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, sha