Yourslovingly，ROWENAWARWICK。
　　Thejudgewasunabletoconnectthisletterwiththetransactionwhichformedthesubjectofhisexamination。Agehaddimmedhisperceptionssomewhat，anditwasnotuntilhehadfinishedtheletter，andreaditoveragain，andnotedthesignatureatthebottomasecondtime，thatheperceivedthatthewritingwasinawoman’shand，thattheinkwascomparativelyfresh，andthattheletterwasdatedonlyacoupleofdaysbefore。
　　Whilehestillheldthesheetinhishand，itdawneduponhimslowlythatheheldalsooneofthelinksinachainofpossibletragedywhichhehimself，hebecameuncomfortablyaware，hadhadahandinforging。
　　"ItistheWaldenwoman’sdaughter，assureasfate！HernameisRena。HerbrothergoesbythenameofWarwick。Shehascometovisithersickmother。Myyoungclient，Green’srelation，isherlover——isengagedtomarryher——isintown，andislikelytomeether！"
　　Thejudgewassoabsorbedinthesituationthussuggestedthathelaidthepapersdownandponderedforamomentthecuriousprobleminvolved。Hewasquiteawarethattworaceshadnotdwelttogether，sidebyside，fornearlythreehundredyears，withoutminglingtheirbloodingreaterorlessdegree；hewasoldenough，andhadseencuriousthingsenough，toknowthatinthisminglingthecurrenthadnotalwaysflowedinonedirection。Certainolddecisionswithwhichhewasfamiliar；oldscandalsthathadcreptalongobscurechannels；oldfactsthathadcometotheknowledgeofanoldpractitioner，whoheldinthehollowofhishandthehonorofmorethanonefamily，madehimknowthattherewasdarkbloodamongthewhitepeople——notagreatdeal，andthatverymuchdiluted，and，solongasitwassedulouslyconcealedorvigorouslydenied，orlostinthemistsoftradition，orascribedtoaforeignoranaboriginalstrain，havingnoperceptibleeffectupontheracialtype。
　　Suchpeoplewere，forthemostpart，merelyontheraggededgeofthewhiteworld，seldomrisingabovethelevelofoverseers，orslave—catchers，orsheriff’sofficers，whocouldusuallybereliedupontoresentthedropofblackbloodthattaintedthem，andwiththezealoftheproselytetovisittheirhatredofitupontheunfortunateblacksthatfellintotheirhands。Onecurseofnegroslaverywas，andonepartofitsbalefulheritageis，thatitpoisonedthefountainsofhumansympathy。
　　Underasystemwheremenmightselltheirownchildrenwithoutsocialreprobationorlossofprestige，itwasnotsurprisingthatsomeofthemshouldhatetheirdistantcousins。TherewerenotinPatesvillehalfadozenpersonscapableofthinkingJudgeStraight’sthoughtsuponthequestionbeforehim，andperhapsnotanotherwhowouldhaveadoptedthecoursehenowpursuedtowardthisanomalousfamilyinthehousebehindthecedars。
　　"Well，hereweareagain，astheclowninthecircusremarks，"murmuredthejudge。"Tenyearsago，inamomentofsentimentalweaknessandofquixoticloyaltytothememoryofanoldfriend，——
　　who，bytheway，hadnotcaredenoughforhisownchildrentotakethemawayfromtheSouth，ashemighthavedone，ortoprovideforthemhandsomely，asheperhapsmeanttodo，——Iviolatedthetraditionsofmyclassandsteppedfromthebeatenpathtohelpthemisbegottensonofmyoldfriendoutofthesloughofdespond，inwhichhehadlearned，insomestrangeway，thathewasfloundering。Tenyearslater，theghostofmygooddeedreturnstohauntme，andmakesmedoubtwhetherIhavewroughtmoreevilthangood。Iwonder，"hemused，"ifhewillfindherout？"
　　Thejudgewasamanofimagination；hehadreadmanybooksandhadpersonallyoutlivedsomeprejudices。Helethismindrunonthevariousphasesofthesituation。
　　"Ifhefoundherout，wouldhebyanypossibilitymarryher？"
　　"Itisnotlikely，"heansweredhimself。"Ifhemadethediscoveryhere，thefactswouldprobablyleakoutinthetown。Itissomethingthatamanmightdoinsecret，butonlyaheroorafoolwoulddoopenly。"
　　Thejudgesighedashecontemplatedanotherpossibility。Hehadlivedforseventyyearsundertheoldregime。Theyoungmanwasagentleman——sohadbeenthegirl’sfather。Conditionswerechanged，buthumannaturewasthesame。Wouldtheyoungman’sloveturntodisgustandrepulsion，orwoulditmerelysinkfromthelevelofworshiptothatofdesire？Wouldthegirl，deniedmarriage，acceptanythingless？Hermotherhad，——butconditionswerechanged。Yes，conditionswerechanged，sofarasthegirlwasconcerned；therewasapossiblefutureforherundertheneworderofthings；butwhitepeoplehadnotchangedtheiropinionofthenegroes，exceptfortheworse。Thegeneralbeliefwasthattheywerejustasinferiorasbefore，andhad，moreover，beenspoiledbyadisgustingassumptionofequality，drivenintotheirthickskullsbyYankeemalignitybentuponhumiliatingaproudthoughvanquishedfoe。
　　Ifthejudgehadhadsonsanddaughtersofhisown，hemightnothavedonewhathenowproceededtodo。Buttheoldman’sattitudetowardsocietywaschieflythatofanobserver，andthenarrowstreamofsentimentleftinhisheartchosetoflowtowardtheweakerpartyinthisunequalconflict，——ayoungwomanfightingforloveandopportunityagainsttherankedforcesofsociety，againstimmemorialtradition，againstprideoffamilyandofrace。
　　"ItmaybetheunwisestthingIeverdid，"hesaidtohimself，turningtohisdeskandtakingupaquillpen，"andmayresultinmoreharmthangood；butIwasalwaysfromchildhoodinsympathywiththeunderdog。Thereiscertainlyasmuchreasoninmyhelpingthegirlastheboy，forbeingawoman，sheislessabletohelpherself。"
　　Hedippedhispenintotheinkandwrotethefollowinglines：——
　　MADAM，——Ifyouvalueyourdaughter’shappiness，keepherathomeforthenextdayortwo。
　　Thisnotehedriedbysprinklingitwithsandfromaboxnearathand，signedwithhisownname，and，withafinecourtesy，addressedto"Mrs。MollyWalden。"Havingfirstcarefullysealeditinanenvelope，hesteppedtotheopendoor，andspied，playingmarblesonthestreetnearby，agroupofnegroboys，oneofwhomthejudgecalledbyname。
　　"Here，Billy，"hesaid，handingtheboythenote，"takethistoMis’MollyWalden。Doyouknowwhereshelives——downonFrontStreet，inthehousebehindthecedars？"
　　"Yas，suh，Iknowsdeplace。"
　　"Makehaste，now。Whenyoucomebackandtellmewhatshesays，I’llgiveyoutencents。Onsecondthoughts，Ishallbegonetolunch，sohere’syourmoney，"headded，handingtheladthebitofsoiledpaperbywhichtheUnitedStatesgovernmentacknowledgeditsindebtednesstothebearerinthesumoftencents。
　　Justhere，however，thejudgemadehismistake。
　　Veryfewmortalscansparethespringofhope，themotiveforceofexpectation。Theboykeptthenoteinhishand，winkedathiscompanions，whohadgatheredasnearastheiraweofthejudgewouldpermit，andstarteddownthestreet。Assoonasthejudgehaddisappeared，Billybeckonedtohisfriends，whospeedilyovertookhim。WhenthepartyturnedthecornerofFrontStreetandweresafelyoutofsightofJudgeStraight’soffice，thecapitalistenteredthegrocerystoreandinvestedhisunearnedincrementingingerbread。
　　Whentheensuingsaturnaliawasover，Billyfinishedthegameofmarbleswhichthejudgehadinterrupted，andthensetouttoexecutehiscommission。Hehadnearlyreachedhisobjectivepointwhenhemetuponthestreetayoungwhitelady，whomhedidnotknow，andforwhom，thepathbeingnarrowatthatpoint，hesteppedoutintothegutter。Hereachedthehousebehindthecedars，wentroundtothebackdoor，andhandedtheenvelopetoMis’Molly，whowasseatedontherearpiazza，proppedupbypillowsinacomfortablerocking—chair。
　　"Laws—a—massy！"sheexclaimedweakly，"whatisit？"
　　"It’salettuh，ma’m，"answeredtheboy，whoseexpandingnostrilshadcaughtapleasantodorfromthekitchen，andwhowasthereforeinnohurrytogoaway。
　　"Who’sitfur？"sheasked。
　　"It’sfuhyou，ma’m，"repliedthelad。
　　"An’who’sitfrom？"sheinquired，turningtheenvelopeoverandover，andexaminingitwiththeimpotentcuriosityofonewhocannotread。
　　"F’moleJedgeStraight，ma’m。Hetolemeterfetchitteryou。Isyougotaroasted’tateryoucouldgimme，ma’m？"
　　"Shorely，chile。I’llhaveAuntZilphyfetchyouapieceof’taterpone，ifyou’llhol’onaminute。"
　　ShecalledtoAuntZilphy，whosooncamehobblingoutofthekitchenwithalargesquareofthedelicacy，——aflatcakemadeofmashedsweetpotatoes，mixedwithbeateneggs，sweetenedandflavoredtosuitthetaste，andbakedinaDutchovenupontheopenhearth。
　　Theboytookthegratuity，thankedher，andturnedtogo。Mis’Mollywasstillscanningthesuperscriptionoftheletter。"Iwonder，"shemurmured，"whatoldJudgeStraightcanbewritin’
　　tomeabout。Oh，boy！"
　　"Yas’m，"answeredthemessenger，lookingback。
　　"Canyoureadwritin’？"
　　"No’m。"
　　"Allright。Nevermind。"
　　Shelaidthelettercarefullyonthechimney—
　　pieceofthekitchen。"Ireckonit’ssomethin’
　　mo’’boutthetaxes，"shethought，"ormaybesomebodywantstobuyoneermylots。Rena’llbebackterreckly，an’shekinreaditan’findout。
　　I’mgladmychild’enhavebe’ntoschool。Theynevercouldhavegotwheretheyarenowiftheyhadn’t。"
　　XIV
　　ALOYALFRIEND
　　MentionhasbeenmadeofcertainaddressedenvelopeswhichJohnWarwick，ontheoccasionofhisvisittoPatesville，hadleftwithhisilliteratemother，bytheuseofwhichshemightcommunicatewithherchildrenfromtimetotime。
　　Ononeoccasion，Mis’Molly，havinghadaletterwritten，tookoneoftheseenvelopesfromthechestwhereshekepthermostvaluedpossessions，andwasabouttoinclosetheletterwhensomeoneknockedatthebackdoor。Shelaidtheenvelopeandletteronatableinherbedroom，andwenttoanswertheknock。Thewind，blowingacrosstheroomthroughtheopenwindows，pickeduptheenvelopeandboreitintothestreet。Mis’Molly，onherreturn，missedit，lookedforit，andbeingunabletofindit，tookanotherenvelope。Anhourortwolateranothergustofwindliftedthebitofpaperfromthegroundandcarrieditintotheopendoorofthecoopershop。Frankpickeditup，andobservingthatitwascleanandunused，readthesuperscription。InhisconversationswithMis’Molly，whichwereoftenaboutRena，——thesubjectuppermostinboththeirminds，——hehadnotedthemysterymaintainedbyMis’Mollyaboutherdaughter’swhereabouts，andhadoftenwonderedwhereshemightbe。Frankwasanintelligentfellow，andcouldputthisandthattogether。
　　TheenvelopewasaddressedtoaplaceinSouthCarolina。Hewasaware，fromsomecasualremarkofMis’Molly’s，thatRenahadgonetoliveinSouthCarolina。Herson’snamewasJohn——
　　thathehadchangedhislastnamewasmorethanlikely。FrankwasnotlonginreachingtheconclusionthatRenawastobefoundnearthetownnamedontheenvelope，whichhecarefullypreservedforfuturereference。
　　ForawholeyearFrankhadyearnedforasmileorakindwordfromtheonlywomanintheworld。
　　Peter，hisfather，hadralliedhimsomewhatuponhismoodinessafterRena’sdeparture。
　　"Now’sdetime，boy，feryouterbelookin’
　　roun’fersomenicegaleryo’owncolor，w’at’ll’preciateyou，an’won’tbe’shamederyou。You’rewastin’time，boy，wastin’time，shootin’atamarkouteryo’range。"
　　ButFranksaidnothinginreply，andafterwardstheoldman，whowasnotwithoutdiscernment，respectedhisson’smoodandwassilentinturn；
　　whileFrankfedhismemorywithhisimagination，andbytheirjointaidkepthopealive。
　　Lateranopportunitytoseeherpresenteditself。
　　Businessinthecoopershopwasdull。Abarrelfactoryhadbeenopenedinthetown，andhadwell—nighparalyzedthecooper’strade。Thebestmechaniccouldhardlycompetewithamachine。
　　OnemancouldnoweasilydotheworkofPeter’sshop。Anagentappearedintownseekinglaborersforoneoftherailroadswhichthenewlyorganizedcarpet—baggovernmentswerepromoting。
　　UponinquiryFranklearnedthattheirdestinationwasnearthetownofClarence，SouthCarolina。
　　Hepromptlyengagedhimselffortheservice，andwassoonatworkintheneighborhoodofWarwick’shome。Therehewasemployedsteadilyuntilacertainholiday，uponwhichagrandtournamentwasadvertisedtotakeplaceinaneighboringtown。Workwassuspended，andforemenandlaborersattendedthefestivities。
　　FrankhadsurmisedthatRenawouldbepresentonsuchanoccasion。Hehadmorethanguessed，too，thatshemustbelookedforamongthewhitepeopleratherthanamongtheblack。Hencetheinterestwithwhichhehadscannedthegrandstand。
　　Theresulthasalreadybeenrecounted。Hehadrecognizedhersweetface；hehadseenherenthronedamongtheproudestandbest。Hehadwitnessedandgloriedinhertriumph。Hehadseenhercheekflushedwithpleasure，hereyeslitupwithsmiles。Hehadfollowedhercarriage，hadmadetheacquaintanceofMimythenurse，andhadlearnedallaboutthefamily。WhenfinallyhelefttheneighborhoodtoreturntoPatesville，hehadlearnedofTryon’sattentions，andhadheardtheservants’gossipwithreferencetothemarriage，ofwhichtheyknewthedetailslongbeforetheprincipalshadapproachedthemainfact。FrankwentawaywithouthavingreceivedonesmileorheardonewordfromRena；buthehadseenher：
　　shewashappy；hewascontentintheknowledgeofherhappiness。Shewasdoubtlesssecureinthebeliefthathersecretwasunknown。Whyshouldhe，byrevealinghispresence，sowtheseedsofdoubtordistrustinthegardenofherhappiness？Hesacrificedthedeepestlongingofafaithfulheart，andwentbacktothecoopershoplestperchanceshemightaccidentallycomeuponhimsomedayandsuffertheshockwhichhehadsedulouslysparedher。
　　"Iwouldn’wantterskeerher，"hemused，"ermakeherfeelbad，an’dat’sw’atI’dmos’lacklydoefsheseedme。She’llbebetteroffwidmeout’nderoad。She’llmarrydatrichw’itegent’eman，——
　　hewon’tneverknowdediffe’nce，——an’beaw’itelady，ezshewould’a’be’n，efsomeolewitchhadn’
　　changedherinhercradle。Butmaybesometimeshe’ll’memberdelittleniggerw’atuse’ternussherw’enshewozachile，an’fishedherout’ndeolecanal，an’would’a’diedferherefitwould’a’doneanygood。"
　　Verygenerouslytoo，andwithafinedelicacy，hesaidnothingtoMis’Mollyofhishavingseenherdaughter，lestshemightbedisquietedbytheknowledgethathesharedthefamilysecret，——nogreatmysterynow，thispitifulsecret，butmorefar—
　　reachinginitsconsequencesthananyblood—curdlingcrime。Thetaintofblackbloodwastheunpardonablesin，fromtheunmeritedpenaltyofwhichtherewasnoescapeexceptbyconcealment。Iftherebeadaintyreaderofthistalewhoscornsalie，andwhowritesthestoryofhislifeuponhissleeveforalltheworldtoread，lethimuncurlhisscornfullipandcomedownfromthepedestalofsuperiormorality，towhichassuredpositionandwideopportunityhaveliftedhim，andputhimselfintheplaceofRenaandherbrother，uponwhomGodhadlavishedhisbestgifts，andfromwhomsocietywouldhavewithheldallthatmadethesegiftsvaluable。
　　Toundertakewhattheytriedtodorequiredgreatcourage。Hadtheypossessedthesneaking，cringing，treacherouscharactertraditionallyascribedtopeopleofmixedblood——thecharacterwhichtheblessedinstitutionsofafreeslave—holdingrepublichadbeenwelladaptedtofosteramongthem；hadtheybeenselfishenoughtosacrificetotheirambitionthemotherwhogavethembirth，societywouldhavebeenplacatedorhumbugged，andthevoyageoftheirlifemighthavebeenoneofunbrokensmoothness。
　　WhenRenacamebackunexpectedlyatthebehestofherdream，Frankheardagainthemusicofhervoice，feltthejoyofherpresenceandthebenisonofhersmile。Therewas，however，asubtledifferenceinherbearing。Herwordswerenotlesskind，buttheyseemedtocomefromaremotersource。Shewaskind，asthesuniswarmortherainrefreshing；shewasespeciallykindtoFrank，becausehehadbeengoodtohermother。IfFrankfeltthedifferenceinherattitude，heascribedittothefactthatshehadbeenwhite，andhadtakenonsomethingofthewhiteattitudetowardthenegro；
　　andFrank，withanequalunconsciousness，clothedherwiththeattributesofthesuperiorrace。Onlyherdropofblackblood，heconceived，gavehimtherighttofeeltowardherashewouldneverhavefeltwithoutit；andifRenaguessedherfaithfuldevotee’ssecret，thesamereasonsavedhisworshipfrompresumption。Asmileandakindwordwerelittleenoughtopayforalife’sdevotion。
　　OnthethirddayofRena’spresenceinPatesville，FrankwasdrivingupFrontStreetintheearlyafternoon，whenhenearlyfelloffhiscartinastonishmentashesawseatedinDr。Green’sbuggy，whichwasstandinginfrontofthePatesvilleHotel，theyounggentlemanwhohadwontheprizeatthetournament，andwho，ashehadlearned，wastomarryRena。FrankwasquitecertainthatshedidnotknowofTryon’spresenceinthetown。
　　FrankhadbeenovertoMis’Molly’sinthemorning，andhadofferedhisservicestothesickwoman，whohadrapidlybecomeconvalescentuponherdaughter’sreturn。Mis’Mollyhadspokenofsomecamphorthatsheneeded。Frankhadvolunteeredtogetit。Renahadthankedhim，andhadspokenofgoingtothedrugstoreduringtheafternoon。ItwasherintentiontoleavePatesvilleonthefollowingday。
　　"Efdatmanseesherindistown，"saidFranktohimself，"dere’llbetrouble。Shedon’tknowHE’Shere，an’I’llbethedon’tknowSHE’Shere。"
　　ThenFrankwasassailedbyaverystrongtemptation。If，ashesurmised，thejointpresenceofthetwoloversinPatesvillewasamerecoincidence，ameetingbetweenthemwouldprobablyresultinthediscoveryofRena’ssecret。
　　"Ifshe’sfoundout，"arguedthetempter，"she’llcomebacktohermother，andyoucanseehereveryday。"
　　ButFrank’slovewasnotoftheselfishkind。
　　Heputtemptationaside，andappliedthewhiptothebackofhismulewithavigorthatastonishedtheanimalandmovedhimtounwontedactivity。InanunusuallyshortspaceoftimehedrewupbeforeMis’Molly’sbackgate，sprangfromthecart，andranuptoMis’Mollyontheporch。
　　"IsMissRenahere？"hedemandedbreathlessly。
　　"No，Frank；shewentuptown’boutanhouragotoseethedoctoran’gitmesomecamphorgum。"
　　Frankutteredagroan，rushedfromthehouse，sprangintothecart，andgoadedtheterrifiedmuleintoagallopthatcarriedhimbacktothemarkethouseinhalfthetimeithadtakenhimtoreachMis’Molly’s。
　　"Iwonderwhatintheworl’sthematterwithFrank，"musedMis’Molly，invaguealarm。"Efhehadn’tbe’ninsuchahurry，I’d’a’axedhimtoreadJudgeStraight’sletter。ButRena’llbehomesoon。"
　　WhenFrankreachedthedoctor’soffice，hesawTryonseatedinthedoctor’sbuggy，whichwasstandingbythewindowofthedrugstore。Frankranupstairsandaskedthedoctor’smanifMissWaldenhadbeenthere。
　　"Yas，"repliedDave，"shewuzherealittlew’ileago，an’saidshewuzgwinedownstairsterdedrugsto’。Iwouldn’bes’prise’efyou’dfin’herderenow。"
　　XV
　　MINEOWNPEOPLE
　　ThedrivebywhichDr。GreentookTryontohisownhouseledupFrontStreetaboutamile，tothemostaristocraticportionofthetown，situatedonthehillknownasHaymount，or，morebriefly，"TheHill。"TheHillhadlostsomeofitsformerglory，however，fortheblightofafouryears’warwaseverywhere。Afterreachingthetopofthiswoodedeminence，theroadskirtedforsomelittledistancethebrowofthehill。Belowthemlaythepicturesqueoldtown，amassofvividgreen，dottedhereandtherewithgrayroofsthatroseabovethetree—tops。TwolongribbonsofstreetsstretchedawayfromtheHilltothefaintredlinethatmarkedthehighbluffbeyondtheriveratthefarthersideofthetown。Themarket—housetowerandtheslenderspiresofhalfadozenchurchesweresharplyoutlinedagainstthegreenbackground。Thefaceoftheclockwasvisible，butthehourscouldhavebeenreadonlybyeyesofphenomenalsharpness。
　　Aroundthemstretchedruinedwalls，dismantledtowers，andcrumblingearthworks——footprintsofthegodofwar，oneofwhosetempleshadcrownedthisheight。FormanyyearsbeforetherebellionaFederalarsenalhadbeenlocatedatPatesville。
　　SeizedbythestatetroopsuponthesecessionofNorthCarolina，ithadbeenheldbytheConfederatesuntiltheapproachofSherman’svictoriousarmy，whereuponitwasevacuatedandpartiallydestroyed。Theworkofdestructionbegunbytheretreatinggarrisonwascompletedbytheconquerors，andnowonlyruinedwallsandbrokencannonremainedofwhathadoncebeenthechiefornamentandprideofPatesville。
　　ThefrontofDr。Green’sspaciousbrickhouse，whichoccupiedanideallypicturesquesite，wasovergrownbyanetworkofclingingvines，contrastingmostagreeablywiththemellowredbackground。Alowbrickwall，alsooverrunwithcreepers，separatedthepremisesfromthestreetandshutinawell—keptflowergarden，inwhichTryon，whoknewsomethingofplants，noticedmanyrareandbeautifulspecimens。
　　Mrs。GreengreetedTryoncordially。Hedidnothavethedoctor’smemorywithwhichtofilloutthelady’scheeksorrestorethelustreofherhairorthesparkleofhereyes，andtherebyjustifyherhusband’sclaimtobeajudgeofbeauty；butherkind—heartedhospitalitywasobvious，andmighthavemadeevenaplainwomanseemhandsome。
　　Sheandhertwofairdaughters，towhomTryonwasdulypresented，lookedwithmuchfavorupontheirhandsomeyoungkinsman；foramongthepeopleofPatesville，perhapsbyvirtueoftheprevalenceofScottishblood，thetiesofbloodwerecherishedasthingsofvalue，andneverforgottenexceptincaseoftheunworthy——anexception，bytheway，whichoneneedhardlygosofartoseek。
　　ThePatesvillepeoplewerenotexceptionalintheweaknessesandmeannesseswhicharecommontoallmankind，butforsomeofthefinersocialqualitiestheywereconspicuouslyabovetheaverage。
　　Kindness，hospitality，loyalty，achivalrousdeferencetowomen，——allthesethingsmightbefoundinlargemeasurebythosewhosawPatesvillewiththeeyesofitsbestcitizens，andacceptedtheirstandardsofpolitics，religion，manners，andmorals。
　　Thedoctor，aftertheintroductions，excusedhimselfforamoment。Mrs。GreensoonleftTryonwiththeyoungladiesandwenttolookafterluncheon。Herfirsterrand，however，wastofindthedoctor。
　　"Ishewelloff，Ed？"sheaskedherhusband。
　　"Lotsofland，andplentyofmoney，ifheiseverabletocollectit。Hehasinheritedtwoestates。"
　　"He’sagood—lookingfellow，"shemused。"Ishemarried？"
　　"Thereyougoagain，"repliedherhusband，shakinghisforefingeratherinmockreproach。
　　"Toawomanwithmarriageabledaughtersallroadsleadtomatrimony，thecentreofawoman’suniverse。Allmenmustbesizedupbytheirmatrimonialavailability。No，heisn’tmarried。"
　　"That’snice，"sherejoinedreflectively。"I
　　thinkweoughttoaskhimtostaywithuswhileheisintown，don’tyou？"
　　"He’snotmarried，"rejoinedthedoctorslyly，"butthenextbestthing——he’sengaged。"
　　"Cometothinkofit，"saidthelady，"I’mafraidwewouldn’thavetheroomtospare，andthegirlswouldhardlyhavetimetoentertainhim。
　　Butwe’llhavehimupseveraltimes。Ilikehislooks。Iwishyouhadsentmewordhewascoming；
　　I’dhavehadabetterluncheon。"
　　"Makehimasalad，"rejoinedthedoctor，"andgetoutabottleofthebestclaret。ThankGod，theYankeesdidn’tgetintomywinecellar！TheyoungmanmustbetreatedwithgenuineSouthernhospitality，——evenifhewereaMormonandmarriedtentimesover。"
　　"Indeed，hewouldnot，Ed，——theidea！I’mashamedofyou。Hurrybacktotheparlorandtalktohim。Thegirlsmaywanttoprimpalittlebeforeluncheon；wedon’thaveayoungmaneveryday。"
　　"Beautyunadorned，"repliedthedoctor，"isadornedthemost。Myprofessionqualifiesmetospeakuponthesubject。TheyarethetwohandsomestyoungwomeninPatesville，andthedaughtersofthemostbeautiful"——
　　"Don’tyoudaretosaytheword，"interruptedMrs。Green，withplacidgoodnature。"IshallnevergrowoldwhileIamlivingwithabigboylikeyou。ButImustgoandmakethesalad。"
　　Atdinnertheconversationranonthefamilyconnectionsandtheirvaryingfortunesinthelatewar。Somehaddieduponthebattlefield，andsleptinunknowngraves；somehadbeenfinanciallyruinedbytheirfaithinthe"lostcause，"
　　havinginvestedtheirallinthesecuritiesoftheConfederateGovernment。Fewhadanythingleftbutland，andlandwithoutslavestoworkitwasadruginthemarket。
　　"Iwasofferedathousandacres，theotherday，attwenty—fivecentsanacre，"remarkedthedoctor。
　　"Theownerissoland—poorthathecan’tpaythetaxes。Theyhavetakenournegroesandourliberties。Itmaybebetterforourgrandchildrenthatthenegroesarefree，butit’sconfoundedlyhardonustotakethemwithoutpayingforthem。Theymayexaltourslavesoverustemporarily，buttheyhavenotbrokenourspirit，andcannottakeawayoursuperiorityofbloodandbreeding。Intimeweshallregaincontrol。Thenegroisaninferiorcreature；Godhasmarkedhimwiththebadgeofservitude，andhasadjustedhisintellecttoaservilecondition。Wewillnotlongsubmittohisdomination。Igiveyouatoast，sir：TheAnglo—Saxonrace：mayitremainforever，asnow，theheadandfrontofcreation，neveryieldingitsrights，andreadyalwaystodie，ifneedbe，indefenseofitsliberties！"
　　"Withallmyheart，sir，"repliedTryon，whofeltinthiscompanyathrillofthatpleasurewhichaccompaniesconscioussuperiority，——"withallmyheart，sir，iftheladieswillpermitme。"
　　"Wewilljoinyou，"theyreplied。Thetoastwasdrunkwithgreatenthusiasm。
　　"Andnow，mydearGeorge，"exclaimedthedoctor，"tochangeonegoodsubjectforanother，telluswhoisthefavoredlady？"
　　"AMissRowenaWarwick，sir，"repliedTryon，vividlyconsciousoffourpairsofeyesfixeduponhim，but，apartfromthemomentaryembarrassment，welcomingthesubjectastheonehewouldmostliketospeakupon。
　　"Agood，strongoldEnglishname，"observedthedoctor。
　　"Theheroineof`Ivanhoe’！"exclaimedMissHarriet。
　　"WarwicktheKingmaker！"saidMissMary。
　　"Isshetallandfair，anddignifiedandstately？"
　　"Sheistall，darkratherthanfair，andfulloftendergraceandsweethumility。"
　　"SheshouldhavebeennamedRebeccainsteadofRowena，"rejoinedMissMary，whowaswellupinherScott。
　　"Tellussomethingaboutherpeople，"askedMrs。Green，——towhichinquirytheyoungladieslookedassent。
　　InthismeetingoftheelectofhisownclassandkinWarwickfeltacertainstrongilluminationuponthevalueofbirthandblood。FindingRenaamongpeopleofthebestsocialstanding，thesubsequentintimationthatshewasagirlofnofamilyhadseemedasmallmattertoonesomuchinlove。
　　Nevertheless，inhispresentcompanyhefeltadecidedsatisfactioninbeingabletopresentforhisfuturewifeacleanbillofsocialhealth。
　　"HerbrotheristhemostprominentlawyerofClarence。Theyliveinafineoldfamilymansion，andareamongthebestpeopleofthetown。"
　　"Quiteright，myboy，"assentedthedoctor。
　　"Nonebutthebestaregoodenoughforthebest。
　　YoumustbringhertoPatesvillesomeday。Butblessmylife！"heexclaimed，lookingathiswatch，"Imustbegoing。Willyoustaywiththeladiesawhile，orgobackdowntownwithme？"
　　"IthinkIhadbettergowithyou，sir。IshallhavetoseeJudgeStraight。"
　　"Verywell。Butyoumustcomebacktosupper，andwe’llhaveafewfriendsintomeetyou。
　　Youmustseesomeofthebestpeople。"
　　Thedoctor’sbuggywaswaitingatthegate。
　　Astheywerepassingthehotelontheirdrivedowntown，theclerkcameouttothecurbstoneandcalledtothedoctor。
　　"There’samanhere，doctor，who’sbeentakensuddenlyill。Canyoucomeinaminute？"
　　"IsupposeI’llhaveto。Willyouwaitformehere，George，orwillyoudrivedowntotheoffice？Icanwalktherestoftheway。"
　　"IthinkI’llwaithere，doctor，"answeredTryon。"I’llstepuptomyroomamoment。I’llbebackbythetimeyou’reready。"
　　Itwaswhiletheywerestandingbeforethehotel，beforealightingfromthebuggy，thatFrankFowler，passingonhiscart，sawTryonandsetoutasfastashecouldtowarnMis’Mollyandherdaughterofhispresenceinthetown。
　　Tryonwentuptohisroom，returnedafterawhile，andresumedhisseatinthebuggy，wherehewaitedfifteenminuteslongerbeforethedoctorwasready。Whentheydrewupinfrontoftheoffice，thedoctor’smanDavewasstandinginthedoorway，lookingupthestreetwithananxiousexpression，asthoughstrugglinghardtokeepsomethinguponhismind。
　　"Anythingwanted，Dave？"askedthedoctor。
　　"Datyoung’oman’sbe’nheahag’in，suh，an’
　　wantsterseeyoubad。She’sindedrugstorederenow，suh。BlessGawd！"headdedtohimselffervently，"I’membereddat。Disyerrecommemb’anceermineisgwinetergitmeintertroubleefIdon’lookout，an’dat’safac’，sho’。"
　　Thedoctorsprangfromthebuggywithanagilityremarkableinamanofsixty。"Justkeepyourseat，George，"hesaidtoTryon，"untilI
　　havespokentotheyoungwoman，andthenwe’llgoacrosstoStraight’s。Or，ifyou’lldrivealongalittlefarther，youcanseethegirlthroughthewindow。She’sworththetrouble，ifyoulikeaprettyface。"
　　Tryonlikedoneprettyface；moreover，tintedbeautyhadneverappealedtohim。Moretoshowaproperregardforwhatinterestedthedoctorthanfromanycuriosityofhisown，hedroveforwardafewfeet，untilthesideofthebuggywasoppositethedrugstorewindow，andthenlookedin。
　　Betweenthecoloredglassbottlesinthewindowhecouldseeayoungwoman，atallandslendergirl，likealilyonitsstem。Shestoodtalkingwiththedoctor，whoheldhishatinhishandwithasmuchdeferenceasthoughsheweretheproudestdameintown。Herfacewaspartlyturnedawayfromthewindow，butasTryon’seyefelluponher，hegaveagreatstart。Surely，notwowomencouldbesomuchalike。Theheight，thegracefuldroopoftheshoulders，theswan—likepoiseofthehead，thewell—
　　turnedlittleear，——surely，notwowomencouldhavethemallidentical！But，pshaw！thenotionwasabsurd，itwasmerelythereflexinfluenceofhismorning’sdream。
　　Shemovedslightly；itwasRena’smovement。
　　Surelyheknewthegown，andthestyleofhair—
　　dressing！Sherestedherhandlightlyonthebackofachair。Theringthatglitteredonherfingercouldbenoneotherthanhisown。
　　Thedoctorbowed。Thegirlnoddedinresponse，and，turning，leftthestore。Tryonleanedforwardfromthebuggy—seatandkepthiseyefixedonthefigurethatmovedacrossthefloorofthedrugstore。
　　Asshecameout，sheturnedherfacecasuallytowardthebuggy，andtherecouldnolongerbeanydoubtastoheridentity。
　　WhenRena’seyesfellupontheyoungmaninthebuggy，shesawafaceaspaleasdeath，withstartingeyes，inwhichlove，whichoncehadreignedthere，hadnowgivenplacetoastonishmentandhorror。Shestoodamomentasifturnedtostone。Oneappealingglanceshegave，——alookthatmighthavesoftenedadamant。Whenshesawthatitbroughtnoansweringsignofloveorsorroworregret，thecolorfadedfromhercheek，thelightfromhereye，andshefellfaintingtotheground。
　　XVI
　　THEBOTTOMFALLSOUT
　　ThefirsteffectofTryon’sdiscoverywas，figurativelyspeaking，toknockthebottomoutofthingsforhim。Itwasmuchasifaboatonwhichhehadbeenfloatingsmoothlydownthestreamofpleasurehadsunksuddenlyandlefthimstrugglingindeepwaters。Thefullrealizationofthetruth，whichfollowedspeedily，hadforthemomentreversedhismentalattitudetowardher，andloveandyearninghadgivenplacetoangeranddisgust。Hisagitationcouldhardlyhaveescapednoticehadnotthedoctor’sattention，andthatofthecrowdthatquicklygathered，beenabsorbedbytheyoungwomanwhohadfallen。Duringthetimeoccupiedincarryingherintothedrugstore，restoringhertoconsciousness，andsendingherhomeinacarriage，Tryonhadtimetorecoverinsomedegreehisself—possession。WhenRenahadbeentakenhome，heslippedawayforalongwalk，afterwhichhecalledatJudgeStraight’sofficeandreceivedthejudge’sreportuponthematterpresented。JudgeStraighthadfoundtheclaim，inhisopinion，agoodone；hehaddiscoveredpropertyfromwhich，incasetheclaimwereallowed，theamountmightberealized。Thejudge，whohadalreadybeeninformedoftheincidentatthedrugstore，observedTryon’spreoccupationandguessedshrewdlyatitscause，butgavenosign。Tryonleftthematterofthenoteunreservedlyinthelawyer’shands，withinstructionstocommunicatetohimanyfurtherdevelopments。
　　Returningtothedoctor’soffice，Tryonlistenedtothatgenialgentleman’scommentsontheaccident，hisownconcerninwhichhe，byagreateffort，wasabletoconceal。ThedoctorinsisteduponhisreturningtotheHillforsupper。Tryonpleadedillness。Thedoctorwassolicitous，felthispulse，examinedhistongue，pronouncedhimfeverish，andprescribedasedative。Tryonsoughtrefugeinhisroomatthehotel，fromwhichhedidnotemergeagainuntilmorning。
　　Hisemotionswerevariedandstormy。Atfirsthecouldseenothingbutthefraudofwhichhehadbeenmadethevictim。Anegrogirlhadbeenfoisteduponhimforawhitewoman，andhehadalmostcommittedtheunpardonablesinagainsthisraceofmarryingher。Suchastep，hefelt，wouldhavebeencriminalatanytime；itwouldhavebeenthemostodioustreacheryatthisepoch，whenhispeoplehadbeensubjugatedandhumiliatedbytheNortherninvaders，whohadpreachednegroequalityandabolishedthewholesomelawsdecreeingtheseparationoftheraces。ButnoSouthernerwholovedhispoor，downtroddencountry，orhisrace，theproudAnglo—SaxonracewhichtracedtheclearstreamofitsbloodtothecavaliersofEngland，couldtoleratetheideathatevenindistantgenerationsthatunsulliedcurrentcouldbepollutedbythebloodofslaves。TheverythoughtwasaninsulttothewhitepeopleoftheSouth。
　　ForTryon’sliberality，ofwhichhehadspokensonoblyandsosincerely，hadbeenconfinedunconsciously，andasamatterofcourse，withintheboundariesofhisownrace。TheSouthernmind，indiscussingabstractquestionsrelativetohumanity，makesalways，consciouslyorunconsciously，thementalreservationthattheconclusionsreacheddonotapplytothenegro，unlesstheycanbemadetoharmonizewiththecustomsofthecountry。
　　Butreasoningthuswasnotwithouteffectuponamindbynaturereasonableabovetheaverage。
　　Tryon’sraceimpulseandsocialprejudicehadcarriedhimtoofar，andtheswingofthementalpendulumbroughthisthoughtsrapidlybackintheoppositedirection。Tossinguneasilyonthebed，wherehehadthrownhimselfdownwithoutundressing，theairoftheroomoppressedhim，andhethrewopenthewindow。Thecoolnightaircalmedhisthrobbingpulses。Themoonlight，streamingthroughthewindow，floodedtheroomwithasoftlight，inwhichheseemedtoseeRenastandingbeforehim，asshehadappearedthatafternoon，gazingathimwitheyesthatimploredcharityandforgiveness。Heburstintotears，——
　　bittertears，thatstrainedhisheartstrings。Hewasonlyayouth。Shewashisfirstlove，andhehadlostherforever。Shewasworsethandeadtohim；forifhehadseenherlyinginhershroudbeforehim，hecouldatleasthavecherishedhermemory；now，eventhisconsolationwasdeniedhim。
　　Thetownclock——whichsolongasitwaswoundupregularlyreckednothingofloveorhate，joyorsorrow——solemnlytolledoutthehourofmidnightandsoundedtheknellofhislostlove。Lostshewas，asthoughshehadneverbeen，asshehadindeedhadnorighttobe。Heresolutelydeterminedtobanishherimagefromhismind。Seeheragainhecouldnot；itwouldbepainfultothemboth；itcouldbeproductiveofnogoodtoeither。Hehadfeltthepowerandcharmoflove，andnoordinaryshookcouldhavelooseneditshold；butthiscatastrophe，whichhadsorudelysweptawaythegroundworkofhispassion，hadstirredintonewlifealltheslumberingprideofraceandancestrywhichcharacterizedhiscaste。
　　Howmuchofthissensitivesuperioritywasessentialandhowmuchaccidental；howmuchofitwasduetotheever—suggestedcomparisonwithaservilerace；howmuchofitwasignoranceandself—conceit；towhatextenttheboastedpurityofhisracewouldhavebeencontaminatedbythefairwomanwhoseimagefilledhismemory，——ofthesethingsheneverthought。Hewasnotinfluencedbysordidconsiderations；hewouldhavedeniedthathiscoursewascontrolledbyanynarrowprudence。IfRenahadbeenwhite，purewhite（forinhiscreedtherewasnocompromise），hewouldhavebravedanydangerforhersake。Hadshebeenmerelyofillegitimatebirth，hewouldhaveoverlookedthebarsinister。Hadherpeoplebeensimplypoorandoflowestate，hewouldhavebrushedasidemereworldlyconsiderations，andwouldhavebravelysacrificedconventionforlove；
　　forhisliberalitywasnotamereformofwords。
　　Buttheoneobjectionwhichhecouldnotoverlookwas，unhappily，theonethatappliedtotheonlywomanwhohadasyetmovedhisheart。Hetriedtobeangrywithher，butafterthefirsthourhefounditimpossible。Hewasamanoftoomuchimaginationnottobeabletoputhimself，insomemeasureatleast，inherplace，——toperceivethatforherthestepwhichhadplacedherinTryon’sworldwastheworkingoutofnature’sgreatlawofself—
　　preservation，forwhichhecouldnotblameher。
　　Butforthesheerestaccident，——no，rather，butforaprovidentialinterference，——hewouldhavemarriedher，andmighthavegonetothegraveunconsciousthatshewasotherthansheseemed。
　　Theclockstruckthehouroftwo。Withashiverheclosedthewindow，undressedbythemoonlight，drewdowntheshade，andwenttobed。
　　Hefellintoanunquietslumber，anddreamedagainofRena。Hemustlearntocontrolhiswakingthoughts；hisdreamscouldnotbecurbed。
　　InthatrealmRena’simagewasformanyadaytoremainsupreme。Hedreamedofhersweetsmile，hersofttouch，hergentlevoice。Inallherfairyoungbeautyshestoodbeforehim，andthenbysomehellishmagicshewasslowlytransformedintoahideousblackhag。Withagonizedeyeshewatchedherbeautifultressesbecomemerewispsofcoarsewool，wrappedroundwithdingycottonstrings；hesawhercleareyesgrowbloodshot，herivoryteethturntounwholesomefangs。Withashudderheawoke，tofindthecoldgraydawnofarainydaystealingthroughthewindow。
　　Herose，dressedhimself，wentdowntobreakfast，thenenteredthewriting—roomandpennedaletterwhich，afterreadingitover，hetoreintosmallpiecesandthrewintothewastebasket。A
　　secondsharedthesamefate。Givingupthetask，heleftthehotelandwalkeddowntoDr。Green’soffice。
　　"Isthedoctorin？"heaskedofthecoloredattendant。
　　"No，suh，"repliedtheman；"he’sgoneterseedeyoungculludgalw’atfaintedw’endedoctahwaswidyouyistiddy。"
　　Tryonsatdownatthedoctor’sdeskandhastilyscrawledanote，statingthatbusinesscompelledhisimmediatedeparture。Hethankedthedoctorforcourtesiesextended，andlefthisregardsfortheladies。Returning。tothehotel，hepaidhisbillandtookahackforthewharf，fromwhichaboatwasduetoleaveatnineo’clock。
　　AsthehackdrovedownFrontStreet，Tryonnotedidlythehousesthatlinedthestreet。Whenhereachedthesordiddistrictinthelowerpartofthetown，therewasnothingtoattracthisattentionuntilthecarriagecameabreastofarowofcedar—trees，beyondwhichcouldbeseentheupperpartofalargehousewithdormerwindows。Beforethegatestoodahorseandbuggy，whichTryonthoughtherecognizedasDr。Green’s。Heleanedforwardandaddressedthedriver。
　　"Canyoutellmewholivesthere？"Tryonasked，pointingtothehouse。
　　"Acallud’oman，suh，"themanreplied，touchinghishat。"Mis’MollyWaldenan’herdaughterRena。"
　　Thevividimpressionhereceivedofthishouse，andthespectrethatrosebeforehimofapale，broken—heartedgirlwithinitsgraywalls，weepingforalostloverandavanisheddreamofhappiness，didnotarguewellforTryon’sfuturepeaceofmind。Rena’simagewasnottobeeasilyexpelledfromhisheart；forthelawsofnaturearehigherandmorepotentthanmerelyhumaninstitutions，anduponanythinglikeafairfieldarelikelytowininthelongran。
　　XVII
　　TWOLETTERS
　　Warwickawaitedeventswithsomecalmnessandsomephilosophy，——hecouldhardlyhavehadtheonewithouttheother；anditrequiredmuchphilosophytomakehimwaitaweekinpatienceforinformationuponasubjectinwhichhewassovitallyinterested。Thedelaypointedtodisaster。
　　Badnewsbeingexpected，delayatleastputofftheevilday。Attheendoftheweekhereceivedtwoletters，——oneaddressedinhisownhandwritingandpostmarkedPatesville，N。C。；theotherinthehandwritingofGeorgeTryon。HeopenedthePatesvilleletter，whichranasfollows：——
　　MYDEARSON，——Frankiswritingthisletterforme。Iamnotwell，but，thanktheLord，I
　　ambetterthanIwas。
　　Renahashadaheapoftroubleonaccountofmeandmysickness。IfIcouldofdreamtthatI
　　wasgoingtodosomuchharm，IwouldofdiedandgonetomeetmyGodwithoutwritingonewordtospoilmygirl’schancesinlife；butIdidn’tknowwhatwasgoingtohappen，andIhopetheLordwillforgiveme。
　　Frankknowsallaboutit，andsoIamhavinghimwritethisletterforme，asRenaisnotwellenoughyet。FrankhasbeenverygoodtomeandtoRena。HewasdowntoyourplaceandsawRenathere，andneversaidawordaboutittonobody，noteventome，becausehedidn’twanttodoRenanoharm。FrankisthebestfriendI
　　havegotintown，becausehedoessomuchformeanddon’twantnothinginreturn。（Hetellsmenottoputthisinabouthim，butIwantyoutoknowit。）
　　AndnowaboutRena。Shecometoseeme，andIgotbetterrightaway，foritwaslongingforherasmuchasanythingelsethatmademesick，andIwasmightymizzable。Whenshehadbeenherethreedaysandwasgoingbacknextday，shewentuptowntoseethedoctorforme，andwhileshewasupthereshefaintedandfelldowninthestreet，andDr。Greensentherhomeinhisbuggyandcomedowntoseeher。Hecouldn’ttellwhatwasthematterwithher，butshehasbeensickeversinceandoutofherheadsomeofthetime，andkeepsoncallingonsomebodybythenameofGeorge，whichwastheyoungwhitemanshetoldmeshewasgoingtomarry。ItseemshewasintownthedayRenawastooksick，forFranksawhimupstreetandrunallthewaydownheretotellme，sothatshecouldkeepoutofhisway，whileshewasstilluptownwaitingforthedoctorandgettingmesomecamphorgumformycamphorbottle。OldJudgeStraightmusthaveknowedsomethingaboutit，forhesentmeanotetokeepRenainthehouse，butthelittleboyhesentitbydidn’tbringittillRenawasalreadygoneuptown，and，asIcouldn’tread，ofcourseIdidn’tknowwhatitsaid。Dr。
　　GreenheardRenarunningonwhileshewasoutofherhead，andIreckonhemusthavesuspicionedsomething，forhelookedkindofqueerandwentawaywithoutsayingnothing。Franksaysshemetthismanonthestreet，andwhenhefoundoutshewasn’twhite，hesaidordonesomethingthatbrokeherheartandshefaintedandfelldown。
　　IamwritingyouthisletterbecauseIknowyouwillbeworryingaboutRenanotcomingback。Ifitwasn’tforFrank，IhardlyknowhowIcouldwritetoyou。FrankisnotgoingtosaynothingaboutRena’spassingforwhiteandmeetingthisman，andneitheramI；andIdon’tsupposeJudgeStraightwillsaynothing，becauseheisourgoodfriend；andDr。Greenwon’tsaynothingaboutit，becauseFranksaysDr。Green’scookNancysaysthisyoungmannamedGeorgestoppedwithhimandwassomecousinorrelationtothefamily，andtheywouldn’twantpeopletoknowthatanyoftheirkinwasthinkingaboutmarryingacoloredgirl，andthewhitefolkshaveallbeenmadsinceJ。B。
　　Thompsonmarriedhisblackhousekeeperwhenshegotreligionandwouldn’tlivewithhimnomore。
　　Alltherestoftheconnectionarewell。IhavejustbeenintoseehowRenais。Sheisfeelingsomebetter，Ithink，andsaysgiveyouherloveandshewillwriteyoualetterinafewdays，assoonassheiswellenough。Shebustoutcryingwhileshewastalking，butIreckonthatisbetterthanbeingoutofherhead。Ihopethismayfindyouwell，andthatthismanofRena’swon’tsaynordonothingdowntheretohurtyou。HehasnotwrotetoRenanorsenthernoword。Ireckonheisverymad。
　　Youraffectionatemother，MARYWALDEN。
　　Thisletter，whileconfirmingWarwick’sfears，relievedhissuspense。Heatleastknewtheworst，unlessthereshouldbesomethingstillmoredisturbinginTryon’sletter，whichhenowproceededtoopen，andwhichranasfollows：——
　　JOHNWARWICK，ESQ。
　　DearSir，——WhenIinformyou，asyouaredoubtlessinformederethereceiptofthis，thatI
　　sawyoursisterinPatesvillelastweekandlearnedthenatureofthoseantecedentsofyoursandhersatwhichyouhintedsoobscurelyinarecentconversation，youwillnotbesurprisedtolearnthatItakethisopportunityofrenouncinganypretensionstoMissWarwick’shand，andrequestyoutoconveythismessagetoher，sinceitwasthroughyouthatIformedheracquaintance。Ithinkperhapsthatfewwhitemenwoulddeemitnecessarytomakeanexplanationunderthecircumstances，andIdonotknowthatIneedsaymorethanthatnoone，consideringwhereandhowImetyoursister，wouldhavedreamedofeventhepossibilityofwhatIhavelearned。Imightwithjusticereproachyoufortriflingwiththemostsacredfeelingsofaman’sheart；butIrealizethehardshipofyourpositionandhers，andcanmakeallowances。
　　Iwouldneverhavesoughttoknowthisthing；I
　　woulddoubtlesshavebeenhappierhadIgonethroughlifewithoutfindingitout；buthavingtheknowledge，Icannotignoreit，asyoumustunderstandperfectlywell。Iregretthatsheshouldbedistressedordisappointed，——shehasnotsufferedalone。
　　IneedscarcelyassureyouthatIshallsaynothingaboutthisaffair，andthatIshallkeepyoursecretasthoughitweremyown。Personally，Ishallneverbeabletothinkofyouasotherthanawhiteman，asyoumaygatherfromthetoneofthisletter；andwhileIcannotmarryyoursister，Iwishhereveryhappiness，andremain，Yoursverytruly，GEORGETRYON。
　　WarwickcouldnotknowthatthisformalepistlewasthelastofadozenthatTryonhadwrittenanddestroyedduringtheweeksincethemeetinginPatesville，——hot，blisteringletters，cold，cuttingletters，scornful，crushingletters。Thoughnoneofthemwassent，exceptthislast，theyhadfurnishedasafety—valveforhisemotions，andhadlefthiminastateofmindthatpermittedhimtowritetheforegoing。
　　Andnow，whileRenaisrecoveringfromherillness，andTryonfromhislove，andwhileFateisshufflingthecardsforanotherdeal，afewwordsmaybesaidaboutthepastlifeofthepeoplewholivedintherearoftheflowergarden，inthequaintoldhousebeyondthecedars，andhowtheirlivesweremingledwiththoseofthemenandwomenaroundthemandothersthatweregone。Forconnectedwithourkindwemustbe；ifnotbyourvirtues，thenbyourvices，——ifnotbyourservices，atleastbyourneeds。
　　XVIII
　　UNDERTHEOLDREGIME
　　Formanyyearsbeforethecivilwartherehadlived，intheoldhousebehindthecedars，afreecoloredwomanwhowentbythenameofMollyWalden——herrightfulname，forherparentswerefree—bornandlegallymarried。Shewasatallwoman，straightasanarrow。Hercomplexioninyouthwasofanoldivorytint，whichattheperiodofthisstory，timehaddarkenedmeasurably。Herblackeyes，nowfaded，hadoncesparkledwiththefireofyouth。Highcheek—bones，straightblackhair，andacertaindignifiedreposefulnessofmannerpointedtoanaboriginaldescent。Traditiongavehertothenegrorace。Doubtlessshehadastrainofeach，withwhitebloodveryvisiblypredominatingoverboth。InLouisianaortheWestIndiesshewouldhavebeencalledaquadroon，ormoreloosely，acreole；inNorthCarolina，wherefinedistinctionswerenottheruleinmattersofcolor，shewassufficientlydifferentiatedwhendescribedasabrightmulatto。
　　Molly’sfreebirthcarriedwithitcertainadvantages，evenintheSouthbeforethewar。Thoughdegradedfromitshighestate，andshornofitschoicestattributes，theword"freedom"hadneverthelessacheerfulsound，anddescribedaconditionthatlefteventocoloredpeoplewhocouldclaimitsomelibertyofmovementandsomecontroloftheirownpersons。Theywerenotcitizens，yettheywerenotslaves。Nonegro，saveinbooks，everrefusedfreedom；manyofthemranfrightfulriskstoachieveit。Molly’sparentswereoftheclass，morenumerousinNorthCarolinathanelsewhere，knownas"oldissuefreenegroes，"whichtookitsriseinthemistycolonialperiod，whenracelineswerenotsocloselydrawn，andthepopulationofNorthCarolinacomprisedmanyIndians，runawaynegroes，andindenturedwhiteservantsfromtheseaboardplantations，whomingledtheirbloodwithgreatfreedomandsmallformality。FreecoloredpeopleinNorthCarolinaexercisedtherightofsuffrageaslateas1835，andsomeofthem，inspiteofgallingrestrictions，attainedtoaconsiderabledegreeofprosperity，anddreamedofastillbrighterfuture，whenthegrowingtyrannyoftheslavepowercrushedtheirhopesandcrowdedthefreepeoplebackupontheblackmassjustbeneaththem。Mis’Molly’sfatherhadbeenatonetimeamanofsomemeans。Inanevilhour，withanoverweeningconfidenceinhisfellowmen，heindorsedanoteforawhitemanwho，inamomentoffinancialhardship，clappedhiscoloredneighboronthebackandcalledhimbrother。Notpoverty，butwealth，isthemostpotentleveler。