the reader in
this chapter, is a type of Negro women whose progress along ennobling
avenues is more hotly contested than any other woman in the South,
because of her beauty. To decide between the honor with poverty offered
by the black man and the life of ease with shame offered by the white
one is her "Gethsemine." Yet where love of honor has conquered, she has
made a devoted wife and a loving mother.

Such a character as Molly Pierrepont was an exclusive luxury for
gentlemen. The poor white could not afford to support a mistress who of
course went to the highest bidder. Ben Hartright left the Wigwam before
the close of the meeting in which he was so deeply interested, and
proceeded directly to Molly's cottage; but he did not notice as he
tipped lightly through the gate a cloaked and veiled form crouching down
in the bushes a few yards away. He heard not the light footsteps as it
drew nearer to be sure that there was no mistaking the visitor. Ben
Hartright entered boldly; knocking was unnecessary, he was master there.
The furniture and hangings were all his purchase, even the expensive
jewels that the woman wore. The figure on the outside drew still closer,
peered in, tip-toed upon the piazza, pressed the ear against the window
to catch as much as possible of what went on within. Only a few minutes
did it tarry however. As the door swung open, Molly arose from the piano
and advanced with outstretched arms to meet him.

"Hello, Ben! I thought you were to be here by eight to-night."

Ben Hartright sank upon a sofa and gently drew the girl down beside him
before he assayed to answer her.

"Well, Molly, you must remember that I am in politics now," he said,
kissing her fondly, "and I must attend the different meetings, business
before pleasure you know. We are in the most exciting period of the
campaign; a campaign the like of which has never before been experienced
in North Carolina. We are organized and determined to save the State to
the Democratic party and make white supremacy an established fact if we
have to kill every Nigger and Nigger-hearted white man in it. To make
assurance doubly sure, we are arming ourselves, and seeing to it that no
Nigger shall buy an ounce of powder, and every Nigger man and woman is
to be searched and what weapons they have taken away that no white man's
life may be endangered. There are some Niggers and white men who must be
killed, and they are carefully listed."

Ben Hartright un