And still all
is doubted that he does, even crushed in the prejudice against his
colour!"
"Well, deacon, you perfectly startle me, to hear a southerner talk
that way at the south. If you keep on, you'll soon have an abolition
society without sending north for it."
"That's just what I want. I want our southerners to look upon the
matter properly, and to take such steps as will set us right in the
eyes of the world. Humanity is progressing with rapid
strides-slavery cannot exist before it! It must fall; and we should
prepare to meet it, and not be so ungrateful, at least, that we
cannot reflect upon its worth, and give merit to whom merit is due."
Thus were presented the north and south; the former loses her
interests in humanity by seeking to serve the political ends of the
latter.
CHAPTER XI.
MRS. ROSEBROOK'S PROJECT.
AT this juncture of the conversation, a sprightly, well-dressed
servant opens the parlour-door, announces missus! The deacon's good
lady enters. She is a perfect pattern of neatness,--a
finely-developed woman of more than ordinary height, with blonde
features, and a countenance as full of cheerfulness as a bright May
morning. She bows gracefully; her soft eyes kindle with intelligence
as she approaches Mr. Scranton, who rises with the coldness of an
iceberg.
"Be seated, Mr. Scranton," she says, with a voice so full of
gentleness,--"be seated." Her form is well-rounded, her features
exquisite. Mr. Scranton views her seriously, as if he found
something of great interest in that marble forehead, those fine
features moulding a countenance full of soul, love, and sweetness.
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