gainst the cotton-growing States of the South."

"What folly!"

"In a business point, yes, but there is something grander than business
in it--an idea that is universally in the soul of man--the idea of
freedom."

"Yes, I have read about that quarrel, but men won't fight if it
interferes with their business, with their money-making and spinning."

"You are wrong, Jane. Men of the Anglo-Saxon race and breeding will
fight more stubbornly for an idea than for conquest, injury, or even for
some favorite leader. Most nations fight for some personality; the
English race and its congeners fight for a principle or an idea. My
dear, remember that America fought England for eight years only for her
right of representation."

"How can a war in America hurt us?"

[Illustration: "He ran down the steps to meet her, and she put her hand
in his."]

"By cutting off our cotton supply--unless England helps the Southern
States."

"But she will do that."

"No, she will not."

"What then?"

"If the war lasts long, we shall have to shut our factories."

"That is not a pleasant thought, John. Let us put it aside this lovely
morning."

Yet she kept reverting to the subject, and as all men love to be
inquired of and to give information, John was easily beguiled, and the
breakfast hour passed without a word that in any way touched the
sorrowful anxiety in his heart. But at length they rose and John said,

"Jane, my dear, come into the garden. We will go to the summer-house. I
want to speak to you, dear. You know----"

"John, I cannot stay with you this morning. There will be a committee of
the ladies of the Home Mission here at eleven o'clock. I have some
preparations for them to make and if I get put out of my way in the
meantime I shall be unable to meet them."

"Is not our mutual happiness of more importance than this meeting?"

"Of course it is. But you know, John, many things in life compel us
continually to put very inferior subjects before either our personal or
our mutual happiness. A conversation such as you wish cannot be
hurried. I am not yet sure what decision I shall come to."

"Decision! Why, Jane, there is only one decision possible."

"You are taking advantage of me, John. I will not talk more with you
this morning."

"Then good morning."

He spoke curtly and went away with the words. Love and anger strove in
his heart, but before he reached his horse, he ran rapidly back. He
found Jane still standing