 Chapter 11 of Dread, A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp by Harriet Beecher Stowe This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording by Michelle Fry, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dread, Chapter 11, The Lovers They rode on in silence till their horses' feet again clattered in the clear pebbly water of the stream. Here Naina checked her horse and, pointing round the circle of pine forests, an up-the-stream overhung with bending trees and branches said, Hush! Listen! Both stopped and heard the swaying of the pine trees, the babble of the waters and the culling of distant crows and the tapping of the woodpecker. How beautiful everything is, she said. It seems to me so sad that people must die. I never saw anybody dead before, and you don't know how it makes me feel. To think that that poor woman was just such a girl as I am and used to be just so full of life and never thought any more than I do that she should lie there all cold and dead. Why is it things are made so beautiful if we must die? Remember what you said to the old man, Miss Naina? Perhaps she sees more beautiful things now. In heaven, yes, I wish we knew more about heaven so that it would seem natural and home-like to us as this world does. As for me, I can't feel that I ever want to leave this world. I enjoy living so much. I can't forget how cold her hand was. I never felt anything like that cold. In all the varying moods of Naina, Clayton had never seen anything that resembled this, but he understood the peculiar singleness and earnestness of nature, which made any one idea or impression for a time absolute in her mind. They turned their horses into the woodpath and rode on in silence. Do you know, she said, it's such a change coming from New York to live here. Everything is so unformed, so wild, and so lonely. I never saw anything so lonesome as these woods are. Here you can ride miles and miles, hours and hours, and hear nothing but the swaying of the pine trees just as you hear it now. Our place, you never were there were you, stands all by itself, miles from any other. And I've been for so many years used to a thickly settled country that it seems very strange to me. I can't help thinking things look rather deserted and desolate here. It makes me rather sober and sad. I don't know as you'll like the appearance of our place. A great many things are going to decay about it, and yet there are some things that can't decay, for Papa was very fond of trees and shrubbery, and we have a good deal more of them than usual. Are you fond of trees? Yes, I'm almost a tree worshiper. I have no respect for a man who can't appreciate a tree. The only good thing I ever heard of Xerxes was that he was so transported by the beauty of a plain tree that he hung it with chains of gold. This is a little poetical island in the barbarism of those days. Xerxes? I believe I studied something about him in that dismultidious history of Madame Ardennes, but nothing so interesting as that I'm sure. But what should he hang gold chains on a tree for? T'was the best way he knew of expressing his good opinion. Do you know, said Nanna, half-checking her horse suddenly, that I never had the least idea that these men were alive that we read about in these histories, or that they had any feelings like ours? We always studied the lessons and learnt the hard names and how forty thousand were killed on one side and fifty thousand on the other, and we don't know any more about it than if we never had. That's the way we girls studied at school, except a few pokey ones who wanted to be learned or meant to be teachers. An interesting resume, certainly, said Clayton, laughing. But how strange it is to think that all those folks we read about are alive now doing something somewhere, and I get to wondering where they are. Xerxes and Alexander and the rest of them. Why, they are so full of life, they kept everything in commotion while in this world, and I wonder if they have been keeping a going ever since. Perhaps Xerxes has been looking around at our trees. Nobody knows. But here we are coming now to the beginning of our grounds. There, you see that holly hedge? Mama had that set out. She travelled in England, and liked the hedges there so much that she thought she would see what could be done with our American holly. So she had these brought from the woods and planted. You see, it all grows wild now because it hasn't been cut for many years. And this live oak avenue, my grandfather said out, it's my pride and delight. As she spoke, a pair of broad gates swung open and they cantered in beneath the twilight arches of the oaks. Long wreaths of pearly moss hung swinging from the branches, and although the sun now was at high noon, a dewy, dreamy coolness seemed to rustle through all the leaves. As Clayton passed in, he took off his hat as he had often done in foreign countries in cathedrals. Welcome to Panama, she said, writing up to him and looking up frankly into his face. The heir, half queenly, half childish, this was said, was acknowledged by Clayton with a grave smile as he replied, bowing. Thank you, madam. Perhaps, she added in a grave tone, you'll be sorry you ever came here. What do you mean by that? I don't know, it just came into my head to say it. We none of us ever know what's going to come of what we do. At this instant a violent clamor like the calling of a crow rose on one side of the avenue, and the moment after, Tom Titt appeared, caracoling and cutting a summer set, his curls flying, his cheeks glowing. What, Tom Titt, what on earth is this for? Laws, Mrs. Dair's been a gem and waiting for you at the house these two hours, and Mrs. She's done got on her best cap and gone down in the parlor for him. Nina felt herself blushed to the roots of her hair and was vexed and provoked to think she did so. Involuntarily her eyes met Clayton's, but he expressed neither curiosity nor concern. What a pretty drapery this light moss makes, he said. I wasn't aware that it grew up so high in the state. Yes, it is very pretty, said Nina abstractedly. Clayton, however, had noticed both the message and the blush and was not so ill-informed as Nina supposed as to the whole affair, having heard from a New York correspondent of the probability that a rival might appear upon the field about this time. He was rather curious to watch the development produced by this event. They paced up the avenue, conversing in disconnected intervals till they came out on the lawn which fronted the mansion. A large gray three-story building surrounded on the four sides by wide balconies of wood. Access was had to the lower of these by a broad flight of steps, and there, Nina saw, plain enough, her aunt Nesbitt in all the proprieties of cap and silt gown, sitting, making the agreeable to Mr. Carson. Mr. Frederick Augustus Carson was one of those nice little epitomies of conventional society which appeared to such advantage in factitious life and are so out of place in the undress, sincere surroundings of country life. Nina had liked his society extremely well in the drawing rooms and opera houses of New York, but in the train of thought inspired by the lonely and secluded life she was now leading, it seemed to her an absolute impossibility that she could, even in coca tree and in sport, have allowed such an one to set up pretensions to her hand and heart. She was vexed with herself that she had done so and therefore not in the most amiable mood for a meeting. Therefore, when on ascending the steps he rushed precipitately forward and offered his hand, calling her Nina, she was ready to die with vexation. She observed to a peculiar swelling and rustling of Aunt Nesbitt's plumage an indescribable air of tender satisfaction peculiar to elderly ladies who were taking an interest in an affair of the heart, which led her to apprehend that the bachelor had commenced operations by declaring his position to her. It was with some embarrassment that Nina introduced Mr. Clayton, whom Aunt Nesbitt received with a most stately curtsy, and Mr. Carson with a patronizing bow. Mr. Carson's been waiting for you these two hours, said Aunt Nesbitt. Very warm writing, Nina, said Mr. Carson, observing her red cheeks, you've been writing too fast, I fear. You must be careful of yourself. I've known people bring on very grave illnesses by overheating the blood. Clayton seated himself near the door and seemed to be intent on the scene without. And Carson, drawing his chair close to Nina, asked in a confidential tone, who is that gentleman? Mr. Clayton of Claytonville, said Nina, with as much hot ear as she could assume. Ah, yes, I've heard of the family, a very nice family, a very worthy young man, extremely, I'm told, shall be happy to make his acquaintance. I beg, said Nina, rising, the gentleman will excuse me a moment or two. Clayton replied by a grave bow, while Mr. Carson with great impressement handed Nina to the door. The moment it was closed, she stamped with anger in the entry. The provoking fool to take these heirs with me, and I too, I deserve it, what on earth could make me think I could tolerate that man? As if Nina's cup were not yet full, Aunt Nesbitt followed her to her chamber with an air of unusual graciousness. Nina, my dear, he has told me all about it, and I assure you I'm very much pleased with him. Told you all about what, said Nina, while your engagement, to be sure, I'm delighted to think you've done so well. I think your Aunt Maria and all of them will be delighted, takes a weight of care off my mind. I wish you wouldn't trouble yourself about me, or my affairs, Aunt Nesbitt. And as for this old pussycat with his squeaking boots, I won't have him purring round me, that's certain, so provoking to take that way towards me. Call me, Nina, and talk as though he were lord paramount of me, and everything here, I'll let him know. Why, Nina, seems to me this is very strange conduct. I'm very much astonished at you. I daresay you are, Aunt. I never knew the time I didn't astonish you, but this man I detest. Well then, my dear, what were you engaged to him for? Engaged? Aunt, for pity's sake, do hush. Engaged. I should like to know what a New York engagement amounts to. Engaged at the opera, engaged for a joke. Why, he was my bouquet-holder. The man is just an opera libretto. He was very useful in his time, but who wants him afterwards? But, my dear Nina, this trifling with gentlemen's hearts. I'll warrant his heart. It's neither sugar nor salt, I'll assure you. I'll tell you what, Aunt. He loves good eating, good drinking, nice clothes, nice houses, and good times generally. And he wants a pretty wife as a part of a whole. And he thinks he'll take me. But he is mistaken, calling me Nina indeed. Just let me have a chance of seeing him alone. I'll teach him to call me Nina. I'll let him know how things stand. But, Nina, you must confess you've given him occasion for all this. Well, supposing I have, I'll give him occasion for something else then. Why, my dear, he came on to know when you'll fix the day to be married. Married? Oh, my gracious! Just think of the creatures talking about it. Well, it is my fault, as you say. But I'll do the best I can to mend it. Well, I'm real sorry for him. You are Aunt. Why don't you take him for yourself then? You're as young and good-looking as he is. Nina, how you talk, said Aunt Nesbitt coloring and bridling. There was a time when I wasn't bad-looking, to be sure. But that's long since passed. Oh, that's because you always dress in stone color and drab, said Nina as she stood brushing and arranging her curls. Come now and go down, Aunt, and do the best you can till I make my appearance. After all, as you say, I'm the most to blame. There's no use in being vexed with the old soul. So, Aunt, do be as fascinating as you can, see if you can't console him. Only remember how you used to turn off lovers when you were of my age. And who is this other gentleman, Nina? Oh, nothing, he's only a friend of mine, a very good man, good enough for a minister, any day, Aunt, and not so stupid as good people generally are, either. Well, perhaps you're engaged to him. No, I am not. That is to say, I won't be to anybody. This is an unsufferable business. I like Mr. Clayton because he can let me alone. Don't look at me in that abominably delighted way all the time and dance about calling me Nina. He and I are very good friends, that's all. I'm not going to have any engagements anywhere. Well, Nina, I'll go down and you make haste. While the gentlemen and Aunt Nesbitt were waiting in the salon, Carson made himself extremely happy and at home. It was a large, cool apartment, passing like a hall, completely through the center of the house. Long French windows at either end opened onto balconies. The pillars of the balconies were draped and garlanded with wreaths of roses, now in full bloom. The floor of the room was the polished mosaic of different colors to which we have formerly eluded. Over the mantelpiece was sculptured in oak, the Gordon arms. The room was wanes-cutted with dark wood and hung with several fine paintings, bicoply and steward of different members of the family. A grand piano, lately arrived from New York, was the most modern-looking article in the room. Most of the furniture was of heavy dark mahogany, of an antique pattern. Clayton sat by the door, still admiring the avenue of oaks, which were to be seen across the waving green of the lawn. In about half an hour, Nina reappeared in a flossy cloud of muslin lace and gauzy ribbons. Dress was one of those accomplishments for which the little gypsy had a natural instinct and without any apparent thought, she always fell into that kind of color and material which harmonized with her style of appearance and character. There was always something floating and buoyant about the arrangement of her garments and drapery, so that to see her move across the floor gave one an airy kind of sensation, like the gambles of thistle down. Her brown eyes had a peculiar resemblance to a bird's, and this effect was increased by the twinkling motion of the head and a fluttering habit of movement peculiar to herself, so that when she swept by in rosy gauzes and laid one ungloved hand lightly on the piano, she seemed to Clayton much like some saucy bird, very good indeed if let alone, but ready to fly on the slightest approach. Clayton had the rare faculty of taking in every available point of observation without appearing to stare. "'Pon my word, Nina,' said Mr. Carson, coming towards her with the most delighted air, you look as if you had fallen out of a rainbow!' Nina turned away very coolly and began arranging her music. "'Oh, that's right,' said Carson, give us one of your songs. Sing something from the Favorati. You know it's my favorite opera,' said he, assuming a most sentimental expression. "'Oh, I'm entirely out of practice. I don't sing at all. I'm sick of all those opera songs.' And Nina skimmed across the floor and out of the open door which Clayton was lounging and began busying herself amid the flowers that wreathe the porch. In a moment, Carson was at her heels, for he was one of those persons who seemed to think it a duty never to allow anyone to be quiet if they can possibly prevent it. "'Have you ever studied the language of flowers, Nina?' said he. "'No, I don't like to study languages.' "'You know the significance of a full-blown rose?' said he, tenderly presenting her with one. Nina took the rose, coloring with vexation, and then, plucking from the bush a rose of two or three days bloom, whose leaves were falling out, she handed it to him and said, "'Do you understand the significance of this?' "'Oh, you have made an unfortunate selection. "'This rose is all falling to pieces,' said Mr. Carson, innocently. "'So I observed,' said Nina, turning away quickly, making one of her darting movements, she was in the middle of the salon again, just as the waiter announced dinner. Clayton rose gravely and offered his arm to Aunt Nesbitt, and Nina found herself obliged to accept the delighted escort of Mr. Carson, who, entirely unperceiving, was in the briskest possible spirits and established himself comfortably between Aunt Nesbitt and Nina. "'You must find it very dull here, "'a very barren country, shockingly so. "'What do you find to interest yourself in?' said he. "'Will you take some of this gumbo?' replied Nina. "'I always thought,' said Aunt Nesbitt, "'it was a good plan for girls to have a course of reading, "'marked out to them when they left school.' "'Oh, certainly,' said Carson, "'I shall be happy to mark out one for her. "'I've done it for several young ladies.' At this moment, Nina accidentally happened to catch Clayton's eye, which was fixed upon Mr. Carson with an air of quiet amusement, greatly disconcerting to her. "'Now,' said Mr. Carson, "'I have no opinion of making blues of young ladies. "'But still, I think Mrs. Nesbitt, "'that a little useful information "'adds greatly to their charms, don't you?' "'Yes,' said Mrs. Nesbitt. "'I've been reading Gibbons' Decline "'in the fall of the Roman Empire lately.' "'Yes,' said Nina. "'Ain't been busy about that ever since I can remember.' "'That's a very nice book,' said Mr. Carson, "'looking solemnly at Nina. "'Only, Mrs. Nesbitt, aren't you afraid "'of the infidel principle? "'I think informing the minds of the young, "'you know, one cannot be too careful.' "'Why, he struck me as a very pious writer,' said Aunt Nesbitt innocently. "'I'm sure he makes the most religious reflections "'all along. I liked him particularly on that account.' "'It seemed to Nina that without looking at Clayton, "'she was forced to meet his eye. "'No matter whether she directed her attention "'to the asparagus or the potatoes, "'it was her fatality always to end "'by a re-encounter with his eye. "'And she saw, for some reason or other, "'the conversation was extremely amusing to him.' "'For my part,' said Nana, "'I don't know what sort of principles "'Ain't Nesbitt's history there has, "'but one thing I'm pretty certain of "'that I'm not in any danger for many such thick, "'clothes printed old stupid-looking books as that. "'I hate reading, and I don't intend to have my mind "'formed so that nobody need trouble themselves "'to mark out courses for me. "'What is it to me what all these old empires "'have done a hundred years ago? "'It is as much as I can do to attend "'to what is going on now.' "'For my part,' said Ain't Nesbitt, "'I've always regretted that I neglected "'the cultivation of my mind when I was young. "'I was like Nana here, immersed in vanity and folly.' "'People always talk,' said Nana, "'as if there was but one kind of vanity "'and folly in this world. "'I think there can be as much learned vanity "'and folly as we girls have.' "'And she looked at Clayton indignantly, "'and she saw him laughing.' "'I agree with Ms. Gordon entirely. "'There is a great deal of very stupid, respectable trifling "'which people pursue under the head "'of courses of reading,' he said. "'And I don't wonder that most compends of history, "'which are studied in schools, "'should inspire any lively young lady "'with a lifelong horror, "'not only of history but of reading.' "'Do you think so?' said Nana, "'with a look of inexpressible relief.' "'I do indeed,' said Clayton, "'and it would have been a very good thing "'for many of our historians "'if they had been obliged to have shaped their histories "'so that they would interest a lively schoolgirl. "'We literary men then would have found less sleepy reading. "'There is no reason why a young lady "'who would sit up all night reading a novel "'should not be made to sit up all night with a history. "'I'll venture to say there's no romance "'can come up to the gorgeousness and splendor "'and the dramatic power of things that really have happened. "'All that's wanting is to have it set before us "'with an air of reality.' "'But then,' said Nana, "'you'd have to make the history into a romance.'" Well, a good historical romance is generally truer than a dull history because it gives some sort of conception of the truth, whereas the dull history gives none. "'Well then,' said Nana, "'I'll confess now that about all the history I do know "'has been got from Walter Scott's novels. "'I always told our history teacher so, "'but she insisted upon it that it was very dangerous reading. "'For my part,' said Miss Nesbitt, "'I have a great horror of novel reading, "'particularly for young ladies. "'It did me a great deal of harm when I was young. "'It dissipates the mind. "'It gives false views of life.'" "'Oh, law,' said Nana. "'We used to write compositions about that, "'and I've got it all by heart, "'how it raises false expectations "'and leads people to pursue phantoms, "'rainbows and meteors and all that sort of thing.'" "'And yet,' said Clayton, "'all these objections would lie "'against perfectly true history "'and the more so just in proportion to its truth. "'If the history of Napoleon Bonaparte "'were graphically and minutely given, "'it would lie open to the very same objections. "'It would produce the very same cravings "'for something out of the commonplace course of life. "'There would be the same dazzling mixture "'of bad and good qualities in the hero "'and the same lassitude and exhaustion "'after the story was finished. "'And common history does not do this, "'simply because it is not true. "'Does not produce a vivid impression "'of the reality as it happened.'" Aunt Nesbitt only got an indefinite impression from this harangue that Clayton was defending novel reading and felt herself called to employ her own peculiar line of reasoning to meet it, which consisted in saying the same thing over and over at regular intervals without appearing to hear or notice anything said in reply. Accordingly, she now drew herself up with a slightly virtuous air and said to Mr. Clayton, "'I must say, after all, "'that I don't approve of novel reading. "'It gives false views of life "'and disgusts young people with their duties. "'I was only showing, madam, "'that the same objection would apply "'to the best-written history,' said Clayton. "'I think novel reading "'does a great deal of harm,' rejoined Aunt Nesbitt. "'I never allow myself to read any work of fiction. "'I'm principled against it.' "'For my part,' said Nana, "'I wish I could find that kind of history you're speaking of. "'I believe I could read that.' "'To it be very interesting history, certainly,' said Mr. Carson. "'I should think it would prove a very charming mode of writing. "'I wonder somebody don't produce one.' "'For my part,' said Aunt Nesbitt, "'I confine myself entirely to what is practically useful. "'Useful information is all I desire.' "'Well, I suppose then I'm very wicked,' said Nana. "'But I don't like anything useful. "'Why, I've sometimes thought when I've been in the garden "'that the summer savoury, sage, and sweet marjoram "'were just as pretty as many other flowers, "'and I couldn't see any reason why "'I shouldn't like a sprig of one of them for a bouquet. "'Except I've seen them used for stuffing turkeys. "'Well, now, that seems very bad of me, don't it?' "'That reminds me,' said Aunt Nesbitt. "'That rose has been putting sage into this turkey again "'after all that I said to her. "'I believe she does it on purpose.'" At this moment, Harry appeared at the door and requested to speak to Nana. After a few moments' whispered conversation, she came back to the table, apparently disconcerted. "'I'm so sorry, so very sorry,' she said. "'Harry has been riding all around the country "'to find a minister to attend the funeral this evening. "'It will be such a disappointment to that poor fellow. "'You know, the Negroes think so much of having prayers "'at the grave. "'If no one else can be found to read prayers, I will,' said Clayton. "'Oh, thank you, will you indeed?' said Nana. "'I'm glad of it now, for poor Tiff's sake. "'The coach will be out at five o'clock "'and we'll ride over together "'and make as much of a party as we can.'" "'Right, child,' said Aunt Nesbitt to Nana "'after they returned to the parlor. "'I did not know that Mr. Clayton was an Episcopalian. "'He isn't,' said Nana. "'He and his family all attend the Presbyterian Church. "'How strange that he should offer to read prayers. "'I don't approve of such things for my part. "'Such things as what?' "'Countinancing Episcopalian errors. "'If we are right, they are wrong "'and we ought not to countenance them. "'But Aunt, a burial service is beautiful. "'Don't approve of it. "'Why, you know, as Clayton isn't a minister, "'he would not feel like making an extempore prayer. "'Shows great looseness of religious principle,' said Aunt Nesbitt. "'Don't approve of it.'" End of Chapter 11, The Lovers. Chapter 12 of Dread, a tale of the great dismal swamp by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording by Michelle Fry, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dread, Chapter 12, Explanations. The golden arrows of the setting sun were shooting hither and thither through the pine woods, glorifying whatever they touched with a life not its own. A chorus of birds were pouring out an evening melody when a little company stood around an open grave. With instinctive care for the feeling of the scene, Nina had arrayed herself in a black silk dress and plain straw bonnet with black ribbon, a mark of respect to the deceased, remembered and narrated by Tiff, for many a year after. Crips stood by the head of the grave with that hopeless imbecile expression with which a nature wholly gross and animal often contemplates the symbols of the clothes of mortal existence. Tiff stood by the side of the grave, his white hat conspicuously draped with black crepe, and a deep weed of black upon his arm. The baby, wrapped in an old black shawl, was closely fondled in his bosom while the two children stood weeping bitterly at his side. The other side of the grave stood Mr. Carson and Mr. Clayton while Millie, Harry, and several plantation slaves were in a group behind. The coffin had been opened that all might take that last look so coveted, yet so hopeless, which the human heart will claim on the very verge of the grave. It was but a moment since the coffin had been closed and the burst of grief which shook the children was caused by that last farewell. As Clayton, in a musical voice, pronounced the words, I am the resurrection and the life, Nina wept and sobbed as if the grief had been her own, nor did she cease to weep during the whole touching service. It was the same impulsive nature which made her so gay in other scenes that made her so sympathetic here. When the whole was over, she kissed the children and shaking hands with old Tiff promised to come and see them on the morrow, after which Clayton led her to the carriage into which he and Carson followed her. Upon my word said Carson briskly, this has been quite solemn, really a very interesting funeral indeed. I was delighted with the effect of our church service in such a romantic place, too. It was really very interesting. It pleases me also to see young ladies in your station, Nina, interest themselves in the humble concerns of the poor. If young ladies knew how much more attractive it made them to show a charitable spirit, they would cultivate it more. Singular-looking person, that old Negro, seems to be a good creature, interesting children, too. I should think the woman must have been pretty when she was young, seeing a great deal of trouble, no doubt, poor thing. It's a comfort to hope she is better off now. Nina was filled with indignation at this monologue, not considering that the man was giving the very best he had in him and laboring assiduously at what he considered his vocation, the prevention of half an hour of silence in any spot of earth where he could possibly make himself heard. The same excitement which made Nina cry made him talk. But he was not content with talking, but insisted upon asking Nina every moment if she didn't think it an interesting occasion and if she had not been much impressed. I don't feel like talking, Mr. Carson," said Nina. Oh, ah, yes indeed. You've been so deeply affected. Yes, naturally does incline one to silence, understand your feelings perfectly, very gratifying to me to see you take such a deep interest in your fellow creatures. Nina could have pushed him out of the carriage. For my part, continued Carson, I think we don't reflect enough about this kind of thing. I positively don't. It's useful sometimes to have one's thoughts turned in this direction. It does this good. Thus glibly did Carson perceive to talk away the impression of the whole scene they had witnessed. Long before the carriage reached home, Nina had forgotten all her sympathy in a tumult of vexation. She discovered an increasing difficulty in making Carson understand, by any degree of coolness, that he was not acceptable and saw nothing before her but explanations in very plainest terms mortifying and humiliating as that might be. His perfect self-complacent ease and the air with which he constantly seemed to appropriate her as something which of right belonged to himself filled her with vexation. But yet her conscience told her that she had brought it upon herself. I won't bear this another hour, she said to herself, as she ascended the steps toward the parlor. All this before Clayton, too, what must he think of me? But they found a tea upon the table and Aunt Nesbitt waiting. It's a pity, madam, you were not with us such an interesting time, said Mr. Carson, launching with great volubility into the tide of discourse. It wouldn't have done for me at all, said Mrs. Nesbitt. Being out when the dew falls always brings on hoarseness. I have been troubled in that way these two or three years. Now I have to be very careful. I have to be very careful about riding in a carriage with John's driving. I was amused enough, said Nina, with old hundred's indignation at having to get out the carriage and horses to go over to what he called a cracker-funeral. I really believe if he could have upset us without hurting himself he would have done it. For my part, said Aunt Nesbitt, I hope that family will move off before long. The children look very pretty and bright, said Nina. Oh, there's no hope for them. They'll grow up and be just like their parents. I've seen that sort of people all through and through. I don't wish them any evil, only I don't want to have anything to do with them. For my part, said Nina, I'm sorry for them. I wonder why the legislature or somebody don't have schools as they do up in New York State. There isn't anywhere there where children can live if they wish to. Besides Aunt, these children really came from an old family in Virginia. Their old servant man says that their mother was a Peyton. I don't believe a word of it. They'll lie, all of them. They always do. Well, said Nina, I shall do something for these children at any rate. I quite agree with you, Nina. It shows a very excellent spirit in you, said Mr. Carson. It shows the courage, everything of that sort. Nina frowned and looked indignant, but to no purpose, Mr. Carson went on remorselessly with his really good-hearted rattle till Nina at last could bear it no longer. How dreadfully warm this room is, she said, springing up. Come, let's go back into the parlor. Nina was as much annoyed at Clayton's silence and his quiet observant reserve as with Carson's fourth pudding. Rising from tables, she passed on before the company with a half-flying trip into the hall, which lay now cool, calm and breezy in the twilight with the odor of the pillar roses floating in at the window. The pale white moon set in the rosy belt of the evening sky looked in at the open door. Nina would have given all the world to be still, but well aware that stillness was out of the question, she determined to select her own noise and sitting down at the piano began playing very fast in a rapid, restless, disconnected manner. Clayton threw himself on a lounge by the open door while Carson visited himself fluttering the music, opening and shutting music books and interspersing running commentaries and notes of admiration on the playing. At last, as if she could bear it no longer, she rose with a very decided air from the piano about towards Mr. Carson. She said, It looks very beautiful outdoors. Don't you want to come out? There's a point of view at the end of one of the paths where the moon looks on the water that I should like to show you. Won't you catch cold, Nina? said Aunt Asbert. No, indeed, I never catch cold, said Nina, springing into the porch and taking the delighted Mr. Carson's arm. And away she went with him with almost a skip and a jump leaving Clayton tete-tete with Aunt Asbert. Nina went so fast that her attendant was almost out of breath. They reached a little knoll and there Nina stopped suddenly and said, Look here, Mr. Carson, I have something to say to you. I should be delighted, my dear Nina. I'm perfectly charmed. No, no, if you please, don't, said Nina, putting up her hand to stop him. Just wait till you hear what I have to say. I believe you did not get a letter which I wrote you a few days ago, did you? A letter? No indeed, how unfortunate. Very unfortunate for me, said Nina, and for you too, because if you had, it would have saved you and me the trouble of this interview. I wrote that letter to tell you, Mr. Carson, that I cannot think of such a thing as an engagement with you. That I have acted very wrong and very foolishly, but that I cannot do it. Everything seemed to be trifling and where the girls all trifled with these things, I was engaged just for a frolic, nothing more. I had no idea what it would amount to. No idea what I was saying or how I should feel afterwards. But every hour since I've been home here, since I've been so much alone, has made me feel how wrong it is. Now, I'm very sorry, I'm sure, but I must speak the truth this time, but it is, I can't tell you how, disagreeable to me to have you treat me as you have since you've been here. Miss Gordon, said Mr. Carson, I am positively astonished. I don't know what to think. Well, I only want you to think that I am in earnest and that though I can like you very well as an acquaintance and she'll always wish you well, yet anything else is just as far out of the question as that moon there is from us. I can't tell you how sorry I am that I've made you all this trouble. I really am, she said good-naturedly, but please now to understand how we stand. She turned and tripped away. There, she said to herself, at any rate I've done one thing. Mr. Carson stood still, gradually recovering from the stupor into which this communication had thrown him. He stretched himself, rubbed his eyes, took out his watch and looked at it, and then began walking off with a very sober pace in the opposite direction from Nina. Happily constituted mortal that he was, nothing ever could be subtracted from his sum of complacence that could not be easily balanced by about a quarter of an hour's consideration. The walk through the shrubbery in which he was engaged was an extremely pretty one and wound along on the banks of the river through many picturesque points of view and finally led again to the house by another approach. During the course of this walk Mr. Carson had settled the whole question for himself. In the first place he repeated the comfortable old proverb that there were as good fish in the sea as ever were caught. In the second place, as Mr. Carson was a shrewd businessman, it occurred to him in this connection that the plantation was rather run down and not a profitable acquisition. And in the third place, contemplating Nina as the fox of old did his bunch of sour grapes, he began to remember that after all, she was dressy, expensive, and extravagant. Then as he did not want that imperturbable good nature which belongs to a very shallow capability of feeling, he said to himself that he shouldn't like the girl a bit the less. In fact, when he thought of his own fine fortune, his house in New York, and all the accessories which went to make up himself, he considered her on the whole as an object of pity. And by the time that he ascended the balcony steps again, he was in as charitable and Christian of fame as any rejected suitor could desire. He entered the drawing room. Aunt Nesbitt had ordered candles and was sitting up with her gloves on, alone. What had transpired during his walk, he did not know, but we will take our readers into confidence. Nina returned to the house with the same decided air with which she went out and awakened to Mr. Clayton from a reverie with brisk little tap of her fan on his shoulder. Come up here with me, she said, and look out of the library window and see the moonlight. And up she went over the old Okan staircase, stopping on each landing and beckoning to Clayton with a whimsically authoritative gesture, through open the door of a large, black, wainscotted room and ushered him in. The room lay just above the one where they had been sitting and, like that, opened on to the veranda by long-sached windows, through which, at the present moment, a flood of moonlight was pouring. A large mahogany writing table, covered with papers, stood in the middle of the room and the moon shone in so brightly that the pattern of the bronze inks stand and the color of the wafers and ceiling wax were plainly revealed. The window commanded a splendid view of the river over the distant treetops as it lay shimmering and glittering in the moonlight. Isn't that a beautiful sight? said Nina in a hurried voice. Very beautiful, said Clayton, sitting down in the large lounging chair before the window and looking out with the abstracted air as habitual with him. After a moment's thought, Nina added with a sudden effort, but after all, that is not what I wanted to speak to you about. I wanted to see you somewhere and say a few words which, it seems to me, it is due to you that I should say. I got your last letter and I'm sure I'm very obliged to your sister for all the kind things, she says, but I think you must have been astonished at what you have seen since you have been here. Astonished at what? said Clayton quietly. Had Mr. Carson's manners towards me? I have not been astonished at all, replied Clayton quietly. I think at all events, said Nina, I think it is no more than honorable that I should tell you exactly how things have stood. Mr. Carson has thought that he has a right to me and mine and I was so foolish as to give him reason to think so. The fact is that I have been making a game of life and saying and doing anything and everything that came into my head just for frolic. It don't seem to me that there has been anything serious or real about me until very lately. Somehow, my acquaintance with you has made things seem more real to me than they ever did before and it seems to me now perfectly incredible the way we girls used to play and trifle with everything in this world. Just for sport I was engaged to that man and just for sport too I have been engaged to another one. And, said Clayton, breaking the silence, just for sport you have been engaged to me. No, said Nina, after a few moments silence, not in sport certainly, but yet not enough in earnest. I think I'm about half-waked up. I don't know myself. I don't know where or what I am and I want to go back into that thoughtless dream. Hard to take up the responsibility of living in good earnest. Now, it seems to me just this that I cannot be bound to anybody. I want to be free. I have positively broken all connection with Mr. Carson. I have broken with another one and I wish to break with me, said Clayton. I don't really know that I can say what I do wish. It is a very different thing from any of the others, but I feel dread and responsibility and constraint about it. And, though I think I should feel very lonesome now without you and though I like to get your letters yet it seems to me that I cannot be engaged, that is the most dreadful feeling for me. My dear friend, said Clayton, if that is all, make yourself easy. There's no occasion for our being engaged. If you can enjoy being with me and writing to me, then do it in the freest way and tomorrow shall take care of the things of itself. You shall say what you please, do what you please, write when you please and not write when you please and have as many or as few letters as you like. There can be no true love without liberty. Oh, I'm sure I'm much obliged to you, said Ninah, with a sigh of relief and now do you know I like your sister's post script but I can't tell what it is in it for the language is as kind as can be that would give me the impression that she is one of those very proper kind of people that would be dreadfully shocked if she knew all my goings on in New York. Clayton could hardly help laughing at the instinctive sagacity of this remark. I'm sure I don't know, said he, where you could have seen that in so short a post script too. Do you know I never take anybody's handwriting into my hand that I don't feel an idea of them come over me just as you have when you see people? And that idea came over me when I read your sister's letter. Well, Ninah, to tell you the truth sister Ann is a little bit conventional a little set in her ways but after all a large hearted warm hearted woman you would like each other, I know. I don't know about that, said Ninah I'm very apt to shock proper people somehow or other they have a faculty of making me contrary. Well, but you see, Ann isn't merely a conventional person, there's only the slightest crust of conventionality and a real warm heart under it. Well, as said Ninah, most conventional people are like a shallow river frozen to the bottom. But now really I should like very much to have your sister come and visit us if you think that she would come as any other friend. But you know it isn't very agreeable to have anybody come to look one over to see if one will do. Clayton laughed at the naive undisguised frankness of this speech. You see, said Ninah, though I'm nothing but an ignorant school girl I'm as proud as if I had everything to be proud of. Now, do you know I don't much like writing to your sister because I don't think I write very good letters. I never could sit still long enough to write. Write exactly as you talk, said Clayton. Say just what comes into your head, just as you would talk it. I hope you will do that much, for it will be very dull writing all on one side. Well, said Ninah, rising with animation. Now Mr. Edward Clayton, if we have settled about this moonlight, we may as well go down into the parlor where Aunt Nesbitt and Mr. Carson are at the tent. Poor Carson, said Clayton. Oh, don't pity him. Good soul. He's a man that one night's rest would bring round from anything in creation. He's so thoroughly good-natured. Besides, I shall like him better now. He did not use to seem to me so intrusive and disagreeable. We girls used to like him very well. He was such a comfortable, easy-tempered, agreeable creature, always brisk and in spirits and knowing everything that went on. But he is one of those men that I think would be really unsufferable if anything serious were the matter with me. Now, you heard how he talked coming from that funeral. Do you know that if he had been coming from my funeral, it would have been just so? Oh, no, not quite so bad. Indeed, he is, said Ninah, that man why he just puts me in mind of one of those brisk blue flies, whirring and whisking about, marching over pages of books and alighting on all sorts of things. When he puts on that grave look and begins to talk about serious things, he actually looks to me just as a fly does when he stands brushing his wings on the Bible. But come, let's go down to the good soul. Down they went, and Ninah seemed like a person enfranchised. Never had she seemed more kind. She was chatty and conversable with Carson and sang over for him all her old opera songs with the better grace that she saw that Clayton was listening intently. As they were sitting and conversing together the sound of a horse's heels was heard coming up the avenue. Who can that be this time of night? Said Ninah, springing to the door and looking out. She saw Harry hastening in advance to meet her and ran down the steps to speak to him. Harry, who's coming? Miss Ninah, it's Master Tom. Said Harry in a low voice. Tom, oh mercy! said Ninah in a voice of apprehension. What sent him here now? What sends him anywhere? Said Harry. Ninah re-ascended the steps and stood looking apprehensively towards the horseman who approached every moment nearer. Harry came up on the veranda here. In a few moments the horse was up before the steps. Hello there! said the rider. Come take my horse you rascal. Harry remained perfectly still put his arms by his side and stood with a frowning expression on his forehead. Don't you hear me? said the horseman throwing himself off with an oath. Come here boy and take my horse. For pity's sake said Ninah turning and looking in Harry's face. Don't have a scene here. Let's horse quick. Anything to keep him quiet. Where the sudden start Harry went down the steps and took the bridle from the hand of the newly arrived in silence. The horseman sprang up the steps. Hello Ninah, is this you? And Ninah felt herself roughly seized in the arms of a shaggy greg coat and kissed by lips smelling of brandy and tobacco. She faintly said as she disengaged herself. Tom, is it you? Yes to be sure. Who did you think it was? Devilish glad to see me, ain't ya? Suppose you was in hopes I wouldn't come? Hush Tom, do. I am glad to see you. There are gentlemen in there. Don't speak so loud. Some of your bow, hey? Well I am as good a fella as any of them. Free country I hope. No, I ain't going to whisper for any of them. So now Nin, if there isn't old starchy to be sure, said he as Aunt Nesbitt came to the door. Hello old girl, how are you? Thomas, said Nesbitt softly. Thomas. None of you are Thomas and me, old pussycat. Don't you be telling me, neither to hush. I won't hush, neither. I know what I am about, I guess. It's my house as much as it is Nin's and I am going to do as I have a mind to here. I ain't going to have my mouth shut on account of her bow. So clear out, I tell ya and let me come in. And Aunt Nesbitt gave back. He pushed his way into the apartment. He was a young man about 25 years old who evidently had once possessed advantages of face and figure but every outline in the face was bloated and rendered unmeaning by habits of constant intemperence. His dark eyes had that muddy and troubled expression which in a young man too surely indicates the habitual consciousness of inward impurity. His broad high forehead was flushed and pimpled, his lips swollen and tumid and his whole air and manner gave painful evidence that he was at present too far under the influence of stimulus justly to apprehend what he was about. Nina followed him and Clayton was absolutely shocked at the ghastly paleness of her face. She made an uncertain motion towards him as if she would have gone to him for protection. Clayton rose, Carson also and all stood for a moment in silent embarrassment. Well, this is a pretty business to be sure, Nina, said he turning to her with a tremendous oath. Why don't she introduce me? Pretty way to meet a brother you haven't seen for three or four years. You act as if you're ashamed of me. Confound it all. Introduce me, I say. Tom, don't speak so, said Nina, laying her hand on his arm in a soothing tone. This gentleman is Mr. Clayton and Mr. Clayton, she said lifting her eyes to him and speaking in a trembling voice, this is my brother. Mr. Clayton offered his hand with the ordinary expressions of civility. Mr. Carson said, Nina, my brother. There was something inexpressibly touching and affecting in the manner in which this was said. One other person noticed it. Harry, who had given the horse to a servant, stood leaning against the doorway, looking in. A fiery gleam, like that of a steel blade, seemed to shoot from his blue eyes and each time that Nina said, my brother, he drew in his breath as one who seeks to restrain himself in some violent inward emotion. I suppose you don't any of you want to see me much, said the newcomer taking a chair and sitting down doggedly in the center of the group with his hat on his head. Well, I have as good a right as anybody to be here. He continued spitting a quid of tobacco at Aunt Nesbitt's feet. For my part, I think relations ought to have natural affection and be glad to see one another. Well, now you can see gentlemen with your own eyes, just how it is here. There's my sister there. You better believe me. She hasn't seen me for three years instead of hearing glad or anything. There she sits, all curled up in a corner. Won't come near me more than if I had the plague. Come here now, you little kitten. Sit in my lap. He made a movement to pull Nina towards him, which she resisted with an air of terror, looking at her aunt who, more terrified still, sat with her feet drawn up on the sofa as if he had been a mad dog. There was reason enough for the terror to possess them both. Both had two vivid recollections of furious domestic hurricanes that had swept over the family when Tom Gordon came home. Nina remembered the storms of oaths and curses that had terrified her when a child, the times that she had seen her father looking like death, leaning his head on his hand and sighing as only those sigh who have an only son worse than dead. It is no wonder, therefore, that Nina, generally courageous and fearless as she was, should have become fearful and embarrassed at his sudden return. Tom, she said softly coming up to him, you haven't been to supper. Hadn't you better come out? No, you don't, said he, catching her around the waist and drawing her on his knee. You won't get me out of the room now I know what I'm about. Tell me, continued he, still holding her on his knee. Which of them is the favored one? Clayton Rosen went out on the veranda and Mr. Carson asked Harry to show him into his room. Hello, shelling out there, are ya? Well, nine to tell the truth, I am doosed hungry. For my part, I don't see what the thunder keeps my gym out so long. I sent him across to the post office. He ought to have been back certainly as soon as I was. Oh, here he comes. Hello, you dog there, said he, going to the door where a very black negro was dismounting. Any letters? No, Massa, I suspect the males has given up. There ain't been no letters there for no one for a month. It is some aquatic disorganization of these year creeks, I suppose. So the letter bags goes anywhere except the right place. Confounded all I say, you nine turning around, why don't you offer a fellow some supper. Coming home here in my own father's home, everybody asks as if they were scared to death. No supper? What time? I've been asking you these three or four times. Bless you, said Jim whispering to Harry. The mischief is he ain't more than half primed. Tell her to give him a little more brandy, and after a little while we get him to bed as easy as can be. And the event proved so. For on sitting down to supper, Tom Gordon passed regularly through all the stages of drunkenness, became as outrageously affectionate as he had been before, surly, kissed Nina and Aunt Nesbitt, cried over his sins, and confessed his iniquities, laughed and cried feebly till at last he sank in his chair asleep. Dar, he's done for now, said Jim, who had been watching the gradual process. Now, just you and I, let's toad him to Harry. Nina, on her part, retired to a troubled pillow. She foresaw nothing before her, but mortification and embarrassment, and realized more than ever the peculiar loneliness of her situation. For all purposes of consultation and aid, Aunt Nesbitt was nobody in her esteem, and Nina was always excited and vexed by every new attempt that she made to confide in her. Now, tomorrow, she said to herself as she lay down, no one knows what will turn up. He will go round as usual, interfering with everything, threatening and frightening my servants, and getting up some difficulty with Harry. Dear me, it seems to me life is coming over me hard enough, and all at once too. As Nina said this, she saw someone standing by her bed. It was Millie, who stooped tenderly over her, smoothing and arranging the bed clothes out of her motherly way. Is that you, Millie? Oh, sit down here a minute. I am so troubled. It seems to me I've had so much trouble today. Do you know time came home tonight so drunk? Oh, dear Millie, it was horrid. Do you know he took me in his arms and kissed me? And though he is my only brother, it's perfectly dreadful to me, and I feel so worried and so anxious. Yes, Lamb, he knows all these year things, said Millie. I've seen him many and many times. The worst of it is that I don't know what he will do tomorrow, and before Mr. Clayton too, it makes me feel so helpless, ashamed and mortifies me so. Yes, yes, child, said Millie, gently stroking her head. I stand so much alone. Other girls have some friend or relation to lean on, but I have nobody. Why, don't you ask your father to help you? Said Millie to Nana in a gentle tone. Ask who? Said Nana, lifting her head up from the pillow. Your father, said Millie, with the voice of solemnity. Don't you know our father who art in heaven? You haven't forgot your prayers, I hope, honey. Nana looked at her with surprise, and Millie continued. Now, if I was you, Lamb, I would tell my father all about it. Why, child, he loves you. He wouldn't like nothing better now than to have you just come to him and tell him all about your troubles, and he'll make them all straight. That's the way I does, and I found it come out right many and many a time. Why, Millie, you wouldn't have me go to God about my little foolish affairs. Lost child, what should you go to him about then? Sure, these are all the fairs you've got. Well, but Millie, said Nana apprehensively, you know, I've been a very bad girl about religion. It's years and years since I've said any prayers. At school, the girls used to laugh at anybody who said prayers, and so I never did. And since I've neglected my heavenly father when things went well with me, it wouldn't be fair to call on him now. Just because I've gotten into trouble, I don't think it would be honorable. The Lord blessed this year, child, do hear her talk just as if the heavenly father didn't know all about you and hadn't been loving and watching you the whole time. Why, child, he knows what poor creatures we be, and he ain't no way surprised nor put out. Why, Lost, don't you know he's the good shepherd. And what you suppose they have shepherd's fur, except the sheeps are all the time running away and getting into trouble. That's what they fur. Well, but it's been so long since I prayed that I don't know anything how to pray, Millie. Bless you, child. Who wanted you to pray? I never praised myself, used to try, but I made such a dreadful poor work on it that I'd get it up. Now, I just goes and talks to the father and tells him anything and everything, and I think he likes it a great deal better. Why, he's just willing to hear me now as if I was the greatest lady in the land. And he takes such an interest in all my poor fares. Why, sometimes I go to him when my heart is so heavy, and when I tells him all about it, I come away as light as a feather. Well, but after I've forgotten him so many years, why, honey, now just look here. I remember once when you was a little lady, and you didn't know anything that you toddled down them steps there and you slipped away from them that was watching you, and you toddled away off into the grove yonder, and there you got picking flowers, and one thing and another mighty tickled in perch. You was down there, join yourself, till by and by, your paw missed you, and then such another hunt as there was. There was a hurry in here and a look in there, and finally there you got stuck fast in the mud, both your shoes off and well scratched with briars and there you stood a crying and a calling your paw. I'll tell you he said that there was the sweetest music he ever heard in his life. I remember he picked you up and came up to the house kissing you. Now there it was, honey. You didn't call on your paw until you got into trouble and law's law's child that's the way with all of us. We never does call on the father till we get into trouble and it takes heaps and heaps of trouble sometimes to bring us around. Sometime, child, I'll tell you about my experience. I's got experience on this point. But now, honey, don't trouble yourself no more. You just ask your father to take care of your affairs and turn over and go to sleep, and he'll do it. Now you mind. So saying, Millie smoothed the pillow with anxious care and kissing nine on the forehead departed. End of Chapter 12 Explanations Chapter 13 of Dread A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This recording by Michelle Fry, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dread, Chapter 13 Tom Gorton. I say, Nana, said her brother coming in a day or two after from a survey he had been taking around the premises. You want me here to manage the place? Everything's going at 60s and 70s and that nigger of a harry riding around with his boots shining. That fella cheats you and feathers his own nest well. I know, these white niggers are all deceitful. Come Tom, you know the estate is managed just as father left word to have it, and Uncle John says that Harry is an excellent manager. I'm sure nobody could have been more faithful to me and I'm very well satisfied. Yes I dare say I'll left to you and the executors as you call them as if I were not the natural guardian of my sister. Then I come here and put up with that fella's impudence. Who's Harry's? He is never impudent. He's always gentlemanly. Everybody remarks it. Gentlemanly. There it is nine. What a fool you are to encourage the use of that word in connection with any of your niggers. Gentleman forsooth. And while he plays gentleman who takes care. I tell you what I find one of these days how things are going on. But that's just the way you never would listen to me or pay the least attention to my advice. Oh Tom, don't talk about that. Don't. I never interfere about your affairs. Please leave me the right to manage mine in my own way. And who is this Clayton that's hanging about here? Are you going to have him or he you? Hey I don't know. Because I for one don't like him. And I shan't give my consent to let him have you. That other one is worth twice as much. He has one of the largest properties in New York. Joe Snyder has told me about him. You shall have him. I shall not have him. Say what you please. And I shall have Mr. Clayton if I choose said Nina with a heightened color. You have no right to dictate to me of my own affairs. And I shan't submit to it. I tell you frankly. Heidi Tidy. We're coming up to be sure. Moreover I wish you would let everything on this place entirely alone. And remember that my servants are not your servants. And that you have no control over them whatever. Well, we'll see how you'll help yourself. I'm not going to go skulking about on my father's own place as if I had no right or title there. And if your niggers don't look sharp they'll find out whether I am the master here or not. Especially that Harry. If the dog dare so much as lift his fingers to counter man any one of my orders I'll put a bullet through his head as soon as I would through a box. I give you warning. Oh Tom, pray don't talk so said Nina who really began to be alarmed. What do you want to make me such trouble for? The conversation was here suspended by the entrance of Millie. If you please Miss Nana come and show me which of your muslims you wish to be done up as I was starting for Miss Lou. Glad of an opportunity to turn the conversation Nina ran up to her room whether she was followed by Millie who shut the door and spoke to her in mysterious tones. Miss Nana can't you make some errand to get Harry off the place for two or three days while Massa Tom's around? But what right said Nina with height and color has he to dictate to my servants or me or to interfere with any of our arrangements here? Oh there's no use talking about riots honey we must all do just what we can don't make much odds whether our rights is one way or other you see child it's just here harris your right hand but you see he ain't learned to bend for the wind like the rest of us he is spirit he is just as full now as a powder box and Massa Tom has bent on aggravating him and lost child there may be bloody work there may so why do you think he'd dare? Child don't talk to me dare yes sure enough he will dare besides there's fifty ways young gentlemen may take to aggravate and provoke and when flesh and blood can't bear it no longer if Harry raises his hand while I then shoot him down nothing said nothing done you can't help yourself you won't want to have a lawsuit with your own brother and if you did couldn't bring harry to life lost child if I could tell you what I've seen you don't know nothing about it now I tell you get up some message to your uncle's plantation send him off for anything or nothing only have him gone and then speak your brother fair then maybe he will go off but don't you quarrel don't you cross him come what may there ain't a soul on the place that can bear the sight on him but then you see the rest they all bends but child you must be quick about it let me go right off and find him just you come in the little back room and I'll call him in pale and trembling Niner descended into the room and in a few moments after Millie appeared by harry harry said Niner in a trembling voice I want you to take your horse and go over to uncle John's plantation and carry a note for me harry stood with his arms folded and his eyes fixed upon the ground and Niner continued and harry I think you had better make some business or errand to keep you away two or three days or a week miss Niner said harry the affairs of this place are very pressing now and need overlooking a few days neglect now they produce a great loss and then it will be said that I neglected my business to idle and ride around the country well but if I send you I take the responsibility and I'll bear the loss the fact is harry I'm afraid that you won't have patience to be here now now time is at home in fact harry I'm afraid for your life and now if you have any regard for me make the best arrangement with the work you can and be off I'll tell him that I sent you on business of my own and I'm going to write a letter for you to carry it's the only safe way he has so many ways in which he can provoke and insult you that at last you may say or do something that will give him occasion against you and I think he is determined to drive you to this isn't this provoking now isn't this outrageous said harry between his teeth looking down that everything must be left and all because I haven't the right to stand up like a man and protect you and others it is a pity it is a shame said nonna but harry don't stop to think upon it do go she laid her hands softly on his for my sake now be good be good he had long windows which opened like those of the parlor on the veranda and commanded a view of the gravel walk bordered with shrubbery as harry stood hesitating he started at seeing lissette come tripping up the walk balancing on her head a basket of newly iron muslins and linens her trim little figure was displayed in a close fitting gown of blue a snowy handkerchief crossed upon her bust and one rounded arm raised ready the basket upon her head she came tripping forward with her usual air emotion humming a portion of a song and attracted at the same moment the attention of tom gordon and of her husband upon my word if that isn't the prettiest concern said tom as he started up and ran down the walk to meet her good morning my pretty girl he said good morning sir returned lissette in her usual tone of gay cheerfulness pray who do you belong to my pretty little puss i think i've never seen you on this place please sir i'm harry's wife indeed you are hay devilish good taste he has he said laying his hand familiarly on her shoulder the shoulder was pulled away and lissette moved rapidly onto the other side of the path with an air of vexation which made her look rather pure what my dear don't you know that i'm your husband's young master come come he said following her and endeavoring to take hold of her arm please let me alone said lissette coloring and in a petty vexed tone let you alone know that i shan't not while you ask it in such a pretty way as that and again the hand was laid upon her shoulder it must be understood he had witnessed so far in pantomime this scene he had stood with compressed lips and eyes slowly dilating looking at it nina who was standing with her back to the window wondered at the expression of his countenance look there miss nina do you see my wife and your brother nina turned and in an instant the color mounted to her cheeks her little form seemed to dilate and her eyes flashed fire and before harry could see what she was doing she was down in the gravel walk and had taken lissette's hand time gordon she said i'm ashamed of you hush hush she continued fixing her eyes upon him and stemming her foot dare you come to my place and take such liberties here you shall not be allowed to while i am mistress and i am mistress dare to lay a finger on this girl while she is here under my protection come lissette she was a swelling girl by the hand and drew her along towards the house tom gordon was so utterly confused at this sudden burst of passion in his sister that he let them go off without opposition in a few moments he looked after her and gave a long low whistle ah pretty well up for her but she'll find it easier said than done ah fancy and he sauntered up to the veranda where harry stood with his arms folded and his veins in his forehead swelling with repressed emotion go in lissette said nano take these things into my room and i'll come to you pawn my word harry said tom coming up and addressing harry in the most insulting tone we are all under the greatest obligations to you for bringing such a pretty little fancy article here my wife does not belong to this place said harry forcing himself to speak calmly she belongs to mrs leclerre who has come into bellaville plantation ah thank you for that information i may take a fancy to buy her and i'd like to know who she belongs to i've been wanting a pretty little concern or that sort she's a good housekeeper isn't she harry does up shirts well what do you suppose she could be got for i must go and see her mistress during this cruel harangue harry's hands twitched and quivered and he started every now and then looking first at nana and then at his tormentor he turned deadly pale even his lips were of ashy whiteness and with his arms still folded and making no reply he fixed his large blue eyes upon tom and as it sometimes happened in moments of excitement and elevation there appeared on the rigid lines of his face at that moment so strong a resemblance to colonel gordon that nana noticed and was startled by it tom gordon noticed it also it added fuel to the bitterness of his wrath and there glared from his eyes a malignancy of hatred that was perfectly appalling the two brothers seemed like thunder clouds opposing each other and ready to dart lightning nana hastened to interfere hurry hurry hurry i want that message carried do pray go directly let me see said tom i must call jim and have my horse which is the way to that bellaville plantation i think i'll ride over and he turned and walked indolently down the steps for shame tom you won't you can't how can you want to trouble me so said nana he turned and looked upon her little smile turned again and was gone harry harry go quick don't you worry there's no danger madame leclerc never would consent there's no knowing said harry never any knowing people act about money as they do about nothing else then i'll send and buy her myself you don't know how our affairs stand miss nana said harry hurriedly money couldn't be raised now for it especially if i have to go off this week it will make a great difference me being here or not being here and very likely master tom may have a thousand dollars to pay down on the spot i never knew him to want money when his will was up great god haven't i born this yoke long enough well harry i'll sell everything i've got my jewels everything i'll mortgage the plantation before gordon shall do this thing i'm not quite so selfish as i've always seemed to be i know you've made the sacrifice of body and soul to my interest and i've always taken it because i loved my ease and was a spoiled child but after all i know i have as much energy as tom has when i am roused and i'll go over this very morning and make an offer for her only you be off you can't stand such provocation as you get here and if you yield as any man will do at last then everything and everybody will go against you and i can't protect you trust to me i'm not so much of a child as i have seemed to be you'll find i can act for myself and you too there comes mr. clayton through the shrubbery that's right order two horses round to the door immediately and we'll go over there this morning and i gave her orders with a dignity as if she had been a princess and in all his agitation harry could not help marveling at the sudden air of womanliness which had come over her i could serve you he said in a low voice to the last drop of my blood but he added in a tone which made niner tremble i hate everybody else i hate your country i hate your laws harry you do wrong oh i do wrong do i we are the people that are never to do wrong people may stick pins in us and stick knives in us wipe their shoes on us and spit in our face we must be amiable we must be the models of christian patience i tell you your father should rather have put me into quarters and made me work like a field negro than to have given me the education he did and leave me under the foot of every white man that dares tread on me niner remembered to have seen her father in transports of passion and was again shocked and startled to see the resemblance between his face and the convulsed face before her harry she said in a pitying half admonitory tone do think what you are saying if you love me be quiet love you you have always held my heart in your hand that has been the clasp upon my chain if it hadn't been for you i should have fought my way to the north before now or i would have found a grave on the road well harry said niner after a moment's thought my love shall not be a clasp upon any chain for as there is a god in heaven i will set you free i'll have a bill introduced at the very next legislature and i know what friend will see to it so go now harry go harry stood a moment and suddenly raised the hand of his little mistress to his lips turned and was gone clayton who had been passing through the shrubbery and who had remarked that niner was engaged in a very exciting conversation had drawn off and stood waiting for her at the foot of the veranda's steps as soon as niner saw him she reached out her hand frankly saying oh there mr clayton you were just the person wouldn't you like to take a ride with me of course i should said he wait here a moment till i get ready the horses will be here immediately and running up the steps she passed quickly by him and went into the house clayton had felt himself in circumstances of considerable embarrassment ever since the arrival of tom gordon the evening before he had perceived that the young man received an instinctive dislike of himself which he was at no particular pains to conceal and he found it difficult to preserve the appearance of one who does not notice he did not wish to intrude upon niner any embarrassing recognition of her situation even under the guise of sympathy and assistance and waited therefore till some word from her should authorize him to speak he held himself therefore ready to meet any confidence which she might feel disposed to place in him not doubting from the frankness of her nature that she would soon find it impossible not to speak of what was so deeply interesting to her niner soon reappeared and mounting their horses they found themselves riding through the same forest road that led to the cottage of tiff from which a divergent path went to belville plantation i'm glad to see you alone this morning for many reasons said niner for i think i never needed to friends help more i am mortified that you should have seen what you did last night but since you have i may as well speak of it the fact is that my brother though he is the only one i have never did treat me as if he loved me i can't tell what the reason is whether he was jealous of my poor father's love for me or whether it was just because i was a willful spoiled girl and so gave him reason to be said against me or whatever the reason might be he never has been kind to me long at a time perhaps he would be if i would always do exactly as he says but i am made as positive and willful as he is i never have been controlled and i can't recognize the right which he seems to assume to control me and to dictate as to my own private affairs he was not left to my guardian and though i do love him i shan't certainly take him as one now you see he has a bitter hatred and a most unreasonable one towards my Harry and i had no idea when i came home in how many ways he had the power to annoy me it does seem as if an evil spirit possessed them both when they get together they seem as full of electricity as they can be and i am every instant afraid of an explosion unfortunately for Harry he has had a much superior education to the generality of his class and station and the situation of trust in which he has been placed has given him more the feelings of a free man and a gentleman than is usual for except Tom there isn't one of our family circle that hasn't always treated him with kindness and even with deference this very thing angers Tom the more and makes him take every possible occasion of provoking and vexing i believe it is his intention to push Harry up to some desperate action and when i see how frightfully they look at each other i tremble for the consequences Harry has lately married a very pretty wife with whom he lives in a little cottage on the extremity of the Belleville estate and this morning Tom happened to spy her and it seemed to inspire him with the most ingenious plan to trouble Harry he threatened to come over and buy her of Madame Leclerc and so to quiet Harry i promise to come over here before him and make an offer for her why said Clayton do you think her mistress would sell her i can't say she is a person i am acquainted with only by report she is a New Orleans Creole who has lately bought the place Lecette i believe hired her time of her Lecette is an ingenious active creature and contrives by many little arts and accomplishments to pay a handsome sum monthly to her mistress whether the offer of a large sum at once would tempt her to sell her is more than i know until it's tried i should like to have Lecette for Harry's sake and do you suppose your brother was serious? i shouldn't be at all surprised if you were but serious or not serious i intend to make the matter sure if it be necessary to make an immediate payment said Clayton i have a sum of money which is lying idle in the bank and it's but drawing a check which will be honored at sight i mentioned this because the ability to make an immediate payment may make the negotiation easier you ought to allow me the pleasure of joining you in a good work oh thank you said none of frankly it may not be necessary but if it should be i will take it in the same spirit in which it is offered after a ride of about an hour they arrived in the boundaries of Belleville Plantation in former days Nina had known this as the residents of an ancient rich family with whom her father was on visiting terms and was therefore uncomfortably struck with the air of poverty waste and decay everywhere conspicuous through the grounds nothing is more depressing and disheartening than the sight of a gradual decay of what has been arranged and constructed with great care and when Nina saw the dilapidated gateway the crushed and broken shrubbery the gaps in the fine avenue where the trees had been providently cut down for firewood to not help a feeling of depression how different this place used to be when I came here as a child this madam whatever her name is can't be much of a manager as she said this their horses came up the front of the house in which the same marks of slovenly neglect were apparent blinds were hanging by one hinge the door had sunk down into the rotten sill the wooden pillars that were recorded were decayed at the bottom and the twining roses which once climbed upon them laid trailing dishonored upon the ground the veranda was littered with all kinds of rubbish, rough boxes saddles, bridles, overcoats and various nondescript articles formed convenient hiding places and retreats in which a troop of negro children and three or four dogs were playing at hide and go seek with great relish noise on the alighting of nina and clayton at the door they all left their sports and arranged themselves in a grinning row to see the newcomers descend nothing seemed to be further from the minds of the little troops than affording the slightest assistance in the way of holding horses or answering questions all they did was alternately to look at each other and the travelers and grin a tattered servant man with half head on his head was at length raised by a call of clayton who took their horses having first distributed a salutation of kicks and cuffs among the children asking where their manners were and why they didn't show the gentleman a lady in and nina and clayton were now marshaled by the whole seven of them into an apartment on the right of the great hall everything in the room appeared in an unfinished state half put up at the windows and part lying in a confused heap on the chairs the damp moldy paper which hung loosely from the walls had been torn away in some places as if to prepare for repapering and certain half opened rolls of costly wallpaper lay on the table on which appeared the fragment of some ancient luncheon twit plates and pieces of bread and cheese dirty tumblers it was difficult to find a chair sufficiently free from dust to sit down on nina sent up her card by one of the small fry who having got half way up the staircase was suddenly taken with the desire to slide down the banisters with it in his hand of course he dropped the card in the operation and the whole group precipitated themselves briskly on to it all in a heap and fought tooth and nail for the honor of bringing it upstairs they were aroused however by the entrance of the man with half a hat who on nana's earnest suggestion plunged into the troop which ran chattering and screaming like so many crows to different parts of the hall while he picked up the card and with infinite good will beaming on his shining black face went up with it leaving nana and clayton waiting below in a few moments he returned the missus will see the young lady upstairs nana tripped promptly after him and left clayton the sole tenant of the parlor for an hour at length she returned skipping down the stairs and opening the door with great animation the thing is done she said the bill of sale will be signed as soon as we can send it over I had better bring it over myself said clayton and make the arrangement so be it said nana but pray let us be delivered from this place did you ever see such a desolate looking house I remember when I've seen it a perfect paradise full of the most agreeable people and pray what sort of a person did you find said clayton as they were riding homeward well she's one of the toe string order of women very slack twisted too I fancy tall snuffy and sallow clothes look rough dry had been pulled out of a bag she had a bright colored madras handkerchief tied around her head and spoke French a little more through her nose than French people usually do flourished a yellow silk pocket handkerchief poor soul she said she had been sick for a week with a toothache and kept awake all night so one mustn't be critical one comfort about these French people is that they're always a ravie de vouvoir let what will turn up the good soul was really polite and insisted on clearing all the things off from a dusty old chair for me to sit down in the room was as much at six and sevens as the rest of the house she apologized for the whole state of things by saying that they could not get workmen out there to do anything for her and so everything is left in the second future tense and the darkies I imagine have a general glorification in the chaos she is one of the indulgent sword and I suspect she'll be eaten up by them like the locusts poor thing, she is shockingly homesick and longing for Louisiana again for notwithstanding her snuffy appearance and yellow pocket handkerchief she really has a genuine taste for beauty and spoke most feelingly of the oleanders, crepe myrtles and cape jesemines of her native state well how did you introduce your business said Clayton laughing at this description me, why I flourished out a little French I have at command and she flourished her little English and I think I rather pre-possessed the good soul to begin with then I made a sentimental story about Lisette and Harry's amours because I know French people always have a taste for the sentimental the ole thing was really quite affected wiped her little black eyes pulled her hooked nose as a tribute to my eloquence called Lisette her enfant mignon and gave me a little lecture on the tender passion which I am going to lay up for future use indeed said Clayton I should be charmed to have you repeat it can't you give us a synopsis I don't know what synopsis means but if you want me to tell you what she said I shan't do it well now do you know I am in the best spirits in the world now that I've got this thing off my mind and out of that desolate house did you ever see such a direful place what is the reason when we get down south here everything seems to be going to destruction so I noticed it all the way down through Virginia it seems as if everything had stopped growing and was going backwards well now it's so different at the north I went up one vacation into New Hampshire it was dreadfully poor barren country nothing but stony hills and poor soil and yet the people there seemed to be so well off they live in such nice tight clean looking white houses everything around them looks so careful and comfortable and yet their land isn't half so good as ours down here why actually some of those places seem as if there were nothing but rock and then they have winter about nine months in the year I do believe but these Yankees turn everything to a count if a man's field is covered with rock you'll find some way to sell it and make money out of it and if they freeze up all winter they sell the ice and make money out of that they just live by selling their disadvantages and we grow poor by wasting our advantages said Clayton do you know people think it's a dreadful thing to be an abolitionist but for my part I have a great inclination to be one perhaps because I have a contrary turn and always have a little spite against what everybody else believes but if you won't tell anybody I'll tell you I don't believe in slavery neither do I said Clayton you don't well really I thought I was saying something original now the other day Aunt Nesbitt's minister was at our house and they sat crooning together as they always do and among other things they said what a blessed institution it was to bring these poor Africans over here to get them Christianized so by way of saying something to give them a start I told them I thought they came nearer to making heathen of us than we to making Christians of them that's very true said Clayton there's no doubt that the kind of society which is built up in this way constantly tends to run back towards barbarism it prevents general education of the whites and keeps the poorer classes down to the lowest point while it enriches a few well what do we have to do it for why don't we blow it up right off that's a question easier asked than answered the laws against emancipation are very stringent but I think it is every owner's business to contemplate this as a future resort and to educate his servants in reference to it that is what I'm trying to do on my plantation indeed said Nana looking at him with a good deal of interest well now that reminds me of what I was going to say to you generally speaking my conscience don't trouble me much about my servants because I think they are doing about as well with me as they would be likely to do anywhere else but now there's Harry he is well educated and I know that he could do for himself anywhere better than he does here I have always had a kind of sense of this but I've thought of it more lately and I'm going to try to have him set free at the next legislature and I shall want you to help me about all the what do you call them of course I shall be quiet at your service said Clayton there used to be some people when I was up at the north who talked as if all of us were no better than a pack of robbers and thieves and of course when I was there I was strong for our institutions and would not give them an inch of ground it set me to thinking though and the result of my thinking is that we have no right to hold those to work for us who clearly can do better now there's Annes but Smilly there's Harry and Lisette why it's clear enough if they can support themselves and us too they certainly can support themselves alone Lisette has paid eight dollars a month to her mistress and supported herself besides I'm sure it's we that are the helpless ones well do you think Annes but is going to follow your example no get your at it Annes but is doubly fortified in her religion she is so satisfied with something or other about cursed be canan she'd let Millie earn ten dollars a month for her all year round and never trouble her head about taking every bit of it some folks you know have a way of calling everything they want to do a dispensation of Providence now Annes but is one of them she always caused it a dispensation that the Negroes were brought over here and a dispensation that we are the mistresses Millie will not get set free while Annes but is alive and do you know though it does not seem very generous in me yet I'm resigned to it because Millie is such a good soul and such a comfort to me do you know she seems a great deal more like a mother to me than Annes but why I really think if Millie had been educated as we are she would have made a most splendid woman been a perfect Candace queen of Ethiopia there's a vast deal that is curious and interesting some of these old Africans I always did love to be with them some of them are so shrewd and original but I wonder now what Tom will think of my cutting him out so neatly to make him angry I suppose oh perhaps after all he had no real intention of doing anything of the kind he may have said it merely for a bravado I should have thought so if I hadn't known that he always had a grudge against Harry at this moment the galloping of a horse was heard in the woodland path before them and very soon Tom Gordon appeared in sight accompanied by another man on horseback with whom he was in earnest conversation there was something about the face of this man which at the first glance Nina felt to be very repulsive he was low thick-set and yet lean his features were thin and sharp his hair and eyebrows was she in black and a pair of glassy pale blue eyes formed a peculiar contrast to their darkness there was something in the expression of the eye which struck Nina as hard and cold though the man was habited externally as a gentleman there was still about him an underbred appearance which could be detected at the first glance as the coarseness of some woods reveal themselves through every varnish good morrow Nina said her brother drawing his horse up to meet hers and signing to his companion to arrest his also allow me to present to you my friend Mr. Jekyll we are going out to visit the Belleville plantation I wish you a pleasant ride said Nana and touching her horse she passed them in a moment looking back almost fiercely a moment she turned and said to Clayton I hate that man who is it Clayton I don't know said Nana I never saw him before but I hate him he is a bad man I'd as soon have a serpent come near me as that man well the poor fellow's face isn't pre-possessing but I should not be prepared for such an anathema time's badness continued Nana speaking as if she were following out a train of thought without regard for her companion's remark is good turned to bad it's wine turned to vinegar but this man don't even know what good is how can you be so positive about a person you've only seen once oh said Nana resuming her usual gay tones don't you know that girls and dogs and other inferior creatures have a gift of seeing what's in people it doesn't belong to high cultivated folks like you but to us poor creatures who have to trust to our instincts so beware and as she spoke she turned to him with a fascinating air of half sussy defiance well said Clayton have you seen then what is in me yes to be sure said Nana with energy I knew what she were from the very first time I saw you and that's the reason why Clayton made an eager gesture and his eyes met hers with a sudden flash of earnestness she stopped and blushed and then what Nana oh well I always thought you were a grandfatherly body and that you wouldn't take advantage of us girls as some of the men do and so I've treated you with confidence as you know I had just the same feeling that you could be trusted as I have that that other fellow cannot well said Clayton that deduction suits me so well that I should be sorry to undermine your faith nevertheless I must say such a way of judging isn't always safe instinct may be a greater matter than we think yet it isn't infallible any more than our senses we try the testimony even of our eyesight by reason it will deceive us if we don't much more we ought to try this more subtle kind of sight maybe so said Nana yet I don't think I shall like that man after all but I'll give him a chance to alter my feeling by treating him civilly if time brings him back to dinner that's the best I can do end of chapter 13 Tom Gordon