"Has your father discharged him?" he asked.
"No, he intends to leave of his own accord. He believes himself fitted for better work. Hush! He may hear you."
As they passed the servant, Daisy said, "Good-evening, Hannibal." It was her invariable custom, and she spoke with the greatest courtesy. But in this case the negro did not raise his eyes, nor turn his head toward her, nor make the slightest sign to show that he heard.
It was too much for Roseleaf, and he stopped.
"Did you hear Miss Daisy address you?" he demanded, sharply.
Hannibal looked up, with a curious mixture of amusement, contempt and hate in his dark face.
Daisy threw herself in front of Roseleaf, just in time to prevent Hannibal's receiving a blow.
The noise and the sound of raised voices brought Mr. Fern and his other daughter, with Archie Weil, to the door. Mr. Fern took in the situation at a glance, and his troubled face grew more distressed.
"Mr. Roseleaf," he said, speaking as if the words choked him, "I am surprised--that you should--hold an altercation like this--in my daughter's presence."
Roseleaf did not know what to do or say. Daisy's pleading eyes decided him, much against his judgment, to drop the matter where it was, galling to his pride though it might be. He escorted his sweetheart into the parlor, where the entire party followed, in a most uncomfortable state of mind.
"How can you permit that negro to insult your guests?" demanded Millicent, as soon as the door was closed. "It is beyond belief. If he is master of this house it is time the rest of us left it. I am certain Mr. Roseleaf did not act without great provocation."
Before Mr. Fern could answer, Daisy had spoken.
"It is over now, and there is nothing to be said. Hannibal is going away in a few days, and that will end your trouble."
The father turned such an incredulous look toward his daughter that it was evident he had heard nothing of this.
"Yes," said Daisy. "He told me to-day. He is going to some country where his color will not be counted a misdemeanor."
Roseleaf had difficulty in maintaining the silence with which he had determined to encase himself. But Daisy did not wish him to speak, and her will was law.
"Well, I am glad of that!" exclaimed Millicent. "In a country where they consider such people their equals, he will not meet the pity and consideration he has so abused here. Still, I do think, father, that you ought to apologize to Mr. Roseleaf for the way in which you have addressed him."