e Sue does not like gentlemen save
my Uncle, the General Robert?" I asked with great interest. I was glad
in my heart that I was soon to see and speak with a nice girl even if
it had to be in character of a man.
"Oh, she loves us--all," answered that Mr. Buzz with the greatest
gloom. "_All_ of us--every blamed son-of-a-gun of us."
"Oh, I comprehend now that it is your wish that she love only you, Mr.
Clendenning, and are sad that she does not," I said as I looked at him
with much sympathy.
"That is about it, Prince, but don't say I said so. Everybody chases
Susan. She even wins an occasional ice cream smile from His
Excellency. I bet she'd go up against that august iceberg itself in a
try-out for a 'First Lady of the State' badge if Mrs. Pat Whitworth
hadn't got the whole woman bunch to believe she has a corner on his
ice. Mrs. Pat is some little cornerer, believe me."
"Oh, I did like that Madam Whitworth, and I hope that it will be my
pleasure to see her again soon," I said with an ice in my voice as I
caught my breath while Mr. Buzz Clendenning drove between two cars and
a wagon with not so much as an inch to spare on all three sides of the
car. It is as I like to drive when at the wheel, but sitting beside
another--
"You'll see her at the Governor's dinner for you Tuesday, if not
sooner, and just watch her and the General war dance with each other.
He opens his eyes when Mrs. Pat attacks and he imagines he is the
whole Harpeth Valley Militia defending His Excellency of Iceland from
her wiles. Just watch him!" And this time it was three wagons that we
slid between and beyond.
"Why is it that the great Gouverneur Faulkner has such a coldness for
ladies?" I asked of that Mr. Buzz. "I did find him to be of such a
beautiful kindness."
"He's been too much chased. He's got his fingers crossed on them, they
tell me. Just watch him in action at his dinner. He side-steps so
gently that they never know it."
"Why is it then that he gives to me this dinner of honor when he so
dislikes all--that is, I mean to ask of you why is it that I am so
honored by that very great Gouverneur Faulkner of the State of
Harpeth?" I asked, and I had a great fright that I had again so nearly
betrayed Robert Carruthers to be one of the sex so hated by that noble
gentleman, the Gouverneur Faulkner. "I must think of myself as a man
in future," I commanded myself.
"Didn't the General tell you about it? It is to introduce you to the
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