can't blame you, though. It
is perfectly natural for such as I to be arrayed with the whites or be
neutral, stifling all thoughts of being of service to my wronged people,
because my life belies it. But I am sincere, Silas; believe me," and
Molly reached over and laid her hand upon the arm of Mr. Wingate, whose
look betrayed his incredulity. "In spite of the lowliness of my birth,
and the life I have chosen, some good remains in me." She went on: "My
fair complexion and life of ease have not made me forget that I am
identified with the oppressed and despised." "Thank God! thank God!"
said Mr. Wingate, his face brightening. "There is a ring of sincerity in
your voice, my dear, that banishes doubt." "I come to-night to warn you,
Silas," continued Molly. "Before many moons Wilmington will be the scene
of a bloody race war. Ben Hartright is my medium of information. He came
to my house last evening, and, imbued with the feeling that I was in
sympathy with the white element, revealed to me the dastardly plot in
all its blood-curdling details." Mr. Wingate trembled and shook like an
aspen leaf as Molly named the men and women singled out as victims.
"These people have ample time now to make good their escape. Tell them,
Silas, that the best whites are in this move, and they are determined to
carry it to the bitter end, and their only safety is in flight. Ben
tells me that the plans are well laid, that men will be here to assist
in the dirty work from as far South as Texas. I listened patiently to
Hartright's recital and then denounced him and his cohorts as infamous
cowards!" "Did you dare?" exclaimed Mr. Wingate, gazing eagerly into
Molly's face. "I drove him from my presence." Mr. Wingate drew nigh and
laid his hand caressingly upon Molly's head. "You have risked much," he
said, eagerly. "I fully realize that," returned Molly. "When he had left
me, what I had said and done came home with its full force, but, like
Jephthah, I had sworn, and will not go back; and here now, as I did
then, I swear with uplifted hand to renounce forever my life of shame,
and will be no longer a Magdalene!" "Angels record thy vow in heaven,"
said Mr. Wingate. "You can, with God's help, be true to your vow, for
Magdalene, who became one of the faithful, was a greater sinner than
you, Molly." "But Magdalene perhaps never threw away the opportunities
for good that I have," answered Molly, who had arisen and begun to pace
the floor. "Magdalene is not c