“And do you really fancy,” said Harold, sharply, “that a separation is possible, in the face of the opposition of twenty millions of loyal citizens?”

“Yes,” interrupted Oriana, “in the face of the opposing world.  We established our right to self-government in 1776; and in 1861 we are prepared to prove our power to sustain that right.”

“You are a young enthusiast,” said Harold, smiling.  “This rebellion will be crushed before the flowers in that garden shall be touched with the earliest frost.”

“I think you have formed a false estimate of the movement,” remarked Beverly, gravely; “or rather, you have not fully considered of the subject.”

“Harold,” said Arthur, sadly, “I regret, and perhaps censure, equally with yourself, the precipitancy of our Carolinian brothers; but this is not an age, nor a country, where six millions of freeborn people can be controlled by bayonets and cannon.”

They were about rising from the table, when a servant announced that some gentlemen desired to speak with Mr. Weems in private.  He passed into the drawing-room, and found himself in the presence of three men, two of whom he recognized as small farmers of the neighborhood, and the other as the landlord of a public house.  With a brief salutation, he seated himself beside them, and after a few commonplace remarks, paused, as if to learn their business with him.

After a little somewhat awkward hesitation, the publican broke silence.

“Squire Weems, we’ve called about a rather unpleasant sort of business”

“The sooner we transact it, then, the better for all, I fancy, gentlemen.”

“Just so.  Old Judge Weems, your father, was a true Virginian, squire, and we know you are of the right sort, too.”  Beverly bowed in acknowledgment of the compliment.  “Squire, the boys hereabouts met down thar at my house last night, to take into consideration them two Northern fellows that are putting up with you.”

“Well, sir?”

“We don’t want any Yankee abolitionists in these parts.”

“Mr. Lucas, I have no guests for whom I will not vouch.”

“Can’t help that, squire, them chaps is spotted, and the boys have voted they must leave.  As they be your company, us three’ve been deputized to call on you and have a talk about it.  We don’t want to do nothing unpleasant whar you’re consarned, squire.”

“Gentlemen, my guests shall remain with me while they please to honor me with their company, and I will protect them from violence or indignity with my life.”

“There’s no mistake but you’re good grit, squire, but ’tain’t no use.  You know what the boys mean to do, they’ll do.  Now, whar’s the good of kicking up a shindy about it?”

“No good whatever, Mr. Lucas.  You had better let this matter drop.  You know me too well to suppose that I would harbor dangerous characters.  It is my earnest desire to avoid everything that may bring about an unnecessary excitement, or disturb the peace of the community; and I shall therefore make no secret of this, interview to my friends.  But whether they remain with me or go, shall be entirely at their option.  I trust that my roof will be held sacred by my fellow-citizens.”