the contrast. They have stood there for centuries, their rough,
shaggy coats buttoned close to their chins, and their long, green locks
waving in the wind; but man has thrust his long knife into their veins,
and their life-blood is fast oozing away.

With the exception of the negro huts, which are scattered at irregular
intervals through the woods in the rear of the mansion, there is not a
human habitation within an hour's ride; but such a cosey, inviting,
hospitable atmosphere surrounds the whole place, that a stranger does
not realize he has happened upon it in a wilderness.

The interior of the dwelling is in keeping with the exterior, though in
the drawing-rooms, where rich furniture and fine paintings actually
lumber the apartments, there is evident the lack of a nice perception of
the 'fitness of things,' and over the whole hangs a 'dusty air,' which
reminds one that the Milesian Bridget does not 'flourish' in South
Carolina.

I was met in the entrance-way by a tall, fine-looking woman, to whom the
Colonel introduced me as follows:--

'Mr. K----, this is Madam ----, my housekeeper; she will try to make you
forget that Mrs. J---- is absent.'

After a few customary courtesies were exchanged, I was shown to a
dressing-room, and with the aid of 'Jim,' a razor, and one of the
Colonel's shirts,--all of mine having undergone a drenching,--soon made
a tolerably presentable appearance. The negro then conducted me to the
breakfast-room, where I found the family assembled.

It consisted, besides the housekeeper, of a tall, raw-boned,
sandy-haired personage, with a low brow, a blear eye and a sneaking
look, the Overseer of the plantation; and of a well-mannered,
intelligent lad,--with the peculiarly erect carriage and uncommon
blending of good-natured ease and dignity which distinguished my
host,--who was introduced to me as the housekeeper's son.

Madam P----, who presided over the 'tea things,' was a person of perhaps
thirty-five, but a rich olive complexion, enlivened by a delicate
red-tint, and relieved by thick masses of black hair, made her appear to
a casual observer several years younger. Her face showed vestiges of
great beauty, which time, and, perhaps, care, had mellowed but not
obliterated, while her conversation indicated high cultivation. She had
evidently mingled in refined society in this country and in Europe, and
it was a strange freak of fortune that reduced her to a menial condition
in the family o