We are not seeking to conquer the South in any such
old-world ways. We are fighting that the old flag may be as supreme
here as in New England. The moment this is true you will be as free
as are the people of New England. The same constitution and laws
will govern all."
"And can you imagine for a moment, sir," cried Mr. Baron, "that we
will submit to a government that would be acceptable to New
England?" "Yes, sir; and years hence, when the South has become as
loyal as New England is now, if that abode of the Yankees should
seek independence of the rest of the country she would be brought
back under the flag. I would fight New England as readily as I do
the South, if she sought to break up the Union. I would fight her if
every man, woman and child within her borders believed themselves
right."
Now he saw Miss Lou looking perplexed. Her quick mind detected the
spirit of coercion, of substituting wills, against which he had been
inveighing and from which she had suffered. Mrs. Whately was quick
to see the apparent weakness in his argument, for she said,
"Consistency is a jewel which I suppose is little cared for by those
so ready to appeal to force.
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