A challenge was sent, unknown to any of our domestic circle
but myself The meeting was to be on the following morning,
in a field two miles distant, at early dawn. Papa and John
were io the city.
Richard and I sat late in the piazza on that evening. We
spoke but little ; we did not, as we were often, in the fulness of
our confidence, accustomed to do, clasp each other's hands. The
voices of our family seemed to me like dreams and echoes
rather than realities ; to-morrow was spoken of — it was as a
vague image for a moment — then the thought of its probable
results swept over me like a coming tempest. The family re-
tired to their quiet repose. Richard gave the little ones no
kiss, as usual, and answered not their chUdish prattle ; they all
went, and we were left alone. Then came the agony ; I could



SOUTHERN MATRON. 209

not let him go ; I clung round his neck and petitioned him to
Btay. I felt already like a murderer. I offered to mediate —
to do anything rather than expose a human life to risk the un-
tried possibilities of a future state of being. Eichard was
affectionate, but firm.
