THE AWAKENING
ously; Manning, with the calm deliberation of a Sioux Indian.
"Frankly," said Sir Henry, "nothing would please me more. Virginia is charming, womanly, high-minded"
"—And rich," added Manning, sententiously.
Sir Henry colored. "My dear Manning—" he began.
"It is a most important item—" supplied Manning, a trifle brusquely. "The French have the right idea about these things; personally, I see no reason why they should not marry. Virginia has finished her education, and it seems to me that the sooner her future is established the better."
Something in the young man's tone caused Sir Henry to observe him curiously. Virginia was better known to him than Manning. There was plenty of evidence that Manning was a kind and devoted brother, and Sir Henry correctly presumed that the profits of the plantation under his management were in excess of what they had ever been before.
"We should all favor the marriage," he answered slowly. "Your father was my dearest friend, Manning, and I already regard Virginia as a daughter." He looked thoughtfully toward the court, where Giles and Virginia were finishing their set. "What a charming couple! Young, spirited, both richly endowed by nature, ingenuous, for Giles is as much of a boy as when he was in Eton, Manning. Think of what the future holds in store for them! And they love one another, although it is doubtful if they have actually discovered it; when they do, I imagine that the awakening will put the ripening touch upon their perfect youth."
17
