Hargraves, said the Major, who had remained
standing, you haveput upon me an unpardonable insult. Major Talbot, said Hargraves,
with a winning smile, I wish youwould understand me. They were the damning,
incontrovertibleproofs of the perfidy of the defendant.
We must have money, said Miss Lydia, with a little
wrinkle above hernose. Duringthe anecdotes Hargraves never failed to laugh at
exactly the rightpoint.
He took rankamong artists when he began, and he
never varied the process.
He was quitedecently dressed in a baggy suit of
black.
Old-fashioned, too, she was; but antebellum glory
did not radiate fromher as it did from the Major.
Duringthe anecdotes Hargraves never failed to laugh
at exactly the rightpoint. ForColonel Calhoun was made up as nearly resembling Major
Talbot as onepea does another.
They are not from Alabama, sir, said the Major
haughtily.
Me and my old oman done raised up sebm chillun, and
alldoin well cept two of em what died.
And, as you say, Im plum growed up, andwas a
blessed long time ago.
The request is a proper one, and I have no doubt
will be acceded to,returned the Judge, quietly.
The rental of a small housewhich they still owned
in Mobile was two months in arrears. Major Talbot, said Hargraves, with a winning
smile, I wish youwould understand me. And how did you know we were in Washington? He
bowedgraciously, and politely motioned them each to a seat.
The negro flew to the closet joyfully, and brought
out the bottle.
Such clothes were surely never made within fifty
years.
It must be his firstappearance in what he calls the
legitimate. As he is a man of wealth and position, he is able andwilling to pay
liberally for that privilege. Critical was the situation with Major Talbot and Miss
Lydia. You think your money salve will healall the hurts of honor.
The request is a proper one, and I have no doubt
will be acceded to,returned the Judge, quietly. Miss Lydia uttered alittle,
ambiguous squeak and crumpled her program in her hand.
And, as you say, Im plum growed up, andwas a
blessed long time ago. I dont seem to recall the colts, said the Major.
Like almost all old people who talk of the past,
the Major loved tolinger over details. The way the audience caught on shows
that.
Dey aint see nomules like dem in Newbraska. At the
close of the scene the audience raised a tumultuous roar ofappreciation. I
positively decline to overlook it, sir. This, after afirst curious glance, the
lawyer somewhat superciliously tossed aside.
When I lef old mars says: Take dem mule colts,
Mose, and, if it beso you gits able, pay fur em. Nevertheless, it appeared as if he
were laboring under somepowerful indignation.
I am told that the South has very fairtreatment in
the play.
The Major setapart each afternoon to read to him
the manuscript of his book.