“It was,” replied Iola, “through their unrequited toil that I was educated, while they were compelled to live in ignorance.  I am indebted to them for the power I have to serve them.  I wish other Southern women felt as I do.  I think they could do so much to help the colored people at their doors if they would look at their opportunities in the light of the face of Jesus Christ.  Nor am I wholly unselfish in allying myself with the colored people.  All the rest of my family have done so.  My dear grandmother is one of the excellent of the earth, and we all love her too much to ignore our relationship with her.  I did not choose my lot in life, and the simplest thing I can do is to accept the situation and do the best I can.”

“And is this your settled purpose?” he asked, sadly.

“It is, Doctor,” she replied, tenderly but firmly.  “I see no other.  I must serve the race which needs me most.”

“Perhaps you are right,” he replied; “but I cannot help feeling sad that our paths, which met so pleasantly, should diverge so painfully.  And yet, not only the freedmen, but the whole country, need such helpful, self-sacrificing teachers as you will prove; and if earnest prayers and holy wishes can brighten your path, your lines will fall in the pleasantest places.”

As he rose to go, sympathy, love, and admiration were blended in the parting look he gave her; but he felt it was useless to attempt to divert her from her purpose.  He knew that for the true reconstruction of the country something more was needed than bayonets and bullets, or the schemes of selfish politicians or plotting demagogues.  He knew that the South needed the surrender of the best brain and heart of the country to build, above the wastes of war, more stately temples of thought and action.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

DR. LATROBE’S MISTAKE.

On the morning previous to their departure for their respective homes, Dr. Gresham met Dr. Latrobe in the parlor of the Concordia.

“How,” asked Dr. Gresham, “did you like Dr. Latimer’s paper?”

“Very much, indeed.  It was excellent.  He is a very talented young man.  He sits next to me at lunch and I have conversed with him several times.  He is very genial and attractive, only he seems to be rather cranky on the negro question.  I hope if he comes South that he will not make the mistake of mixing up with the negroes.  It would be throwing away his influence and ruining his prospects.  He seems to be well versed in science and literature and would make a very delightful accession to our social life.”

“I think,” replied Dr. Gresham, “that he is an honor to our profession.  He is one of the finest specimens of our young manhood.”

Just then Dr. Latimer entered the room.  Dr. Latrobe arose and, greeting him cordially, said:  “I was delighted with your paper; it was full of thought and suggestion.”