Charlotte immediately dropped the eyelashes in pretty confusion, thinking that Theo's father might be monstrous wicked as they said, but there was something about him—and he was unmarried, too. This unrelated thought startled her into a genuine blush.

' I have heard much about your unparalleled horse, Gallatin, Colonel. Even up North his successes on the turf arc well known. How is his wind holding? Will he be able to take the handicap again, think you?'

Colonel William thawed with a rush at the mention of the magic name. And Theo, who knew Aaron had never heard of the horse until a few minutes ago when she primed him, stifled an impulse to hysterical laughter. How wondrous clever he was! He knew precisely the right note to strike with each one, precisely how gross to make his flattery, depending on the recipient.

He did not allow them a minute to get the upper hand, but mowed them down one by one with a blend of condescension and graciousness. He did not often choose to dominate a group, preferring to listen and profit from a less conspicuous position. But when he exerted himself, he could gather up any amount of different personalities and combine them into one harmonious chord, with himself as the keynote.

The Alstons were no match for him. He won Mrs. Young's heart at once by telling her that Theodosia had written him of little Eliza, saying that she was the prettiest of children.

With William Algernon he talked of Thomas's latest volume of sermons, and it developed that that serious young gentleman had not been able to procure the book.

'I shall send you it from Washington,' promised Aaron. 'It shall be my pleasure.'

William Algernon was startled to find himself beaming and profusely grateful.

Until only Maria was left, rigidly disapproving, her thin face soured with disdain. Aaron let her be for the present and turned to his daughter.

'Theo, my dear, I am most desirous of leading Mrs. Young out to dance if she will be so good as to honor me. Can you get your niggers to play a reel? They do it better than anyone, I believe. At least Mr. Jefferson always says so.'

'What!' Maria flounced around. 'Surely the President docs not listen to nigger music.'

'Most assuredly he does, Lady Nisbett; he vastly admires it,' said Aaron, which was true enough, but, knowing the lady's temperament, he added, 'and both the Marquis dc Lafayette and the Due dc la Rochefoucauld, when they were here, professed great interest in it'—which he had made up on the spot.

Maria continued to look incredulous and murmured that nothing—absolutely nothing—should induce her to dance to that heathen din. Still, she did condescend to look on while some of her relatives danced. The musicians cheered up and what they lacked in melody they made up for in rhythm.