“And hear myself traduced, slandered, abused, cursed! A pleasant invitation—thank you.” “And get yourself _dis_abused of many things, you should rather say. See here, Mark, my proposition is perfectly fair and reasonable, and has a meaning in it. Observe: you invite me to the South, and laughingly promise that an actual acquaintance with the patriarchal system shall cool what you call my fever; and that a Southern bride with two hundred negroes, shall completely cure it. Well, I am reasonable. I am open to conviction. I am willing to try it—to examine the ‘peculiar institution’ with the utmost impartiality. Nor do I fear or doubt the result. But observe further. Both of us, it seems, have heard but one side of this great question. I therefore consent to go with you to the South, and spend some weeks on a cotton plantation, only on condition that you accompany me to New York, and attend the anniversary meetings. In a word, I will _see_ your side of the question, if you will _hear_ ours.” “I’ll do it, I’ll go,” exclaimed Sutherland, laughing, and clapping his hand cordially into that of Lauderdale. “I’ll go, nor have _I_ any doubt or fear as to the result.” CHAPTER II. A SOUTHERN HOME. “——A villa beautiful to see; Marble-porched and cedar-chambered, Hung with silken drapery; Bossed with ornaments of silver, Interlaid with gems and gold; Filled with carvings from cathedrals, Rescued in the days of old; Eloquent with books and pictures, All that luxury can afford; Warm with statues that Pygmalion Might have fashioned and adored. In the forest glades and vistas, Lovely are the light and gloom: Fountains sparkle in the gardens, And exotics breathe perfume.”—_Mackay._