“You may know it soon enough,” he replies.  “I have erred, and my errors have brought me to a sad brink.  My friends-those who have indulged my follies-have quickened the canker that will destroy themselves.  Indulgence too often hastens the cup of sorrow, and when it poisons most, we are least conscious.  It is an alluring charmer, betraying in the gayest livery-”

“Lorenzo,” she interrupts, wiping the tears from her eyes.  “Tell me all; remember woman’s influence-she can relieve others when she cannot relieve herself.  Make me your confidant—­relieve your feelings.”

“This night, Franconia, I shall bid a painful good-bye to those familiar scenes which have surrounded my life,—­to you, my sister, to those faithful old friends of the plantation, Daddy Bob and Harry.  They have fondled me, protected me, played with me in my childhood, led me to my boyish sports when all was bright and pleasant, when the plantation had its merry scenes for slave and master.  I must go upon the world, mingle with strange life, make experience my guardian.  I have committed a crime-one which for ever disgraces the honourable-”

Crime, crime, crime! weighed itself in her mind.  “And what of that?” she rejoined, suddenly; “a sister can forgive a brother any crime; and even a lover, if she love truly, can forget them in her affections.  Do not go upon the world; be a man above crime, above the bar of scandal.  Have confidence in yourself; do not let the injustice overcome you.  Once on the world a wanderer, remember the untold tale of misery, speeding its victims to that death of conscience burning unseen.”

“Nay, Franconia, you mean well; but you have not learned the world.  Take this as my advice, remember it when I am gone, and in years to come you will acknowledge its truth—­Fortune at the south rests on an unsound foundation!  We are lofty in feelings, but poor in principle, poor in government,—­poor in that which has built our great republic.  Uncertainty hangs over us at every step; but, whatever befall you, stand firm through adversity.  Never chide others for the evils that may befall you; bear your burdens without casting reflections on others,—­it is nobler!  Befriend those who have no power to befriend themselves; and when the world forgets you, do not forget yourself.  There is no step of return for those who falter in poverty.  To-night I shall leave for the city; in a few days you will know all.”  Thus saying, he conducted Franconia back to rejoin the party, already making preparations to return.

He gave her an insight of his troubles, in such a manner as to create deep agitation; and, although satisfied that an event of more than ordinary magnitude was at hand, she could not associate it with the commission of crime.  The day, spent with all the conviviality of southern life, ended amidst the clang of merry voices, and soft music:  a gay group assembled at the bank, ready to return under the cheering influence of music and moonlight.