Aaron laughed. 'At any rate, sir, we shall see you tomorrow. We shall expect you in the forenoon. My dear'—he placed a warning hand on his daughter's arm—'Mr. Alston is not comfortable at the Phoenix Tavern, and he has most graciously consented to stay here with us during his sojourn in New York.'

Theo barely controlled a gasp of dismay, and Aaron's hand increased its pressure. 'That will be—be delightful,' she managed, after a moment of uncomfortable silence.

When the young man finally took his abrupt, ungraceful leave, she did not raise her eyes or respond to his words except by a vague smile.

Father and daughter walked past the disordered drawingroom to the library, as was their nightly custom. Natalie had long since retired. Aaron settled himself in his favorite high-backed chair, and Theo curled up on the footstool beside him.

'Well, puss—did you enjoy yourself? I found the evening most entertaining.'

She hesitated. 'Yes—it was fun. Especially the dancing. But——Oh, Papa, why do you show to Mr. Alston so much attention? I don't like him, I find him ill-bred and'—she frowned, idly tracing a whorl on the brocade pattern of her stool as she searched for the word—'and monstrous impulsive.'

Aaron raised quizzical eyebrows, reached for his snuffbox and inhaled delicately. 'Oh?' He waited for her to continue, but she sat silent, her small face troubled.

He leaned back and crossed his legs. 'Alston is one of the richest young men in the country, and would have great political power in the South if he knew how to use it. What did he do that was so monstrous impulsive?'

'I promised, in a way, not to tell you, because I knew you'd be very angry, and he was sorry afterward. But it is impossible to have him staying here. I never wish to see him again.'

He was seized by a rare burst of irritation at her. 'You are being excessively childish, Theodosia. Spare me these maidenly flutterings. You mean, I suppose, that he kissed you, or something like that.'

She flushed, sharply hurt by his tone and bewildered by annoyance directed at her when she had expected it to be all for Alston.

'Well, is a kiss anything to make such a pother about?' he Continued, more gently.

Her mouth quivered. 'Oh, but it was horrid! He forced himself on me, he was like a—a beast.'

'Like a beast. I see. Men often are; it's most reprehensible. And what did you do?'

'I hit him as hard as I could until he let me go, and——'

She swallowed, stared unbelieving at her father's face. He was laughing, and it shocked her as much as though he had thrown the candelabra at her. Her hands flew to her throat, she crumpled into a small sobbing heap.