e had regarded him with pity, rather than with the contempt he
merited. She could not but feel that he loved her. His eloquent language
and forlorn aspect had not been in vain, for they had saved him from her
_utter_ contempt. A true woman cannot be conscious of possessing a
portion of the love, even of a dissolute man, without feeling some
respect for him. To love truly and devotedly is an element of the
angelic 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 he