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He shook it quite formally and made a little bow “Ben, always a pleasure,” he said “I hope your business down here is going well”
Richard Nottingham clapped his hands “Lizzie, I heard just a bit too , and presently I’ thehumorously intended but not actually funny “Could we please have our dinner?”
Chapter 53
I WAS PLEASED about two things immediately One, Elizabeth seated me next to herself at the table; two, turtle soup was not on the Nottinghams’ menu
I’d eaten a ski the usual six-or seven-course southern exercise in dinnertime excess Instead I found the food a touch on the dainty side: deviled eggs, shri silver dish of pickles
My father was also dishing it up: the personification of silver-haired charm, as he could be at those times when he let himself be roped into a social event
“I really owe you and Elizabeth a debt of gratitude,” he told Nottinghaet to see ain before he heads home!”
I recognized that as a clear signal Now that we’d seen each other and been observed acting cordially toward each other, ton anytime
“Oh, I’ home yet, Father,” I said over the back of the settee I held up rateful too, Richard My father and I don’t get to see each other enough It’s so rare to see him in such a cheerful and expansive mood”
My father gave out a little laugh “Ben is quite a character,” he said “He’s co He thinks the South ought to be able to change overnight”
Richard Nottingha whether this dispute was going to lead to blows a all this expensive china and crystal
“I’ for a South that returns to the rule of law,” I said “I just want a place where the Ku Klux Klan is not hanging blackdangerously here, but I couldn’t help myself
“Now you’re being plain ignorant,” my father said “You don’t seeo”
“I remember it very well,” said Livia Winkler “My daddy said it was the end of civilization”
Senator Winkler cleared his throat “Now, Judge, you knoell as I do that outlawing souarantee that it ceases to exist,” he said “As a matter of fact, that’s one of the best ways to ensure its continuing existence—to forbid it!”