Tom Anderson, Dare-Devil: A Young Virginian in the Revolution — page 224: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

206 Tom ANDERSON, DarE-DEVIL Sir Aineas would have been more than mortal could he have hidden his chagrin. “Diable! Ith it a half-breed, or what?”’ And at this minute the bagpipes brayed out “The De’il is in the Lassies, O!”? Somebody chucked the piper a shil- ling. And the bystanders enjoyed the hit. They stared with curious eyes as the beauty and the swarthy Highlander walked away. “T trust you’ve no misgivings on the score of doing so much honor to — a half-breed?”’ She shook her head. Not one word would come. “Listen! I’m Anglo-Saxon, body and soul! And a Virginian’s as well-born as a baronet, — eh?” talking in a blue streak to cover her agitation. “I am in sympathy with your mourning garb, ma’m’selle. More than that I dare not say. I must say nothing about my- self —”’ “Ah? But certainly,” haughtily. “But I’ve the advantage of you. One may hear much about the Beauty of Charleston; whereas I must hold my tongue about the man you’ve honored.”’ She crimsoned with haughtiness. “I’m going to see Mrs. Slocumb. Will you ring the bell in the next gate?” Then, dropping her reserve, “Oh, my heart is so full, I can’t thank you! ni “Don’t! If you do” — daringly — “I won’t ring that bell for you.’ She ceased to tremble; she laughed! — and he took his courage in both hands. “Tf only that old brass knob would come off in my hand! They usually do, you know.” “This one does n t,” with aiontieh “Then —I’d rather not touch’ it!” gravely. ‘Oh, yonder comes old Pomp. I can save you the trouble of ringing!” ‘Listen. I must learn from one who wears black for Charleston who lives in ‘the house next to Roupel’s.’ You may trust me.’ ‘I know it! Roupel is the Postmaster-General, Loyalist. Gomicbooks. Go m