Poor Redbud was silent—­she could not deny the accusation.

Miss Lavinia looked at her with grim affection, and said: 

“I hope, Redbud, that, in future, you will be more careful.  I am sorry to be compelled to say it—­but Verty is not a proper person for you to remain upon such intimate and confidential terms with.  He has good qualities, and is very sensible and kind-hearted; but he is a mere Indian, and cannot have anything in common with one so much his superior in station, as yourself.”

“Oh, ma’am—!” began Redbud.

“Speak plainly,” said Miss Lavinia; “do not be afraid.”

“I was only going to say that I am not superior to Verty,” Redbud added, with tears in her eyes; “he is so good, and kind, and sincere.”

“You misunderstand me—­I did not mean that he was not a proper companion for you, as far as his character went; for, I say again, that his character is perfectly good.  But—­child that you are!—­you cannot comprehend yet that something more is wanting—­that Verty is an Indian, and of unknown parentage.”

Poor Redbud struggled to follow Miss Lavinia’s meaning.

“I see that I must speak plainly,” said that lady, solemnly, “and I will commence by saying, Redbud, that the whole male sex are always engaged in endeavoring to make an impression on the hearts of the other sex.  The object to which every young man, without exception, dedicates his life, is to gain the ascendancy over the heart of some young person of the opposite sex; and they well know that when this ascendancy is gained, breaking it is often more than human power can accomplish.  Young girls should carefully avoid all this, and should always remember that the intimacies formed in early life, last, generally, throughout their whole existence.”

Redbud looked down, and felt a strong disposition to wipe her eyes.

Miss Lavinia proceeded, like an ancient oracle, impassible and infallible.

“Now, I mean, Redbud,” she said, “that while Verty may be, and no doubt is, all that you could wish in a friend, you still ought not to encourage him, and continue your injudicious friendship.  Far be it from me to insist upon the necessity of classes in the community, and the impropriety of marrying those who are uncongenial in taste and habit, and—­”

“Marrying, ma’am!” exclaimed Redbud—­then she stopped.

“Yes, Redbud,” said Miss Lavinia, with dignity, “and nothing will persuade me that this young man has not conceived the design of marrying you.  I do not say, mind me, that he is actuated by unworthy motives—­I have no right to.  I do not believe that this young man has ever reflected that Apple Orchard, a very fine estate, will some day be yours.  I only say that, like all youths, he has set his heart upon possessing your hand, and that he is not a proper husband for you.”

Having uttered this downright and unmistakeable opinion, Miss Lavinia raised her head with dignity, and smoothed down her silk dress with solemn grace.