"I have hinted at this before, but have not explained it because the time was not ripe. Now, after six months of untiring investigation by trustworthy agents, and after bitter personal experience, I find that no help whatsoever can be expected from the South. Rather they will fight us at every step, like children compelled to take medicine. Did you ever see a health officer try to vaccinate a negro settlement on the outbreak of a smallpox epidemic?
"You understand me, do you not? Tell me if I make my point sufficiently clear. I propose to corner turpentine, not for the purpose of raising the price, but to take the orchard stuff completely off the market until we have forced the public to give wood turpentine a trial. It has been demonstrated in every department that the patented product will do the work of the orchard, not only just as well, but in some cases, as that of paint, it actually holds the colour better.
"If you are still interested, let me know and I will explain my developed plan. Meanwhile I welcome suggestions from you, or any of your interested parties.
"With devoted love to all in your dear house, I am,
Always affectionately yours, "CAROLINA LEE."
Aunt Angie La Grange descended from the Barnwells’ carryall in front of the station platform at Enterprise, and tapped on the window of the telegraph-agent’s box.
"How late is the train from Savannah, Barney, son?"
"Only about three hours to-day, Aunt Angie. Expecting the folks?"
"Only Peachie. Mrs. Winchester and Carolina went on down to Jacksonville on business. Did you ever see such a girl?"
"I never did. She scares me ’most to death. I’d like to marry her, Aunt Angie, but what could I--what could any man do with such a wife?"
"She’d make any man rich. Moultrie says she goes so far ahead of him in her ideas of business, he can’t even keep her in sight."
"Oh, any man has got to make up his mind to take her dust!" laughed Barnwell.
"Are you in earnest about marrying her, Barney?"
"Of cou’se I am! Aren’t all the boys? Isn’t Moultrie?"
"You know, son, that Moultrie will never marry unless--"
"Exactly! Unless! Well, there’s a heap of unlesses which may he’p him to change his mind. And maybe Miss Carolina is one of them."