eem that, for a time at least, party animosities would have been
crushed; but bitter differences sprang up at the very threshold on the
_modus operandi_ of Southern release from Yankee-Egyptic bondage. Separate
"State action" or "co-operation" divided the people, many of whom were
earnestly impressed by the necessity and expediency of deliberate,
concerted, simultaneous action on the part of all the Southern States,
while others vehemently advocated this latter course solely because the
former plan was advanced and supported by their old opponents. In this new
issue, as if fate persistently fanned the flame of hate between Mr.
Huntingdon and Russell Aubrey, they were again opposed as candidates for
the State Convention.

W---- was once more convulsed, and strenuous efforts were made by both
sides. Russell was indefatigable in his labours for prompt, immediate State
action, proclaiming his belief that co-operation was impracticable before
secession; and it was now that his researches in the dusty regions of
statistics came admirably into play, as he built up his arguments on solid
foundations of indisputable calculation.

The contest was close and heated, and resulted somewhat singularly in the
election of a mixed ticket--two Secessionists being returned, and one
Co-operationist, Mr. Huntingdon, owing to personal popularity.

While the entire South was girding for the contest, South Carolina, ever
the _avant courier_ in the march of freedom, seceded; and if doubt had
existed before, it vanished now from every mind--for all felt that the
gallant State must be sustained. Soon after, Russell and Mr. Huntingdon
stood face to face on the floor of their own State convention, and wrestled
desperately. The latter headed the opposition, and so contumacious did it
prove, that for some days the fate of the State lay in dangerous
equilibrium. Finally, the vigilance of the Secessionists prevailed, and,
late in the afternoon of a winter day, the ordinance was signed.

Electricity flashed the decree to every portion of the State, and the
thunder of artillery and blaze of countless illuminations told that the
people gratefully and joyfully accepted the verdict. W---- was vociferous;
and as Irene gazed from the colonnade on the distant but brilliant rows of
lights flaming along the streets, she regretted that respect for her
father's feelings kept the windows of her own home dark and cheerless.

The 12th and 13th of April were days of