have you been, my dear fellow?" he asked, as we took
our seats.

"At old Lucy's cabin, with Scip," I replied.

"Indeed. I supposed the darky had gone."

"No, he doesn't go till the morning."

"I told you he wouldn't, David," said Madame P----; "now, send for
him--make friends with him before he goes."

"No, Alice, it wont do. I bear him no ill-will, but it wont do. It would
be all over the plantation in an hour."

"No matter for that; our people would like you the better for it."

"No, no. I can't do it. I mean him no harm, but I can't do that."

"He told me _why_ he interfered between you and Moye," I remarked.

"Why did he?"

"He says old Lucy, years ago, was a mother to him; that she is greatly
attached to you, and it would kill her if any harm happened to you; and
that your neighbors bear you no good-will, and would have enforced the
law had you killed Moye."

"It is true, David; you would have had to answer for it."

"Nonsense! what influence could this North County scum have against
_me_?"

"Perhaps none. But that makes no difference; Scipio did right, and you
should tell him you forgive him."

The Colonel then rang a small bell, and a negro woman soon appeared.
"Sue," he said, "go to Aunt Lucy's, and ask Scip to come here. Bring him
in at the front door, and, mind, let no one know he comes."

The woman in a short time returned with Scip. There was not a trace of
fear or embarrassment in the negro's manner as he entered the room.
Making a respectful bow, he bade us "good evening."

"Good evening, Scip," said the Colonel, rising and giving the black his
hand; "let us be friends. Madam tells me I should forgive you, and I
do."

"Aunt Lucy say ma'am am an angel, sar, and it am tru--_it am tru_, sar,"
replied the negro with considerable feeling.

The lady rose, also, and took Scip's hand, saying, "_I_ not only forgive
you, but I _thank_ you for what you have done. I shall never forget it."

"You'se too good, ma'am; you'se too good to say dat," replied the darky,
the moisture coming to his eyes; "but I meant nuffin' wrong--I meant
nuffin' dis'specful to de Cunnel."

"I know you didn't, Scip; but we'll say no more about it;--good-by,"
said the Colonel.

Shaking hands with each one of us, the darky left the apartment.

One who does not know that the high-bred Southern gentleman considers
the black as far below him as the horse he drives, or the dog he kicks,
cannot realize the amazing sacrific