hter's carriage. Mrs. Meredith had spent the morning in the Senate,
being interested in the subject under debate. She was going to take her
father home to lunch, and as she was about to enter her carriage her
glance fell upon the approaching figures of Uncle Matt and his companion.

"Father," she said, "there is the faithful retainer of the De Willoughby
claimants, and there is not a shadow of a doubt that he is in search of
you. I am convinced that he wishes to present that tall Southerner under
the big hat."

In a moment's space Uncle Matt was before them. The deprecatory respect
implied by his genuflections could scarcely be computed.

"Senator Milner, sah," he said, "Doctah Williams Atkinson of Delisleville
has had de kindness to say he do me de favior to come yeah, sah, to
tes'ify, sah----"

The large hat was removed by its owner with a fine sweep. "The old fellow
thinks I can do his people a service, Senator," explained Dr. Atkinson.
"He is the servant of the De Willoughby claimants, and it seems there has
been some question of Judge De Willoughby's loyalty. During the war, sir,
he was called disloyal by his neighbours, and was a much hated man."

Uncle Matt's lips were trembling. He broke forth, forgetting the careful
training of his youth.

"Dar wasn't a gen'elman in de county," he cried, "dar wasn't a gen'elman
in de State, mo' hated an' 'spised an' mo' looked down on."

The lean Southerner nodded acquiescently. "That's true," he said. "It's
quite true. He was a copperhead and a firebrand. We detested him. He
insulted me at my own table by refusing to sit down under the Southern
flag, and the matter ended with pistols."

"This is interesting, by Jove," said the Senator, and he looked from
Uncle Matt to his capture. "I should like to hear more of it."

"Will you confer a pleasure on me by coming home to lunch with us?" said
Mrs. Meredith, who had begun to look radiant. "I am interested in the De
Willoughby claim; I would give a great deal to see my father entirely
convinced. He has been on the verge of conviction for some time. I want
him to hear the story with all the details. I beg you will let us take
you home with us, Dr. Atkinson."

"Madame," replied Dr. Williams Atkinson, with an eighteenth century
obeisance, "Judge De Willoughby and I lived in open feud, but I am
becoming interested in the De Willoughby claim also. I accept your
invitation with pleasure." And they drove away together.

C