Marston's plantation might have been taken as an
illustration of the truth of this saying. Long had it been
considered one of eminent profit; his field slaves were well cared
for; his favourite house servants had every reasonable indulgence
granted them. And, too, Marston's mansion was the pleasant retreat
of many a neighbour, whose visits were welcomed by the kindly
attention he had taught his domestics to bestow. Marston's fault lay
in his belonging to that class of planters who repose too much
confidence in others.
The morning following Lorenzo's departure ushered forth bright and
balmy. A quiet aspect reigned in and about the plantation, servants
moved sluggishly about, the incidents of the preceding night
oppressed Marston's mind; his feelings broke beyond his power of
restraint. Like contagion, the effect seized each member of his
household,--forcibly it spoke in word and action! Marston had
bestowed much care upon Lorenzo and Franconia; he had indulged and
idolised the latter, and given the former some good advice. But
advice without example seldom produces lasting good; in truth,
precept had the very worst effect upon Lorenzo,--it had proved his
ruin! His singular and mysterious departure might for a time be
excused,--even accounted for in some plausible manner, but suspicion
was a stealing monster that would play upon the deeply tinctured
surface, and soar above in disgrace. That the Rovero family were
among the first of the State would not be received as a palliation;
they had suffered reverses of fortune, and, with the addition of
Lorenzo's profligacy, which had been secretly drawing upon their
resources, were themselves well nigh in discredit.
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