Whately.
Perkins had a consultation with Mr. Baron, as far as that
desperately perturbed old gentleman was capable of holding one, the
result of which was the decision to let the negroes alone, provided
they kept quiet and obeyed. It was evident to both of them that the
approach of Union forces, though yet comparatively distant, had
produced the usual demoralizing effects. The government at The Oaks
had not been harsh, but it had been strict and animated by a spirit
which alienated sympathy. The situation was now seen to be too
critical to admit of severity, all the more as the protection of
Whately and his troopers might soon be withdrawn.
It was a silent and depressing meal to which they sat down that
evening, long after the accustomed hour, a fact which Mr. Baron
would not forget, even in the throes of an earthquake. He groaned
over it; he groaned over everything, and especially over his niece,
who had suddenly developed into the most unmanageable element in the
whole vexed problem of the future.
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