character; and such love will purify and ennoble even the grossest of human beings.  Emily unconsciously arrived at this conclusion; and, discerning some indications of pure love towards her in his gross and earthly mind, she felt that he was entitled to her sympathy.  She cherished no affection for him; all that her gentle heart could contain was bestowed upon another.  A suspicion had more than once entered her mind that Maxwell was, in some manner, connected with the foul plot which had drawn her into its toils.  But, she reasoned, if he loved her, he would not injure her,—­no, not even in revenge for her refusal. She could not, and her beautiful nature would not allow her to believe it, even of a man as gross as her better judgment told her Maxwell was.

To her inquiry for her uncle, Maxwell informed her that he had some conversation with him since he came on board at Baton Rouge, and that he had requested him to attend her at tea.  He had not seen him since, but supposed he was forward, or in his state-room.

Emily readily accepted his arm, for anything was a relief from the hateful presence of Jaspar.  Maxwell used all the art which politeness could lend to render himself agreeable.  His ready wit, and the adaptation of his conversation to the unhappy circumstances of her position, in some measure dispelled the misery of the hour.  Besides, it was plain the attorney did not believe the statement of the will; for a high-born Southern gentleman would never associate in public with a slave girl.  She had, too, a presentiment that he came on some errand to her.  Perhaps the good minister, Mr. Faxon, had sent him with good news to her.  Perhaps through him the will had been proved false.  Such reflections as these imparted more interest to his society than she would otherwise have felt.

During the tea-hour his assiduous courtesy left scarcely a particular in which Henry Carroll, who, as before, occupied a seat opposite to him, could render himself of use.  He could hardly address a word to her without interrupting her companion.  An introduction, which had before placed the young captain and the attorney on speaking terms, did not prevent the latter from mixing excessively good with excessively bad breeding.  He was apparently unwilling that Henry should be heard by Emily.  Maxwell had some idea of the relation which subsisted between his two companions; but, of course, knew nothing of the previous night’s interview, which had indissolubly bound their hearts together.  He seemed determined to keep their sympathies as far apart as possible.

Henry Carroll wondered at the absence of Jaspar and at the sudden appearance of Maxwell, for he had not before seen him.  His attentions to her he loved created no jealousy.  Emily had satisfactorily acknowledged her affection for him, and to believe her pure nature, especially under the present circumstances, susceptible of coquetry, were infidelity.  A single look beaming with love had assured him that his star was still in the ascendant.