vantages, you fail to equal the white troops by your
side, you are written down--inferiors. If you equal them, you are still
inferiors. If you perform miracles, and surpass them, you are, in a
measure, worthy commendation at last; we consent to see in you human
beings, fit for mention and admiration,--not as types of your color and
of what you intrinsically are, but as exceptions; made such by the habit
of association, and the force of surrounding circumstances.'

"These are the terms the American people offer you, these the terms
which you stoop to accept, these the proofs that they are learning a
lesson of justice! So be it! there is need. Let them learn it to the
full! let this war go on 'until the cities be wasted without inhabitant,
and the houses without man, and the land be utterly destroyed.' Do not
you interfere. Leave them to the teachings and the judgments of God."

Ercildoune had spoken with such impassioned feeling, with such fire in
his eyes, such terrible earnestness in his voice, that Robert could not,
if he would, interrupt him; and, in the silence, found no words for the
instant at his command. Ere he summoned them they saw some one
approaching.

"A fine looking fellow! fighting has been no child's play for him," said
Robert, looking, as he spoke, at the empty sleeve.

Mr. Ercildoune advanced to meet the stranger, and Surrey beheld the same
face upon whose pictured semblance he had once gazed with such intense
feelings, first of jealousy, and then of relief and admiration; the same
splendor of life, and beauty, and vitality. Surrey knew him at once,
knew that it was Francesca's father, and went up to him with extended
hand. Mr. Ercildoune took the proffered hand, and shook it warmly. "I am
happy to meet you, Mr. Surrey."

"You know me?" said he with surprise. "I thought to present myself."

"I have seen your picture."

"And I yours. They must have held the mirror up to nature, for the
originals to be so easily known. But may I ask where you saw mine?
_yours_ was in Miss Ercildoune's possession."

"As was yours," was answered after a moment's hesitation,--Surrey
thought, with visible reluctance. His heart flew into his throat. "She
has my picture,--she has spoken of me," he said to himself. "I wonder
what her father will think,--what he will do. Come, I will to the point
immediately."

"Mr. Ercildoune," said he, aloud, "you know something of me? of my
position and prospects?"

"A great deal.