_Mr. Dryman._ Truly "he eateth with publicans and sinners." _Mr. F._ (_Not noticing Mr. D's remark._) One would think this last appropriation of the vaunted hero would be sufficient to convince the most radical of the demoralizing influence of these publications. _Frank._ (_Modestly._) How differently people judge. Why, last evening, when I saw crowds of the hardened and dissipated shedding tears of honest sympathy, when Uncle Tom and Eva sang, "I see a band of spirits bright, And conquering palms they bear"-- I felt that the moral sentiment was asserting its supremacy even in places of amusement. _Mr. F._ Worse and worse, my nephew and namesake a theatre-goer. _Mr. D._ (_In an under tone._) Namesake! "that's the unkindest cut of all." _Frank._ Not exactly a theatre-goer, uncle, though I confess I might be, were the performance always as excellent as last evening. _Mrs. Goodman._ Frank, my son, I hope thee will not attempt to drink from a dirty pool because a pure stream flows into it. _Frank._ But the rank and file of Democracy drank deep libations to Liberty there, mother. _Mr. D._ (_Passing his cup._) "Drink deep or taste not of the Pierian spring." _Mr. F._ (_Sarcastically._) Take care, you'll be found using the products of slave labor! _Frank._ (_Jocosely._) "Think how many backs have smarted, For the sweets," &c. Take a bit of toast, Mr. Dryman, our northern products are perfectly innocent, you know? _Mr. D._ (_Helping himself bountifully._) "Ask no questions for conscience's sake." _Mr. F._ The practice of you Northerners is consistent with your professions. _Mr. D._ "Consistency, thou art a jewel!" _Frank._ It is very hard to be consistent in this world, uncle. My mother once made a resolution to use nothing polluted by Intemperance or Oppression, but finding that it required her to take constant thought "what we should eat and drink, and wherewithal we should be clothed," she was fain to relax her discipline. _Mrs. G._ Frank, thee must not transcend the truth in thy mirthfulness. _Frank._ Well, mother, did not some experiment of the kind lead to the conclusion, that I might exercise my freedom in worldly amusements? _Mrs. G._ Yes, my son, but thy enthusiasm about the theatre makes me fear I have gone beyond my light. _Mr. F._ (_Bitterly._) Never fear, sister, the young man will soon prove that Abolition Societies and Theatres are admirable schools of morals. _Frank._ Uncle Tom at least has a good moral, and so has William Tell and Pizarro--indeed I do not remember of ever reading a play which had not. _Mr. F._ (_In a tone of irony._) When I see a young man spending his time at the theatre, in search of good morals, I think he "pays too dear for his whistle." _Mrs. G._ And yet brother Frank speaks the truth. What success does thee think a play would meet, which should represent such a man as Uncle Tom yielding his principles and faith to the will of a Legree?