“Why, no, I have always been used to it.”

Louis, who liked the honest bluntness of the Quaker, would have willingly prolonged the conversation, simply for the sake of the argument, but just then Minnie entered, holding in her hand a bunch of flowers, and started to show them to her father, before she perceived that any company was in the room.

“Oh father,” said she, “see what I have brought you!” when her eye fell upon the visitors, and a bright flush overspread her cheek, lending it additional beauty.

Charles immediately arose, and giving her his hand, introduced her to his friend.

“I am glad to see you, Minnie; you are looking so well this summer,” said Charles, gazing on her with unfeigned admiration.

“I am glad you think so,” said she, with charming frankness.

Some business having called friend Carpenter from the room, the young people had a pleasant time to themselves, talking of books, poetry, and the current literature of the day, although being students, their acquaintance with these things was somewhat limited.  By the time they were ready to go, Thomas had re-entered the room and bidding them good-bye, cordially invited them to return again.

“What do you think of her?” said Charles to his friend.

“Beautiful as a dream.  The half had not been told.  Her acquaintance pays me for my trip; yes, I would like to become better acquainted with her; there was such a charming simplicity about her, and such unaffected grace that I am really delighted with her.  How is it that you have never fallen in love with her?”

“Oh, I have left that for you; but in fact we have almost grown together, played with each other when we were children, until she appears like one of our family, and to marry her would be like marrying my own sister.”

“How does thee like Charles’ friend?” said Minnie, to her adopted father.

Thomas spoke slowly and deliberately, and said, “He impresses me rather favorably.  I think there’s the making of a man in him.  But I hear that he is pro-slavery.”

“Yes, he is, but I think that is simply the result of former associations and surroundings.  I do not believe that he has looked deeper than the surface of Slavery; he is quite young yet; his reflective faculties are hardly fully awakened.  I believe the time will come, when he will see it in its true light, and if he joins our ranks he will be an important accession to our cause.  I have great hopes of him.  He seems to be generous, kind-hearted, and full of good impulses, and I believe there are grand possibilities in his nature.  How do you like him?”

“Oh, I was much pleased with him.  We had a very pleasant time together.”

In a few days, Charles and Louis called again.  Minnie was crocheting, and her adopted mother was occupied with sewing; while Thomas engaged them in conversation, the subject being the impending conflict; Louis, taking a decided stand in favor of the South, and Thomas being equally strong in his defense of the North.