ny. My attachment
to yourself is strong. I also perceive that you govern wisely and well;
and I desire to aid in so important a work."

"Good. But you are not aware of the danger of attaching yourself thus
exclusively to me. Till to-day, if I fell, your way to France, your way
in France, was open. After to-day, it will no longer be so. I am so
surrounded with dangers, that I can scarcely escape ruin or death. The
mulattoes conspire against my power and my life. The blacks, for whom I
have made myself responsible, are yet full of passion, and not to be
relied on in the present infancy of their education. The French
officials are so many malignant spies--excepting yourself, indeed," he
added, with a smile. "Bonaparte, who rules everywhere, is surrounded by
our emigrants, who attribute their sufferings to the blacks; and he is
jealous of me. I would rather say he distrusts me. Now you see my
position. I ask no white to share its perils. If you go with
Hedouville, you shall carry with you my friendly farewell."

"I will stay with you."

"Thank God! Then we are friends indeed! Now to business. In the
pressing affairs of to-day, we must not overlook the future security of
the colony. The story which Hedouville will tell at home must be met
and illustrated by our statement. Write so fully to the First Consul as
that he may clearly see that it is to Hedouville's ignorance and
presumption that the present disturbances are owing."

"It is a clear case."

"It is to us. Make it so to him. One word first. Will you undertake
the office of governor of this town?"

"Instead of Raymond?"

"Instead of Raymond. He is a good man; but I erred in appointing him.
He is fit for deliberation, but not for action. But for my early
arrival, this town would have been burned to-day, for want of even a
show of defence. He is setting out now for the legislature, to which I
have appointed him, and where he will be valuable. Will you assume his
office?"

"By no means. I desire to remain beside you, and study your mode of
government, before I attempt myself to govern."

"I have no fixed mode of governing. I merely act as seems to me good at
the time."

"Inspired by a generous love, ever," said Pascal.

"Enough of this. It would be an advantage to me, and to the colony,
that you should undertake this office. There is no other white, there
is no mulatto fit for it! and the mulattoes need conciliation. If they
s