from that truly great man, Toussaint L’Ouverture, who was a full-blooded African, than from that unprincipled filibuster called William the Conqueror, or from any of his band of robbers, who transmitted titles of nobility to their posterity.  That is the way I have learned to read history, my young friend, in the plain sunlight of truth, unchanged by looking at it through the deceptive colored glasses of conventional prejudice.  Only yesterday you would have felt honored to claim my highly accomplished and noble-minded wife as a near relative.  She is as highly accomplished and noble-minded a lady to-day as she was yesterday.  The only difference is, that to-day you are aware her grandmother had a dark complexion.  No human being can be really stained by anything apart from his own character; but if there were any blot resting upon you, it would come from your father.  We should remember, however, that He who made man can alone justly estimate man’s temptations.  For myself, I believe that Mr. Fitzgerald’s sins were largely attributable to the system of slavery under which he had the misfortune to be educated.  He loved pleasure, he was rich, and he had irresponsible power over many of his fellow-beings, whom law and public opinion alike deprived of protection.  Without judging him harshly, let his career be a warning to you to resist the first enticements to evil; and, as one means of doing so, let me advise you never to place yourself in that state of society which had such a malign influence upon him.”

“Give me time to think,” rejoined the young man.  “This has come upon me so suddenly that I feel stunned.”

“That I can easily imagine,” replied his friend.  “But I wish you to understand distinctly, that it depends entirely upon Mrs. Fitzgerald and yourself to decide what is to be done in relation to this perplexing affair.  We are ready to do anything you wish, or to take any position you prescribe for us.  You may prefer to pass in society merely as my young friend, but you are my step-son, you know; and should you at any time of your life need my services, you may rely upon me as an affectionate father.”

That word brought cherished hopes to Gerald’s mind, and he sighed as he answered, “I thank you.”

“Whatever outward inconveniences may arise from this state of things,” resumed Mr. King, “we prefer to have them fall upon ourselves.  It is of course desirable that you and my daughter should not meet at present.  Your vacation has nearly expired, and perhaps you will deem it prudent to return a little sooner than you intended.  We shall remain here till late in the autumn; and then, if circumstances render it necessary, we will remove Eulalia to Cuba, or elsewhere, for the winter.  Try to bear this disappointment bravely, my son.  As soon as you feel sufficiently calm, I would advise you to seek an interview with your mother.  Her heart yearns for you, and the longer your meeting is deferred, the more embarrassing it will be.”