“‘What God hath cleansed, call not thou common, or unclean’—yes! it is right! Catherine, a girl of the very humblest birth, with natural talent and acquired accomplishments that fit her for any circle—should mix with all. And, Archer, what do you mean by ‘vulgar?’ If ignoble minds, corrupt hearts, and mean actions constitute vulgarity—then I for one have met more vulgar people in so-called high-life than ever I saw in low-life!” “My dear mother, you are a Republican—let us waive this discussion, for I dislike to differ from you, and tell me where I shall find Catherine, for she positively must return with me to White Cliffs, to bear Mrs. Georgia company, until some other companion can be procured for her.” “Catherine is at her brother’s cabin, as I told you.” “The same cabin he occupied before I left home?” “Certainly.” Major Clifton entered the gig, and turned the horse’s head towards the dell in which the overseer’s cabin stood. When he drew up before the door, Carl came out to welcome him, and invite him to alight. “No, thank you, send Catherine hither,” he said— Carl looked very much as though he did not intend to obey this haughty behest—but Catherine had already heard the demand, and appeared at the door. “How-do-you-do, Kate? Mrs. Georgia Clifton is at my house, and I wish you to return with me to attend upon her. Come, get your bonnet, at once, Catherine, for I am rather hurried.” “We cannot spare Catherine, sir,” said Carl, in a tone of displeasure. “I did not address myself to you, my good fellow,” said Major Clifton, looking over his head, and through the door of the cabin, watching Catherine, as she tied on her bonnet. When Kate same out, he handed her into the gig, and nodding carelessly to the flushed, indignant Carl, drove off. When they had driven a little way— “Catherine,” he said, “is that man your full brother?” “Yes, sir.” “The same father and mother?” “Yes, sir.” “Humph! You are not at all alike in feature. Are you very much attached to this brother, Catherine?” “Yes, sir.” “Humph.” He did not speak again until they had reached White Cliffs, when he handed her out, and said—“Catherine, Mrs. Georgia is greatly fatigued; I wish you to attend to her comforts, this evening—do you hear?” “Yes, sir,” replied Kate. The next day Mrs. Clifton, of Hardbargain, came over to call on Georgia. And afterwards, at the earnest solicitation of her son, she paid them a visit of a week. Major Clifton busied himself with the settlement of the estate. Although the great debts of the late Mr. Clifton could not be recovered of him, he determined to pay them all. A great many of them he discharged at once, by cash; and in payment of others, he gave notes, bearing interest. The calling in of these numerous debts, and the arrangement of the terms of payment, and other matters, occupied him nearly two months, so that it was the last of autumn before he was ready to set out on his journey.