as much as he should receive.  That, in fact, was the only way to win a woman who had been bowed down to all her life.  After marriage they lived together like two independent sovereigns, sometimes here, then in the city house, and, when Mrs. Merwyn so desired it, on the Southern plantation, or abroad.  He always treated her as if she were a countess or a queen in her own right and paid the utmost deference to her Southern ideas, but never for a moment permitted her to forget that he was her equal and had the same right to his Northern views.  In regard to financial matters he looked after her interests as if he were her prime minister, instead of a husband wishing to avail himself of anything.  In his own affairs he consulted me constantly and together we planted his investments on the bed-rock.  These reminiscences will enable you to understand the pleasure with which I recognize in you the same traits.  Of course you know that the law gives you great power over your property.  If you were inclined to dissipation, or, what would be little better in these times, were hot-headed and bent on taking part in this losing fight of the South, I should have no end of trouble.”

“You, also, are satisfied, then, that it will be a losing fight?” Merwyn had remarked.

“Yes, even though the South achieves its independence.  I am off at one side of all the turmoil, and my only aim is to keep my trusts safe, no matter who wins.  I see things as they are up to date and not as I might wish them to be if under the influence of passion or prejudice.  The South may be recognized by foreign powers and become a separate state, although I regard this as very doubtful.  In any event the great North and West, with the immense tides of immigration pouring in, will so preponderate as to be overshadowing.  The Southern empire, of which Mrs. Merwyn dreams, would dwindle rather than grow.  Human slavery, right or wrong, is contrary to the spirit of the age.  But enough of this political discussion.  I only touch upon it to influence your action.  By the course you are pursuing you not only preserve all your Northern property, but you will also enable me to retain for your mother and sisters the Southern plantation.  This would be impossible if you were seeking ‘the bubble, reputation, at the cannon’s mouth’ on either side.  Whatever happens, there must still be law and government.  Both sides will soon get tired of this exhausting struggle, and then those who survive and have been wise will reap the advantage.  Now, as to your own affairs, the legal formalities are nearly completed.  If you return and spend the winter in New York I can put you in the way of vastly increasing your property, and by such presence and business activity you will disarm all criticism which your mother’s Southern relations may occasion.”

“Mamma will bitterly oppose my return.”

“I can only say that what I advise will greatly tend to conserve Mrs. Merwyn’s interests.  If you prefer, we can manage it in this way:  after you have safely established your mother and sisters abroad I can write you a letter saying that your interests require your presence.”