jection," said the Captain, "is what is so
revolting to society, eh! It may be sown broadcast in licentiousness,
then, and custom sustains an immoral element that is devouring the
essential bond of society."

"Excuse me, Captain," interrupted the Colonel. "George, you are always
taking me upon suppositions. I only related it to the Captain in order
to show the power and integrity of our law, and how South Carolinians
frequently sacrifice their own interests to maintain it intact. Nothing
could be more fatal to its vitality than to make provisions which would
entail legal preferences. The law in regard to free niggers leaving
the State should be looked upon in the light of protection rather than
alienation, for it is made to protect property and society. Yet where
a case is attended with such circumstances as that of Jones's, some
disposition to accommodate might have been evinced without endangering
the State's sovereignty. And I must also differ with you, George, so far
as the girls maintained their self-respect. It was commendable in them
to get husbands whom they could live with in the bonds of matrimony.
My word for it, George, though I am a Southerner, and may give rein to
improprieties at times, nothing can be more pernicious to our society
than this destructive system of our first people in keeping mistresses.
It's a source of misery at best, depending upon expediency instead of
obligation, and results in bringing forth children and heirs with an
entailed burden upon their lives, to be disowned, cast off from paternal
rights, and left to the tender mercies of the law. We see the curse, yet
countenance it-and while it devours domestic affections and has cankered
the core of social obligations, we look upon it as a flowery garden as
we pass by the wayside.. There may be but a shadow between the rightful
heir and the doubtful son-the former may enjoy the bounty of his
inheritance, but the latter is doomed to know not his sire nor his
kinsman, but to suffer the doubts and fears and the dark gloom which
broods over a bondman's life."

"By-je-w-hu! Colonel, what in scissors are you preaching about. You must
a' got a pull too much at Bakers's. You're giving vent to real abolition
sentiments. Exercise your knowledge of the provision that is made for
such children. The Captain will certainly draw incorrect notions about
us," said George, with anxiety pictured on his countenance. He knew the
Colonel's free, open, and fran