nue that
state of peacefulness, than by an act of aggression to forfeit the
privilege for ever."

"I see," said Rainsfield, "you are enthusiastically intent upon pursuing
this plan of ingratiating yourself with your sable neighbours; and I
sincerely trust your good intentions may not be misdirected."

By this time the peripatetic disquisition was terminated by the friends
reaching the house; and, entering the sitting-room, they found the
ladies had for some time been waiting their return. Upon an enquiry from
Mrs. Rainsfield, what had detained them so long, her husband replied,

"Nothing very particular, my dear; we strolled down to the Wombi to look
at a spot where a bridge could be thrown across, and Mr. Ferguson and I
got into a discussion about the blacks; and he defended them in such an
able and spirited manner that the time slipped by unconsciously. You
must know, my dear, our friend here is going to establish himself on a
friendly footing with the black fellows; and I shouldn't be surprised to
see a model black settlement as the result of his moral training."

"I commend Mr. Ferguson for his justice," replied the lady; and turning
to John, she continued, "I only wish, sir, you could induce my husband
to be of the same way of thinking; for he persists in keeping the poor
creatures aloof from the place, and I am confident they are perfectly
harmless. Before the sentence of banishment was pronounced against
them, we found them exceedingly useful. For some time I had a young
'gin' in the house as a servant, and she was quite as handy as any white
one I ever had; besides which, she was very partial to the children, and
they were very fond of her."

"I am delighted, my dear madam," exclaimed our hero, "to think that my
views meet with your approval; and I have no doubt that when I prove
their practicability, I shall be enabled to induce your husband to adopt
them." With this remark he turned to Miss Rainsfield, and met her
gaze, which was fixed upon his features with a smile of approval. She
hastily removed her eyes, when she perceived John had noticed her; but
not before the momentary glance had penetrated his heart, and rendered
him thoughtful and abstracted for the remainder of the evening.

CHAPTER VII.

"In joyous youth, what soul hath never known,
Thought, feeling, taste, harmonious to its own?
Who hath not paused while Beauty's pensive eye
Asked from his heart the homage of a sig