“May I be permitted,” he asked, “to propose a toast—­or rather several toasts?  I drink with you, sir,” he added, with a slight bow, “to the extinction of an ancient enmity!  I have been something of a fanatic, I fear, as all those must be who take to their hearts a righteous cause.  I drink to your charming niece, and to the fortunate young gentleman who is to be her husband!  And lastly, I drink to our great country!”

“To America, and the extinction of all enmities!” Phineas Duge cried, holding his glass above his head.

“To America, and the sweetest of all her daughters!” Guy whispered in Virginia’s ears.