The result was that at Manila, much to Virginia's surprise, he announced the abandonment of the balance of their purposed voyage, taking immediate return passage to Singapore.
Virginia met socially several of the men with whom her father was engaged but it was only at the last moment that one of them let drop a hint of the purpose of the month's activity.
Afterward, in recollecting the conversation, it seemed to Virginia that the young man had been directed to break the news to her, that her father might be spared the ordeal.
"I am rather looking forward to it," replied Virginia.
Virginia laughed, nor was there the slightest tremor in its note.
Perceiving her advantage from the expression on the young man's face, Virginia followed it up in an endeavor to elicit the details.
Virginia occupied her thoughts solely, for the shock she had sustained gave her a nervous affection, and the physician, M.
During the first few days, Virginia felt stronger, owing to the change of air and the action of the sea-baths.
Madame Aubain brought out her sewing, and Virginia amused herself by braiding reeds; Felicite wove lavender blossoms, while Paul was bored and wished to go home.
Her foolishness annoyed Madame Aubain, who, moreover did not like the nephew's familiarity, for he called her son "thou";--and, as Virginia began to cough and the season was over, she decided to return to Pont- l'Eveque.
In the portion of Virginia where I lived it was common to use flax as part of the clothing for the slaves.
One of the best illustrations of this which I know of is in the case of an ex-slave from Virginia whom I met not long ago in a little town in the state of Ohio.