Mr. Baron evidently concluded that his best method at first would be an expression of offended dignity, and the meal began in depressing silence, which Mrs. Baron was naturally the first to break.  “It must be evident to you, Louise,” she said in a thin, monotonous voice, “that the time has come for you to consider and revise your conduct.  The fact that your uncle has been kept waiting for his supper is only one result of an unhappy change which I have observed, but have forborne to speak of in the hope that your own conscience and the influence of your past training would lead you to consider and conform.  Think of the precious moments, indeed I may say hours, that you have wasted this afternoon in idle converse with an old negress who is no fit companion for you!  You are becoming too old—­”

“Too old, aunt?  Do you at last recognize the fact that I am growing older?”

With a faint expression of surprise dawning in her impassive face Mrs. Baron continued:  “Yes, old enough to remember yourself and not to be compelled to recognize the duties of approaching womanhood.  I truly begin to feel that I must forbid these visits to an old, ignorant and foolish creature whose ideas are totally at variance with all that is proper and right.”

“Uncle thinks I have approached womanhood sufficiently near to know something of my business affairs, and even went so far as to suggest his project of marrying me to my cousin in order to unite in sacred—­ I mean legal bonds the two plantations.”

The two old people looked at each other, then stared at their niece, who, with hot face, maintained the pretence of eating her supper.  “Truly, Louise,” began Mr. Baron, solemnly, “you are indulging in strange and unbecoming language.  I have revealed to you your pecuniary affairs, and I have more than once suggested an alliance which is in accordance with our wishes and your interests, in order to prove to you how scrupulous we are in promoting your welfare.  We look for grateful recognition and a wise, persistent effort on your part to further our efforts in your behalf.”

“It doesn’t seem to me wise to talk to a mere child about property and marriage,” said the girl, breathing quickly in the consciousness of her temerity and her rising spirit of rebellion.

“You are ceasing to be a mere child,” resumed her uncle, severely.

“That cannot be,” Miss Lou interrupted.  “You and aunt speak to me as you did years ago when I was a child.  Can you expect me to have a woman’s form and not a woman’s mind?  Are women told exactly what they must think and do, like little children?  Aunt threatens to forbid visits to my old mammy.  If I were but five years old she couldn’t do more.  You speak of marrying me to my cousin as if I had merely the form and appearance of a woman, and no mind or wishes of my own.  I have never said I wanted to marry him or any one.”

“Why, Louise, you are verging toward flat rebellion,” gasped her uncle, laying down his knife and fork.