The elder's mail was heavy,--letters from London, from New York, from Philadelphia, one from his overseer at Greenwood, others from clients, colleagues, and strangers,--all the varied correspondence of the lawyer, the planter, and the man of the world.

Fairfax Cary's letters were fewer in number, but one was gilt-edged, curiously folded, and superscribed in a strong and delicate hand.

"Miss Dandridge seals with a dove and an olive branch ?" murmured the elder brother.

"Lucky Fair! What's the frown for ?" "Olive branch ?" quoth the other.

"She should seal with a nettle! Listen to this: 'Mr.Hunter has been some time with us at Fontenoy.