"Do you not know that in this country it is considered a disgrace to bestow an honorable affection upon a creature of the despised race, and that shame attached to me would attach itself also to you?" "I know all, Cora, but I love you--I love you!" cried Gilbert, falling on his knees at the young girl's feet. Cora sank into a chair and covered her face with her hands. "Cora, you weep!" "I do," she replied in faltering accents, "I feel myself so despised and abandoned in this cruel country; and it is so sweet to hear words of love and consolation from--from one--" "Ah, Cora, speak--speak, I implore!" "From one we love!" "Cora, my adored," exclaimed Gilbert, with rapture, clasping her hand, and seated himself by her. They had not been unwatched during this interview. The eyes of jealousy were upon the unconscious lovers, for Adelaide Horton had emerged from the saloon, and, gliding at the back of the little table, had heard the latter part of their conversation. She knew the worst now. This man--this man to whom she had given her heart, unasked and unsought, loved and was beloved by the despised daughter of a slave. Wounded pride, jealousy, revenge, humiliation, all mingled in the passionate emotion of that moment. Blind with anger, she knew not what she did. By this time the deck of the Selma was again crowded with passengers. Augustus Horton still carried the New Orleans paper in his hand, and he was talking to Silas Craig about the attack upon Mr. Leslie. "Confess now, you sly old fox," he said, laughing, "you are the author of this article? Why be too modest to own so good a work?" Gilbert Margrave started from his seat. "Now, Cora," he whispered, "I can no longer remain silent. I have now a right to defend you." The captain of the Selma at this moment joined the group round Augustus Horton. "You were talking of the article in the New Orleans Messenger, are you not, gentlemen?" he said. "We are, captain," replied Augustus, "and here is the author," he added, pointing to Craig. "Then allow me to compliment you, sir!" said the captain, addressing Silas. "You have done a service to society, and I hope the colonists will take warning." "That they will never do," said Adelaide Horton, advancing to the center of the group, "while you permit a mulattress to take her place on board your boat amongst the free citizens of New Orleans." She pointed as she spoke to Cora, who had advanced with Gilbert Margrave. There was a simultaneous movement of surprise amongst the passengers, as if a pistol had been suddenly fired upon the deck. As Adelaide uttered these words, Mrs. Montresor and Mortimer Percy emerged from the saloon, and watched the scene which was taking place. "What do you mean, Miss Horton?" asked the captain. "Oh! Adelaide, Adelaide," murmured Mortimer, "this is despicable!" Terrified at, and ashamed of, what she had done, the jealous girl hid her face in her hands and retired rapidly from the deck, followed by her aunt.