"
Hamilton bowed.
"I shall enjoy coming, Colonel Egerius," he said. "At what hour?"
"Six-thirty," the Colonel replied, "we keep early hours in the country.
By the way," he added, "have you heard anything of this peonage business
here this morning?"
"No, sir," the boy answered, "I started out with my schedules bright and
early."
"I purpose to hold an inquiry after lunch," the planter continued. "You
are lunching at Ephraim's of course?"
"Yes, Colonel Egerius," the boy answered.
"Very well," was the reply, "we will lunch together if you have no
objection. Since I heard of your expected arrival I have been looking
forward to your visit. Now that you are here, sir, we must make the most
of you. Allow me to present my son Percy."
Hamilton made a suitable reply, and consulting his watch found that it
was almost lunch time.
"I will join you in half an hour, Colonel Egerius," he said, "and shall
look forward to the evening with great pleasure."
"You play a good knife and fork, I trust," said the old gentleman,
smiling, as he gathered up the reins.
"Almost good enough to do justice even to Southern hospitality,"
answered Hamilton with a smile.
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