From error's chains; or, The story of the religious struggles of an accomplished young lady

Front matter

FT MEADE GenCol 1

Chap. Copyright No.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Preface

In introducing this child of my fancy to the Christian public- I bespeak leniency of criticism. My object has been to do good in the cause of the truth of the gospel of Christ rather than to produce a finished work of fiction: to induce men and women, and young men and maidens, in this way, if possible, to read of some of the great truths of religion, and of the conflicts through which these truths have passed and are today passing in human hearts. In the form in which they are commonly presented these truths are usually passed by unnoticed by ver}^ many who eagerly devour the countless pages of fiction which issue from the press. It is only when truth is presented incarnate that it secures the eye of the general reader. When the great Roman poet, Terence, exclaimed: “I am a man, and therefore am interested in everything that pertains to mankind,” he was enthusiastically applauded. He voiced a feeling which is natural, and which is recognized by the Word of God. A large part of the divine Book consists of biography. The virtues of the friends and servants of God, and the vices of his enemies, are clothed in adlual flesh and blood, and the great principles moving them are presented incarnate, in order that we may admire and strive after the one, and hate

VI

PREFACE.

and turn from the other. If Terence had said: “I am a man of truth , and therefore feel an interest in everything pertaining to the eternal principles of truth,” his words would not have been so extensively applauded as they were.

We are all more interested in the actions of men and women than in the statement of abstract truth. We read the historic page, or books of biography, or works of fiction with a far greater relish than we experience in poring over Butler’s Analogy, the Principia of Newton or Lock’s Essays; because real or imaginary men and women think, and speak, and act, before us.

I need not tell the reader, who is familiar with the field of religious truth, that I lay no claim to originality in that realm. I have only sought to embody these old, well known, truths, in human characters, that many may see them, and, perchance, become better for the sight.

For some years I have had in mind such a line of thought as that every fundamental truth of the Bible has been more clearly revealed and recognized in the Christian world by reason of some hard-fought battle. These conflicts have raged among professed Christians, who have engaged in bitter controversies, and in bloody battles over great truths.

Indeed, no careful student of history can have failed to observe the fact that every truth of religion, as well as many of what are now considered the plainest truths of science, have encountered the bitterest opposition before securing recognition among men. The leading truths and fundamental doctrines of the Bible have been successively the subjects of controversy, even among professing Christians. The early centuries of Christianity were centuries of controversy about relig-

PREFACE.

vii

ious doctrines. So wild, and fierce, and bitter were these controversies that General, or ([Ecumenical, councils were called to authoritatively settle and define the doctrines in dispute. Each controversy, as history proves, was the means of a clearer understanding of, and a stronger grip upon, these great doctrines. They were in succession brought out and emphasized among men. Hence, in these wordy and literal battles for doctrines, there has been a providential manifestation and enforcement of “truth out of conflict.” For instance, the doctrine of Justification had been obscured by the false teaching and shameless sale of indulgences by Catholicism, and the great religious upheaval of the sixteenth century, in which Luther was a conspicuous figure, gave to the world, with mighty emphasis, a clearer idea of how God declares sinners just who believe in Christ.

Besides this fact of history, the same battles over Bible truth, which is ever distasteful to the carnal heart, must be constantly fought over, in a greater or less degree, in the experience of every believing soul. There is never an acceptance of Christ as a personal Savior by a human soul, and a joyful recognition of the whole system of truths involved in such acceptance, except at the end of a fierce struggle of the old man, or or carnal nature, against those truths. There is then, both a historical and an experimental exaltation of truth out of conflict.

While but few of the doctrines of the Bible could be presented in a small and unpretending book like this, yet the purpose has been to bring out this conflict, and the truth arising out of it, in both lines suggested, in reference to the greatest or most vital truths of the Bible, by means of the simple narration which follows, vm

PREFACE.

and which is not deemed unreasonable or over-drawn in a single particular.

Julia Ashton, the heroine of the story, is not entirely a creature of my fancy, but, with important variations, is a true picture of a gifted young lady of my acquaintance. So, to a greater or less extent, are the other characters of the story delineations of real persons. Even Robinson Comings was a real character. All the circumstances of the public execution, and the shooting of Will Mortimer, are literally true, though differently located, and came under my own observation.

The following pages were written before the publication of the late work of Dr. Alvah Hovey, on ‘‘Biblical Eschatology.” It is gratifying to note, however, that, in his admirable volume, he ably vindicates the doctrine of post-millenialism, which is indorsed by the principal characters of this story, and may be supposed to be the view entertained by the author.

Every line and word that has been written in the story has been written in honor of the truth as it is in Jesus our Lord : and that the truths which have been presented may be blessed of the Holy Spirit to the help and illumination of all who may hereby be induced to give them a perusal, is the devout prayer of him who writes. L. S. F.

Carrollton , Miss., April 30, 1892.

Note: — Seven years have passed since the completion of this manuscript. After a careful and prayerful re-reading of it before handing it to the printer, I have found nothing of importance which I care to change.

* Jackson, Miss., April 25, 1899. L. S. F.

Chapter I. Ashton Hall

Julia’s parents. — The Mountain City.— A great question. — Conflict of Evil with Good.— Will Mortimer’s Grammar.— A compromise Pages 17—28.

Chapter II. An Awakening

In earnest. — Will’s appeal to Mr. Ashton, who states the question. — It cannot be fully comprehended. — Secret and revealed things. — Mysteries in Nature and the Bible. — We may not limit God’s perfections nor say Evil is eternal. — Not to secure the greatest good to the greatest number Pages 29 — 37.

Chapter III. Human Limitations

Juvenile friends. — Will at Ashton Hall again. — The great question again. — All that we can know. — Sin not to be charged against God. — Object of man’s creation. — All things and events will glorify God. — Power of Truth Pages 38 — 4-6.

Chapter IX

MR. ASHTON’S FAITH.

Humble opinion of his faith. — Belief in the efficacy of prayer. — Simplicity of faith. — Of the nature of a discovery. — Impulse of new converts. — “I will still try.” — Troubled visions Pages 97 — 101.

CONTENTS.

XI

*

Chapter X. Friends At Ashton Hall

Another conversation.— Judge Norman.— Orthodoxy and money. — Mrs. Prescott. — Mr. Dixon. — Simplicity of early confessions. — Creed building.— A question which all must meet Pages 102 — 112.

Chapter XI. The Conversation Continued

Apostle’s Creed. — Curious stories. — Its age. — Why no system in the Bible. — A truth not to be rejected because incomprehensible.— Advantages of making systems. — Everyone should make his own confession Pages 113—122.

Chapter XII. Sufferings For Truth

Musings. — Mysteries. — Guests. — Another letter from Harry. — Sufferings for truth. — To be expected. — Policy of Roman emperors. — Three classes of persecution: from Jews; from Pagans; from established Christianity Pages 123 — 133.

Chapter XIII. Amidst Classic Scenery

A lawyer’s prescription. — Clifford Burffon. — A visit to the old home of an American statesman. — Natural beauty. — A distinguished American. — His opinion of Christianity. — Christian heroism at least an evidence of sincerity. — Instances of Pagan persecution Pages 134 — 152.

Chapter XIV. Shifting Scenes

A priest. — Religion established. — The germ of persecution. — Horrors of the Inquisition. — Does God rule? — Why are these things permitted ? — The power of truth. — “Dear Julia.”. ..Pages 153 — 167.

CONTENTS.

xii

• CHAPTER XV.

SORELY TRIED.

Resolution to be gay.— Laura Chatfield.— Worldly pleasure. — “Julia, have a good time.” — Will’s sadness. — “Laura, may be right.” — Barriers. — A “Declaration of war.” Pages 168 — 174.

Chapter XVI. What Do You Christians Worship ?

Conversation on the divinity of Christ. — Laura Chatfield’ s skepticism. — A lover’s tiff. Pages 175 — 196.

Chapter XVII. A Glimpse Of History

The pastor and wife at Judge Norman’s. — Clifford calls. — A moralist.— Julia’s resolution strengthened. — Sketch of the Arian controversy. — Laura’s philosophy Pages 197 — 210.

Chapter XVIII. A Struggle For A Principle

Is religious liberty understood? — The name of Christ in the Constitution of the* United States. — Mr. Ashton’s view. — Dr. Prescott’s position. — The germ of persecution. — The past. — Much evidence. — Mr. Jefferson Pages 211 — 226.

Chapter XIX. Toleration Not Freedom

Toleration in England. — Struggling alone. — Romanism. — Episcopacy. — Reformers. — John Calvin. — Establishment in America. — Patrick Henry.— Baptists refused public patronage. — Bible in public schools. — Church property ! Pages 227 — 243.

CONTENTS.

xiii

Chapter XX. Am I Chosen Or Not?

Melancholy. — Will proposes. — Growing skepticism.— “I am not myself.”— “Am I chosen ?”— Eternal choice.— Choice of persons.— Freedom unimpaired.— We cannot understand some things.— First principles.— Death of Robinson Comings Pages 244—263.

Chapter XXI. Night Thoughts

Love’s interest. — Will tries to solve the case. — Encouragements. —Resolution.— “ Prayer is mighty. ” — Sickness. — Darkness Pages 264—268.

Chapter XXII. A Visit.— Returning Health

A strange circumstance.— Grave of Robinson Comings. — Fright.— Ralph Norton again.— Laura Chatfield’s view of life.— Many things inexplicable. — Dr. Prescott in the city Pages 269 — 276.

Chapter XXIII. Is God Unrighteous?

The mission of mercy. — Judge Norman and Mr. Ashton. — “Faith intangible.” — Skepticism. — The penalty of law certain. — What is law? — Law uninforced merely advice. — Wayland. — Nature proves God’s existence. — Addison. — Professor Barker’s remarkable concession Pages 277—286.

Chapter XXIV. Is God Just In Saving Men?

“Your merciless creed.” — Written and unwritten law. — “Ought” and “Ought not.” — Indian.— -None fully obey as far as they know. — So many lost. — Righteousness of Christ. — No relaxation of law. — Justice. — Substitution. — Office of faith Pages 287 — 297.

XIV

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXV. Difficult Questions

Paul and James. — Two statements may not be contradictory. — Faith necessarily implies aCtion. — Unconvinced. — The Bible in history. — Its teachings. — A distinguished man. — Vitality of the Bible. — Gibbon’s testimony. — Evils of establishment. — Luther. — His work Pages 298 — 306.

Chapter XXVI. Rome's Arguments

Sorrows increase. — Mrs. Prescott passes away. — Will Mortimer joins the church.— Julia inherits a fortune. — Roman Catholicism. — Rome’s idea of Religion. — Rome’s final argument. — Abduction Pages 307 — 320.

Chapter XXVII. Opinions Of Religion

The Abbess. — “Why am I imprisoned?” — “To save your soul.” — The hardened criminal. — Views of religion. — Not a resolution to live better. — Not a reformation. — A new heart. — A convict believes. — Two others believe and rejoice. — Ralph Norton dies in prison. — Sorrow at home Pages 321 — 334.

Chapter XXVIII. Darkness And Mystery

Interest in Julia.. — No traces of her. — Mr. Ashton’s strong trust. — Mystery of Providence.— The Lord’s hand.— A po^m.— Ralph Norton. —Prayer and work.— Judge Norman’s view.— Nothing impossible with God Pages 335—343.

Chapter XXIX. The Plots Of Enemies

Sorrow.— Increasing infirmity.— “ Where is Julia?”— Arts of Romanism.— Her female ministers.— “Why am I detained ?”— Hope.— “Aunt Vinie.”— Priest McLemore.— Escape Pages 344—355.

CONTENTS.

XV

CHA-PTER XXX.

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP.

Friends in the pastor’s study. — Missions.— The heathen.— Christ’s command.— Judge Norman’s income and contributions. — An appeal to the Judge. — Scripture teaching.— God’s promises.— The tithes.— Money in religion. — Giving is worship. — Love. — Proportion of in-' come. — Examples of God’s blessings Pages 356 — 374.

Chapter XXXI. Thick Darkness

Rome’s financial scheming. — Her avaricious spirit. — “I give this for my freedom.” — In the toils. — Violent release. — Impaired health. — In the darkness. — Insanity. — A poem Pages 375 — 387.

Chapter XXXII. Light And Truth At Last

Restoration to friends. — Clifford a Christian. ^-A public execution. — The liquor traffic. — “Tell me I hate the bowl.” — A murderer. — Will Mortimer severely wounded. — Slow recovery.— Light and truth. — “I am hot myself.” — Betrothal. — Marriage. — Fortune. — Usefulness Pages 388 — 400.

*

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

Chapter I. Ashton Hall

Truth, crushed to earth, will rise again,

For God’s eternal years are hers:

While Error, wounded, writhes in pain.

And dies amidst her worshippers.

— Bkyant.

“What a wild conflict we see everywhere!” exclaimed Julia Ashton, more to herself than to her uncle, who sat near her in the library of Ashton Hall.

The speaker was a young lady, nineteen years of age, with a face of singular attractiveness and beaut}^ bearing the unmistakable impress of earnest and vigorous thought, with rosy cheeks and a wealth of dark auburn hair. Her large, lustrous brown eyes were truly the windows of a great soul, which had never yet been fully aroused to the high purposes, and great problems of life. As you look upon the charming face you are fascinated, and have an irresistible impulse to prolong your study of its charms, and to try to read the character which is spread out before you, as the writing upon some illuminated scroll. You can easily read strength of character, and vigor and energy of thought. If you are skilled in physiognomy you can

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

read in the open face of Julia Ashton an indomitable purpose to thoroughly accomplish whatever she undertakes, and to go to the bottom of all questions which she lays hold of. No superficial view of a subject will satisfy her thorough and energetic intellectual nature.

Her mother had been a woman of strength of character, thorough-going and faithful in all the details of life, and, although raised in a southern home of affluence, surrounded by slaves to obey her every wish, she nevertheless, in her own home and house-keeping, gave her personal supervision and attention, so that, throughout her home, there was the unmistakable impress of her individuality and thoroughness. She was a woman of deep piety, and her daily life was a perpetual benediction to those about her. Her piety was not exhausted in an empty profession, but wherever there was sorrow that she could soften, or suffering that she could alleviate, or distress that she could relieve, it was her great delight to perform these deeds of usefulness and love. Her piety thus became a living power, impressing every one with the beauty of her character and nobility of soul, and causing all with whom she came in contact to feel that if religion produced such fruits as these which enriched her life, then surely it is a most excellent and valuable possession.

Her only brother, twelve years her senior, had lived many years in Cuba, and had devoted himself entirely to the accumulation of money. This had long since become his ruling passion, and had led him to bid adieu to his only sister, and seek his fortune in the sunny island. Blockaded ports had cut off all regular communication with him for years, but an occasional letter slipped through, bearing the information that he still lived, and was prospering in business. He had

FROM KRROR’S CHAINS.

never married. Besides this brother, Mrs. Ashton had no other living relatives of whom she had any knowledge.

Her husband, Col. Ashton, was a fine specimen of a southern planter. Tall, courtly in his bearing, and the very “soul of honor.” He had served in the Confederate army during the four dark years of civil strife, and after the cessation of hostilities, had returned to his home, so crushed in spirit because of the failure of the “lost cause,” and the loss of his slaves, and the devastation of his estate, that he shut himself up in his home and completely abandoned himself to hopeless melancholy. He had an only son, ten years the senior of Julia, a noble gifted boy, to whom he and Mrs. Ashton were fervently attached, whose bravery and patriotism had won for him the love and admiration of his father’s entire regiment. This son fell before the fire of musketry, during the seven days fighting around Richmond. As the idolized youth bled his life out on the field of carnage, as, alas ! did so many of the flower and chivalry of the nation, both north and south, the father’s heart seemed to die within him. The death of an only, and beloved, and bright, son, on the field of strife, with the succeeding disappointments and reverses, caused a shock from which the stricken father never recovered; and in a few months after his return home the brave and noble southerner laid himself down in the dreamless slumber of death.

The widow made a heroic struggle in the management of the farm after the Colonel’s death, but, with the changed conditions of labor and the political confusion which prevailed, to contend with, she barely succeeded in supporting herself and daughter, and keeping the farm in a passable condition.

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

Although a woman of a very strong and energetic mind, her physical constitution was rather frail. The strain upon her physical force was so great, and the obstacles with which she had to contend were so formidable, that, two years after her husband’s death, she was brought face to face with the terrible reality of leaving little Julia, at the age of eleven, alone, in the great, selfish world. There came a time when the child, with tearful eyes, was summoned to the bedside of the pale sufferer, and had burned into her childish soul the last words from a mother’s lips, and from the deathless love of a mother’s heart.

“My darling,” she said, as the end drew near, “how can I leave you alone? But God will care for you. — Trust in Jesus — your mother’s Savior. — He is so near and precious! — He is with me now! — How bright is the dear old room! — Blessed Jesus! — Farewell, my darling!” — and the pure spirit was gone, leaving the little Julia sobbing as though her heart would break, alone in the world. These last words of her mother’s love were engraved upon her childish memory for life.

Mr. James Ashton, much older than his brother, Col. Ashton, was an entirely different type of a man from the courtly, chivalrous, aristocratic planter. He had been endowed by nature with an unusual gift of sound, practical, sense. . This practical turn of mind, accompanied with devout, unobtrusive, piety, enabled him to take hold of the ends of his broken fortune, ten years prior to the opening of our story, and to build it up into an ample competence. He had been through the deep waters of affliction, and ere his brother’s widow laid down the struggle of life and entered into the rest of the redeemed, he had been bereft of all of his family, and lived all alone in his elegant home in a

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

beautiful mountain city in one of the Carolinas. He, therefore, esteemed it a rare and delightful privilege to receive into his home, and tenderly and lovingly care for his brother’s little Julia.

During the eight years that have elapsed since her mother’s death Mr. Ashton has lavished upon his niece the wealth of affection of his great Christian heart. He has given her every opportunity for self improvement. The best female colleges of the nation have been opened to her, and their treasures of science and literature laid at her feet. Special attention has been given to her musical training, and she has enjoyed the advantage of a thorough course in one of the best conservatories of music in the whole country. To her credit, be it said, she has proved herself entirely worthy of her uncle’s love, and has enthusiastically improved all of the opportunities offered her, acquitting herself with distinction in ever}' department, and making an especially fine record in music.

Through the good judgment of Mr. Ashton, in the selection of competent agents, Julia’s farm in the “low country” has been made to yield an income more than sufficient to meet all of the expenses of her education. Recently, however, because of his advancing age, her uncle has advantageously sold the farm, and invested the proceeds in good securities in her own name.

His elegant home is known as “Ashton Hall,” and within and without, in all of its apartments, and in its exquisitely beautiful grounds, it bears the marks of wealth coupled with delicacy and refinement of taste.

The little city, in which Ashton Hall is situated, is an educational centre, and is also a favorite summer resort for wealthy merchants and planters from the “low country,” because of its delightfully healthy clifrom error’s Chains.

mate. It nestles at the feet of the mountains, of which there are three ranges visible from the tower of the University on a clear day, respectively five, twelve, and forty, miles distant. Three institutions of learning are domiciled in the city, two male schools, and one large female school. These educational institutions impart to the community quite a literary flavor. A clear and beautiful stream, dignified with the name of “river,” rushes through the city, over rocks, and down rapids, with the most picturesque scenery on either bank. There is a population of ten thousand or more at the opening of our story, the majority of whom live in the older portion, north of the beautiful, laughing, river; but of late South End is becoming populous, and the city is growing rapidly and substantially in that direction.

In this pure mountain atmosphere no deadly malaria can abide to produce chills and fever ; and it is said by the “oldest inhabitants” that musquitoes were an unknown quantity until the first railway train entered the city from the southern portion of the State.

Never was there presented a more charming scene for the artist’s brush, than on this occasion, in the library of Ashton Hall, presented itself. A young girl, of extraordinary beauty and accomplishments, with many imperfections, of course, her face glowing with thought, and her mind thoroughly aroused for the first time in her life to the consideration of a great question, which had suddenly thrust itself upon her attention.

“What a ceaseless struggle there is constantly going on between good and evil ! Whithersoever we turn our eyes we see the battle-ground of forces, marshalled in terrific conflict. Those allied to, and approved by, our better nature, are arrayed on one side ; and those from /Error’s chains.

which we intuitively feel to be wrong, on the other. Uncle, you have long given your thoughts to these things, and now have reached a good old age; what do you think of this marshalling of evil against good ? What is to be the end of this raging conflict ? Was that man right who spoke in the Jewish council at Jerusalem, when the question of murdering the disciples of the Nazarene came before that body ?” earnestly asked Julia Ashton of her uncle, as she sat beside him in the library. Mr. Ashton was intently engaged in reading one of those consoling sermons of Flavel, which furnished him spiritual uplifting during his leisure hours.

“My dear,” he said kindly, “what has led your thoughts in such a channel this evening ? I suppose you refer to the highly esteemed teacher at whose feet the Apostle Paul received his training in the literature of the Hebrews. But why have you been led to think so seriously of the matter ? And why do you speak so lightly of the Christian’s Lord as to call him ‘the Nazarene ?’ ’’

“I did not mean to speak lightly, or irreverently, of Jesus of Nazareth, and if I seemed to you to speak so I ask your pardon. But, uncle, I have become greatly confused of late by reading the conflicting views of optimistic and pessimistic writers. The optimists assure us that the world and the churches are growing better all the time, and that this is the brightest and best of all the ages of the world. On the other hand, pessimists tell us that every thing is growing worse all the time, that there are fewer real Christians now, in proportion to non-Christians, than ever before since the introduction of the religion of Christ, that there is more crime than ever before, and that we live in one of the most corrupt ages of the world.

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

“This Jewish doctor, uncle, of whom you spoke, has said, in substance, that if the religion of Jesus were of men, it would come to nothing, but if of God, these colleagues of his could not put an end to it ; for in attempting to do so they would be found fighting against God. He also gave two instances in which human imposture had come to nothing. If now, these writers who say that the world, both saint and sinner, is constantly growing worse, speak truly, then either this wise counsellor was mistaken, or the religion of Jesus was a human invention.”

“You have stated a question, my dear, which many wise men have sought to understand. In regard to this remarkable statement of Gamaliel, we must bear in mind that it is merely the opinion of a man. The Bible is only committed to the truth that such words were spoken by this man. Yet I think it is a truth which he spoke, and that it is fully sustained by the teachings of God’s Word. That which God has determined shall prosper cannot be overthrown by men. Kings may set themselves, and rulers may take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed. But such opposition will be vain. If men persist in it the Lord will break them with a rod of iron ; and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. 1 ”

The venerable silver-haired man paused a few moments, regarding his niece with intensely earnest solicitude. Was there an awakening of her better nature? Was she beginning to feel in her own heart the conflict between good and evil, of .which she had so earnestly spoken ? His features reflected the jov which such a thought awoke within him.

“It must be equally true, Julia,” he continued,

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

“that any system of belief which is wrought out bv man, and palmed o'ff upon his fellow men as divinely revealed, will come to nothing. Sometimes, however, false systems have held their sway over men for centuries, and their continued power seems to be opposed to this statement, and to brand it as false. Mohammedanism sprang up in the seventh century, and spread almost entirely over the known world, and it still holds its terrible domination over thousands of mad devotees. So of Confucianism, and Buddhism, and other false religions.”

“But, uncle, what of these pessimistic views, of which I spoke ? Is the world really to continue to grow worse?”

“There is, my dear, an overdrawing of the picture in both the classes of writers you mention. Things are hardly so dark as the one class would have us believe, nor quite so bright as the others paint them. While there may be less of living piety among Christians now, in proportion to the population of the world, than in some former age, there cannot be the slightest doubt as to the final and universal triumph of the truth of our Lord. We believe, upon the most ample evidence, that ‘this counsel’ and work of religion is of God, and that the -combined forces of wicked men and evil spirits will be powerless in its complete overthrow. The sure word of prophecy has declared that our Lord shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied . 1 I cannot think that anything less than the salvation of an overwhelming majority of the human race will be satisfactory to him for the travail of his soul. Though the alarming majority of the men and women now living may die unsaved, I think there is to be a

FROM ERROR’S CHAINS.

resurrection 1 of new spiritual power, a raising up of teachers in whose souls shall burn all the holy ardor, and zealous enthusiasm that characterized the early Christian teachers. The whole of the Bible is pledged to the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Although for many centuries the cause of truth and righteousness may trail in the dust, yet in the end God’s Word will be found more solid and immovable than the everlasting hills or the foundations of the earth.”

“Miss Julia, massa Mortimer in de parlor an’ say he want ter see you,” interrupted Jane.

“Very well, Jane.”

A few moments later, after a hasty toilet, Julia stood in the presence of her friend, Will Mortimer, radiant and rosy before, his admiring eyes. He thought she never seemed more beautiful than now, with her whole soul stirred within her, and her earnest thought upon the question of conversation with her uncle beaming upon her face. Indeed, she was looking her best at the moment he saw her.