a general gathering,and they were allowed a sort of ball in the great kitchen, where mostof the rough work was done. There were music and song singing, charmswere tried, and they ended with dancing. All the autumn it was lookedforward to eagerly.
The supper in the main house was early, and the smaller children wereput to bed. The three Masons and young Archibald Floyd, who had hisgrandfather's name, were to be allowed at the "grand occasion." Therewere a number of guests, and seats around the outside were prepared forthem.
"And we used to open the dancing," said Jane. "How proud they wereabout young missy! And we tried some of the charms. Looking for yourfuture husband in a pail of water with a mirror at the bottom. Andjumping over the candles--do you remember that, Polly? What fun we usedto have with the girls! Why, it is three or four years since I havebeen here at Christmastide."
"Oh, will they jump over the candles?" cried Jaqueline. "They did it atthe Fairfaxes' last year, and Betty put the very first one out."
"Why, Betty must be two and twenty," said Jane. "It would be queer ifthe sign came true."
"It doesn't really," laughed Jaqueline. "It is like tipping your chairover and tumbling up stairs."
"I want to try it," declared Dolly. "If you go over the whole seven youare going to be married soon. The others count for years. And if youput the first one out you will surely be an old maid."
Some of the songs were very pretty, some ridiculously funny, severalembellished by pantomime. Then the charms began. The first few wererather simple, and caused an immense amount of giggling among the youngPhillises. The shadow faces were pursued with a certain awe, as if theyreally were something uncanny.
Dolly, Jaqueline, and a young lady guest were the only ones of the"quality" who cared to look.
"It is as much your own shadow as anything," declared Jaqueline, "andit quivers so that you can hardly make it out."
The candles were lighted and placed in a row at even distances. Theyoung lads tried them first. There were no skirts in the way, and theywent over them triumphantly.
"But men can get mah'ied when they like," said Rose, Marian's prettyyoung maid, in her soft half-lisping tone, "but girls can't always."
"Try, Rose!" exclaimed Jaqueline.
"I doan know anyone I want. An' I'm promised to go over to Gray Courtwith Miss Mayan."
"You'll find someone there, perhaps."
Bathsheba, tall and supple, with the figure of a Greek sculpture, wentover the seven triumphantly. Sam caught her by the hand, and a shoutwent up, echoing in a laughing chorus.
Others tried it with varying luck, evident mortification, anddisappointment. There were some who had been practicing in secret thewhole week, and were well prepared.
"Now I am going to try," said Dolly; and there was a general applaudingamong the slaves. The space was made a little larger, though eyes wereeager and necks were craned; and broad smiles illuminated black andbrown faces.
"Way for Miss Dolly now. She goin' ober de whole row. Whoop, now!" andJep gave his knee a resounding slap.
Dolly gathered up her skirts. The first jump was a success, the candleonly flaring a little. The second--then some clapping began. The thirddainty leap brought more applause, then on and on until she had clearedthe mystical number. Shouts and laughter almost shook the roof.
"I knew you could do it, Miss Dolly," said Rose, in exultation. "AndMiss Mayan can, too."
"Now you will see my luck," and Jaqueline stepped out on the floor.
"One--two." Out went the third candle, but Jaqueline kept on and putout the fourth. She had half a mind to be angry.
"Well, two years isn't long to wait," remarked Dolly consolingly.
"It isn't the waiting. I don't see how I could have been so stupid, forI can jump almost anything."
Miss Marshall was a little timid, but went through the ordealsuccessfully, amid bravos.
"Marian, try your luck," said Dolly, as Preston Floyd squeezed herhand so hard it brought a flush to her cheek. "Ought she not, CousinPreston? She's the only remaining single girl here."
"Yes, she must," insisted Jaqueline. "You'll all have time to get goodand ready for my wedding."
Jaqueline had recovered her spirits, and caught Marian's arm, laughinggayly.
"Yes. Why it's rare fun! Come, Marian. Then I'll try. I shall go thewhole seven," declared Preston.
Marian hung back, but they all persisted. If Mr. Greaves had beenthere, or her mother, but the elders had settled to whist, there beingenough for two tables. Some sudden spirit roused her. She had done ittimes before. She would be young and gay just for five minutes.
"Come." Preston was leading her out, to Jane's utter surprise. Marianhad been so dignified for the last twenty-four hours; ten years older,it seemed, than last winter. And how girlish then!
"Marian!"
Preston laughed. "Now, Cousin Marian. The whole seven, for the honor ofthe house of Floyd."
There were two graceful, successful leaps. Her hand trembled, halfa yard of skirt dropped, and out went the third candle. There was ageneral cry of disappointment.
"That was an accident," declared Preston. "Light the candle. Marian,you shall have another chance."
"No, no, no!" She caught Jane's arm. "It was very silly," but her voicehad a strained, broken sound, and she looked frightened.
"Take your turn, Cousin Preston, then let them go to dancing. Thefiddlers are tuning up."
Jane drew her sister a little aside, while Preston Floyd won theacclaim of the crowd.
"Are you happy and satisfied, Marian, or miserable?" she asked in arapid tone, just under her breath. "You are so queer and changed."
"Don't," Marian entreated. "Of course I shall marry Mr. Greaves. Thatwas girlish foolishness, you know. And the candles really didn't meananything. Jaqueline," as the girl had come up to her, "we were both inthe same boat for awkwardness. I think I must be growing old, but youdid not have so good an excuse. Do you want to stay for the dancing?Had we not better all return to the drawing room?"
The younger group demurred.
"Then Jane will stay and play propriety."
Marian turned swiftly, and was gone before Jane could utter a word.But she paused in the hall and leaned up against the door jamb that wasalmost like a column. Her breath came quick and hard.
"It is too late," she said breathlessly, to herself. "And he doesn'tcare. I have passed my word, and to break it would call down a judgmentupon myself. Then--I couldn't," and she shuddered. "I am not daringlike Jaqueline, or even Dolly. But Dolly thinks it best."
When she entered the room her mother glanced up with sharp inquiry thatsoftened as she motioned her to her side.
"Did you get tired of the nonsense?" she asked, in an approving tone."My hand is most played out, and you shall take my place."
Mr. Greaves sat over opposite. He raised his serious, self-complacentface. She could recall another,--eager, warm with rushingemotions,--and it stood back of this one like a shadow. But, somehow,it did not beckon her. She was only a commonplace girl, rather straitlyand strictly reared, with obedience impressed upon her from babyhood.Her father and mother always kept their promises, and she must do thesame.
The fun was fast and furious out in the great kitchen. But at tenthe mistress appeared and made them a little speech. They were to goto their cabins in an orderly manner, and any disturbance would bereported. To-morrow morning they would come for their gifts, and theweek would be one of holidays.
"T'ankee, missus; t'ankee, missus!" came from voices still full ofjollity; and woolly heads bobbed in a tumultuous manner.
Christmas Day was made festive by a grand dinne
r, to which all thegentry round were invited. The children had theirs in a smaller room,with quite ornate serving, and afterward there were games until dark,when the visitors were sent home in the different carriages. Everybodywas tired from the festivities, and the day had certainly been asuccess.
"I suppose the lieutenant is quite crowded out of it all?" inquired Mr.Jettson of his wife. "Really, Mr. Greaves isn't so bad. But Ralstonwill take it mightily hard. He'd wait seven years for a woman. AndMarian seems, somehow, years older, and is beginning to have some ofyour mother's dignity."
"It is all settled, certainly. As a topic it is interdicted, and onedoesn't get a chance at Marian. Mother and father are elated, only thatisn't quite the word to apply to them. And there is the Floyd cousin,very much smitten with Dolly, and I suppose that will be a match. Ifeel as if I had lost both of the girls. I had planned to do so muchfor Marian, and keep her near to me."
Mrs. Jettson sighed plaintively.
"You poor girl! Then you will have to comfort yourself with Jaqueline."
"It's queer," continued Jane retrospectively, "but Randolph's familyseem nearer to me since they are growing up than my own sisters andbrother. Brandon is so bitter against the administration, and such atremendous aristocrat, while Randolph is always jolly and good-humored,if he can't quite approve of what is done. And Jaqueline is sodiverting and attractive, while Mrs. Patricia is charming. If Dollyshould go away----"
"Preston Floyd is an agreeable young fellow. Of course the family isall right, and the money, I suppose. Your father will look out forthat."
"I know Marian isn't happy----"
"It's a sad piece of business, but it is too late to move in it now."
Jane felt this was true. Could her father have made _her_ give up herlover? Certainly he was not as arbitrary then. Or was it her salvationthat no rich lover came to hand?
There was another day of festivity, and a dinner to some who couldnot come on Christmas Day. Miss Greaves was present with the two elderchildren, who were stiff and proper. She did not altogether approve ofthe young wife, when there were more suitable women ready to take herbrother.
The Masons gathered up their flock and drove home immediatelyafterward, Mr. Jettson going with them, and the others were to followthe next day.
"There wasn't much fun at grandpapa's, except on Christmas Eve,"declared Varina. "Archie Floyd thinks he owns the whole world. Ifgrandpapa should die they will come there to live, and Uncle Brandonown the slaves and everything."
"Children must not discuss such matters," said her father ratherperemptorily.
"But Archie said----"
"No matter about Archie."
Varina frowned and twitched her shoulders.
"Papa," said Charles after a pause, "shall you leave the plantation andeverything to Louis because he is the oldest?"
"My son, I warn you that I shall live a long, long while. You will allhave a chance to make your own fortunes and marry and have homes ofyour own. So don't trouble about any such foolishness. And you are alltoo young to consider the point."
"But people do in England."
"We are not in England," commented his father dryly.
"What a mess of nonsense has been talked at the Pineries!" he saidto his wife with some vexation afterward. "Mr. Floyd has grown verygrasping, and thinks so much of money. And that boy puts on airs enoughfor three grown-up fellows. Let children be children, say I, and notbother their heads about the affairs of older people. I'm sorry forMarian. Anyone can see that her heart is not in this marriage. She'schanged beyond everything. But it is set for the spring. Dolly will bemore like to have her own way, as the Fates have sent her an acceptablelover."
Jaqueline was all in a flurry to go to Washington, and started atthe first opportunity. The Carringtons had begged for a week, as somecousins were coming, and they were to give the young people a ball.
"You are a sad gadabout," sighed her father. "But you keep the houseastir here with your coming and going. It is time you began to learnsomething useful. I shall look up a nice steady-going man of forty orthereabouts, and marry you out of hand some day."
"Let me see--is there anyone near here that answers the requirements?"and she laughed saucily as she put her soft arms around her father'sneck. "He must have an estate, of course,--it will not do for me tofall behind-hand in family dignity,--and a long pedigree. Do you knowwhether the Masons, like the old Scotch woman's ancestors, had a boatof their own at the time of the flood?"
"I am pretty sure there must have been Masons," he replied gravely.
Mrs. Jettson received her with open arms. "Jaqueline, have you anyidea of how fortunate you are? Congress is in session, and I have neverknown Washington so gay. And the White House is fine in its new array,while Mrs. Madison is as charming as ever. And Mrs. Van Ness is givingthe most elegant entertainments. Roger Carrington was in here lastevening to see if you really were coming."
"Mrs. Carrington gives a ball next Tuesday evening for some youngvisitors. And I am invited over to Georgetown for a week. So I justcoaxed to come up here a few days, for you would know about suitablegowns. I don't suppose you have heard from Marian?"
"Not a word. But Arthur told Lieutenant Ralston. Really, my dear, hehad half a mind to go up there and tear her out of the family bosomby main force. He couldn't believe it at first. He wrote a letter toMarian, but I am certain no one could get it to her, although he sentby a special messenger. I have given up. And Dolly's engagement isannounced. Mr. Floyd spoke before he went away. I had such a complacentletter from mother. It made me angry, it really did. Well, her wholeduty is done, unless she lives to marry off her granddaughters."
"I suppose Dolly is really in love?" Jaqueline had not considered hervery enthusiastic. She had a girl's romantic ideal of love, fosteredby the attention and affection her father gave her stepmother. Had heloved her own mother in that fashion?
"Dolly is a little ninny!" declared the elder sister in disdain. "Theyall thought she was going wild over that young Chase, but she seemedto drop him easy enough. He is going to the bad as fast as possible,though I don't believe in a woman wrecking her whole life to save aman, for, after all, she rarely does it. And I'm sorry to have Dollygo so far away. Oh, I _do_ wonder if I shall ever be glad to havebaby Jaqueline marry and go out of my sight! Yet I suppose having oldmaids on your hands is rather mortifying. There are some new shops onPennsylvania Avenue, with such pretty things, although there is so muchtalk about the difficulty of getting goods from abroad. And everybodycomplains of money being scarce, but there seems a good deal to spend,some way."
Washington was certainly looking up. Handsome houses were being built,and famous men were to be seen in the streets and at the differententertainments. There were weekly dinner parties at the White House,managed with such tact that no one was affronted, those left outknowing their turn would come next.
Jane and Mr. Jettson had an engagement that evening--"a dinner wherethey are going to talk improvements and the best way of getting a grantfrom Congress; no dancing and no nice young men to flatter a lady,"declared Mr. Jettson. "Jane thinks them tiresome, but she can put in aword now and then, since it is our bread and butter."
"Oh, I'd rather stay at home! There is that 'Lay of the Last Minstrel'to read. Who is this wonderful new poet? Aunt Catharine made meread 'The Course of Time' when I paid her my visit; aloud, too, so Icouldn't skip much, but it was dreadfully tiresome. This goes alongwith a rush."
So Jaqueline settled herself in the easiest chair she could find, andput her feet on the rounds of another. The candles gave a softenedlight; but in spite of interest she was getting drowsy when there was ahasty knock and a discussion in the hall. Then Sam opened the door andushered in Lieutenant Ralston.
"I hope you won't think me a nuisance," as Jaqueline was straighteningherself up in some confusion, and feeling if the knot of abundant hairwas on the top of her head or pushed over one side. "I'm sorry Mrs.Jettson is out, and I recall the fact now that she had an engageme
nt.But I am very glad to see you, selfishly glad. Do I interrupt anythingimportant?"
"Oh, no!" She held out her hand cordially.
"You were up to the Pineries," he began abruptly. "Did Marian seem----"
"We didn't think her real happy." Jaqueline hesitated. How much oughtshe to admit?
"I wrote her a letter. I wanted to know the truth. You see, I have beenperfectly honorable. I told her I would wait seven years or twice sevenyears, and she promised to do the same. I couldn't believe she acceptedthis man of her own free will. And then I wrote, taking precautionsto have it reach her. It has been opened and returned to me without aword. Here it is. That is not Miss Floyd's handwriting."
"It is grandpapa's."
"Do you suppose she gave the letter to him?"
"I am afraid she must have. You see, the engagement has been announcedeverywhere, and they sit together in church. The neighbors give littlecompanies for them, and Mr. Greaves acts as if he had full right toher."
Ralston dashed the letter to the floor. "Then she is weak and false!"he cried in a passion. "I could wait with very little encouragement, solong as it _was_ waiting. We are both young, and I have my fortune tomake. But when she engages herself to another, when--Mrs. Jettson saidthere was talk of a marriage in the spring! Even if she had writtento explain--I think I could have stood being given up by her if shehad said it was a mistake, and she had found she was over-hasty. Itwas sudden--done in those two days; but then I had seen her frequentlyduring her visit to Mrs. Jettson, and I was sure she cared for me. Shehad a kind of shy way--looking back and forth; do you remember it? Butperhaps the glances are only meant for a lover's eyes," smiling faintlyin spite of the anger. "Either she loved me or she was a coquette."
"She is not a coquette!" exclaimed Jaqueline decisively. "And she neverhad a real lover until----" Then the girl stopped and flushed.
"What I can't understand is her accepting this man if she loved me,taking his caresses and his plans for a life together----"
"Oh, he isn't the caressing sort!" interrupted Jaqueline. "And yet Idon't see how she could, if she loved you. I wouldn't have been forcedto accept him. I wouldn't have promised anybody. I would just havewaited. But Grandfather Floyd is very arbitrary, and when he makes uphis mind, there is no relenting. Oh, I am afraid you can't understand!You don't know him."
"The time is past when a woman is compelled to marry a man shedoesn't want," he said with an angry sneer. "I know the old adagesays that a continual dropping will wear away a stone. But this hasbeen such a little while. There may be shaly natures that the droppingdisintegrates rapidly. And you girls never talked with her about it,which seems strange to me."
"We scarcely saw her alone. And we were strictly forbidden to speak ofit."
"Then he must have felt afraid of your influence."
Ralston looked eagerly at the girl, as if he was searching for someground of hope.
"It can't be changed any way, I think. Marian has accepted it, and thewhole neighborhood has congratulated her. The wedding has been put downas a certainty."
"If I pity her I shall keep on loving her and thinking something _may_happen. And if I believe her weak and false I shall despise her and getover it. One couldn't respect such a weak woman!"
Jaqueline wanted to make a protest. It was very hard to be despised,and she thought Marian hardly deserved that.
"I suppose this wouldn't have happened if I had been the rich man," andthere were lines of scorn about his mouth.
Jaqueline knew it wouldn't. Did not money measure most of the thingsin this life? And Lieutenant Ralston was young, energetic, verygood-looking, and delightful; Mr. Greaves was thin, with a largenose, and high, narrow forehead, his hair sprinkled with gray at thetemples. He was gentlemanly, but rather pompous; and there was nothingentertaining about him, unless it was to old Mr. Floyd. Marian hadalways seemed so young.
"If I knew who returned that letter! If I knew _she_ had seen it!" Hewas walking back and forth, and just touched it with the toe of hisboot. It would have a curious sacredness if it had been in her hands;her father's hands and eyes made it a thing to be despised. Had hesneered over it?
"I am quite sure she never saw it," returned Jaqueline decisively.
He picked it up and threw it into the fire.
"You see," he began apologetically, "that I have come to you and Mrs.Jettson because you were near to her and knew her best. I dare say Ihave made myself quite ridiculous, prating of love----"
"Oh, no, not that!" she interrupted quickly. "And I am so sorry it hascome out this way. I was so interested in it all, and even papa likedyou so much."
That was comforting. He would be proud of the esteem of such a man asRandolph Mason. Other men had failed to win their first loves. Even Mr.Madison, as the story went, had been positively engaged to a charmingyoung woman who had changed her mind and married another. And wherewould one find a more devoted couple than the President and his wife,who had had her youthful love and misfortunes and sorrows?
"When a man resolves to put a thing out of his mind he can do it if hehas any force of character." Ralston held his head up very erect now,though he still kept pacing the floor.
"That would be best," advised Jaqueline.
"Oh, yes; there is no use going about the world crying for the moon,when the sun shines as much again, and there is a good deal to do. SoI shall not be a lovelorn swain, but go on with an earnest effort, forI have some ambitions, and though the times may seem tame by contrastwith the stirring events of our fathers', there are still gravequestions to study. It is not all froth and amusement. I hope you aregoing to remain a while. You're like a sister to Mrs. Jettson."
"I am invited to Georgetown for a week. And I think I shall stay quitea while. It's so delightful here, and rather dull at home. I do missPatricia very much."
"And there is a ball at the Carringtons'. I am glad you are to bethere. Roger and I are fast friends. And now have I not bored youenough? I will try to make amends in the future. Will you tell Mrs.Jettson the result of my letter? She warned me. Your father warned me;but I suppose willful youth will have its own way. Good-night. Let mesee--there is a levee to-morrow evening, and you have not seen the newplenishings yet. We are very grand in yellow satin and damask. If Mrs.Jettson is not engaged you must go."
"Poor Marian!" Jaqueline sighed, in relating the interview to Jane andcontrasting the lovers. "I don't believe grandpapa could compel me,and she is so much older, too. And when she sees Dolly's delight andhappiness!"
"I have given her up," confessed Mrs. Jettson. "She may be comfortable,and perhaps happier than at home. Oh, Jaqueline, be thankful that yourfather doesn't belong to the Floyd branch! For Brandon will be hisfather right over again. There must be a sort of Puritan strand inthem. When you find me so stiff and strenuous you had better banish meat once."
Jaqueline met some people at the levee who remembered her, whichwas quite flattering to the young girl. She hardly knew which ofher cavaliers she admired most, the fine-looking lieutenant or Mr.Carrington. Both were made much of by the ladies, and cordiallyrecognized by the men of the period who were to be the heroes ofsucceeding generations.
The ball was quite delightful. Though it was given for the youngpeople, there were mothers and aunts, and not a few fathers who droppedin later in the evening. Young people were not left to themselves, andthe elders enjoyed seeing the pretty triumphs of their daughters andtelling little anecdotes of their own youth and their conquests.
It was true that Lieutenant Ralston did not wear the willow outwardly.Yet as time went on and his love for Marian having nothing to feedupon chilled the warm exultation of hope, he grew a trifle bitter atheart, and indulged in some cynical reflections that had stings of wit.Indeed, wit and repartee were largely cultivated then. There were fewbooks to talk about, except among the learned men, who still affectedclassic lore. And it was not considered a womanly accomplishment forthe fair sex to be versed in politics. It seems strange to us nowthat there shoul
d have been so much talk in letters and journals aboutfinery and fashion, and who was paying his addresses to this or thatyoung damsel, and the furnishing of someone's new house.
Perhaps the women of that time were more discreet. For Mrs. Madisonmust have been close in her husband's confidence all those tryingyears, and known how to leave a good deal unsaid. But general societythen was for the entertainment of all, and each one was expected to dohis or her share. Good-breeding was a virtue.
Jaqueline was gay enough. Virginian girls had a charm andattractiveness besides mere beauty of feature. So week by week herreturn home was put off, until a visit from Dolly Floyd was announced.Mr. Floyd was quite ailing, and his wife could not leave him. Mrs.Mason was asked to consult with Mrs. Jettson and see what was proper,and have the wedding trousseau prepared, since Dolly was to go away,and there was hardly time to send abroad. Mr. Floyd had insisted upona wedding just after Easter, as he was to go to New York to attend tosome business for his father, and he would be delighted to have Dollybear him company.
"But Marian?" exclaimed Mrs. Mason, when Dolly had unfolded her budget.
"Marian insists that she won't be married until June. And mother hasgiven her that beautiful pearl-satin gown in which she was married topapa, and after that she grew so stout she could never wear it. Butmother prefers that she shall be married in white. Marian has grown tobe quite an old woman already; you can't think how queer she is!"
Mrs. Mason's heart went out with sympathy to her young sister-in-law,who was trying in such a rigid fashion to fit herself for her newlife. Mrs. Jettson felt rather hurt at first that the matter was notdelegated wholly to her, since the shopping and the work must be donein Washington.
"But, you see, I am to get some things in New York afterward, and Mrs.Marshall brought over some patterns that her sister sent from Paris,and she is to send us her mantua-maker. You know she had Sarah trained,when they were over, to make frocks and caps and mantles. She is to sewfor Marian."
"And is Marian as happy as you?" asked Mrs. Jettson, studying the younggirl.
Dolly shrugged her shoulders. She was a flippant little thing, occupiedmostly with herself. Her own pleasure came first.
"I don't see how she can be, with that stick of a lover. I'm sure youcan't compare him with Preston. But if he suits her--and she's tryingto take an interest in the children. I think they're hideous. Oh, Jane,it is a great shame the lieutenant hadn't been better off! He's sucha delightful fellow. There was a dreadful time about him. But, goodgracious! I was not to say a word," and Dolly turned pale.
"Do you know whether Marian had a letter from him soon after theholidays?"
"Did he write? Why, that was romantic! No--I do not believe it reachedher. And if it had, it couldn't have altered anything. Mr. Greaves isvery much in earnest, and Marian will have one of the finest houses inthe county. Then he talks of going to England and leaving the two olderchildren for their education. Some cousin or uncle or relative died awhile ago; and if someone else should die he would come in for a titleand a fine estate. Father is quite elated over that. Father should havebeen born an English aristocrat," and Dolly laughed. "But if I wasn'tso in love with Preston I might be captured by the young soldier orsome of the beaus with which Washington abounds. Oh, dear! if we couldhave come to the inauguration! I'm glad to go away, for it's wretchedlydull all about the Pineries. And Charleston is quite gay, Prestonwrites."
The shopping was done, and the gowns and coats and pelisses left atMrs. Sweeny's, who was quite celebrated for her taste.
Then Dolly was suddenly summoned home. Her father had a poorly spell,and Mr. Greaves had met with an accident. As he was going to mount hishorse one morning to ride over to the Pineries, an owl that had beennesting in a tree near the house made a flight across the lawn, atwhich the horse shied and knocked down his master, whose head struckthe stepping-stone, and he had lain unconscious ever since, but nobones were broken. They had a hope that it would not prove serious,since Mr. Greaves had an excellent constitution and had never been illa day in his life.