Even now you have undertaken the greatest and most daring work of altruism this country ever knew." She made no answer but to smile at him, a wide and half lazy smile, disclosing her white and even teeth.

The jewels in her dark hair glistened as she nodded slightly.

Emboldened, he went on: "And you find all things at a deadlock in Washington to-day.
Humanity is placed away in linen on the shelf in America, to-day.
Dust must not filter through the protection of this mighty compromise which our two great parties have accomplished! We must not talk of principles, must not stir sedition, at this time.

Whig and Democrat must tiptoe, both of them, nor wake this sleeping dog of slavery.

Only a few, Madam, only a few, have the hardihood to assert their beliefs.