Understand
me," she said, as the stranger started, "I have no fear for her PERSONAL
safety, I am only concerned for any INDISCRETION that she may commit in
the presence of these strangers whose company she would seem to prefer
to ours."
"But I don't understand you, madam," said Mallory, sternly; "you are
speaking of my daughter, and"--
"Excuse me, Mr. Mallory," said Mrs. Randolph, lifting her hand with
her driest deprecation and her most desiccating smile, "I'm not passing
judgment or criticism. I am of a foreign race, and consequently do not
understand the freedom of American young ladies, and their familiarity
with the opposite sex. I make no charges, I only wish to assure you that
she will no doubt be found in the company and under the protection of
her own countrymen. There is," she added with ironical distinctness, "a
young mechanic, or field hand, or 'quack well-doctor,' whom she seems to
admire, and with whom she appears to be on equal terms."
Mallory regarded her for a moment fixedly, and then his sternness
relaxed to a mischievously complacent smile.
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