The master's house :: :: University of Virginia Library

I. —Malden and its Associations 13

The town—The old Hastings House—College preferences—A ray
of sunshine—The students.
II. —College Exercises 22

Commencement day—Degrees conferred—Graham Mildmay—Noble
sentiments—The prophecies of the future.
III. —Incidents of Mildmay's Early History 30

The Mother—Sacrifice for education—Dr. Elliott's school—The
resolution of the young student—The pledge of affection.
IV. —Mildmay purchases “Heritage Place” 38

Graham goes to Louisiana—Steamboat travellers—The Crescent
City—Fenwick makes a pleasant acquaintance—Major Dixon's
flattering attentions—A runaway recalled to mind—Major Dixon's
sympathy for the suffering negro.
V. —Major Dixon and his Album 48

Dixon's business habits—his character—description of his “pen”
—Lizzy, the negress—The “Freesoil Album.”
VI. —Ben reads the story of Charles Broadnax 58

Interesting account of a fugitive, from the Stoneyville Gazette—
Dixon's comments thereon—Cross purposes—Different Impressions.
VII. —A variety of Incidents 69

Graham removes to Louisiana—The kitchen oracle—Extraordinary
growth of cotton—Depressing effects of Governor's description
of the sweet potato crop—The Departure—The Emigration—
Transformation of the college student—The night-watch on the
Mississippi—Arrival at Heritage Place—The planter—Return to
Malden—Annie Hastings.

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VIII. —A Pleasant Dream made Reality 85

Departure from the old homestead—Journey down the Mississippi
—Unexpected difficulties—A novel mode of travelling—Arrival
at home.
IX. —An Unsuccessful Enterprise 93

Dixon prepares for action—The town of Stoneyville—A merry
teamster—Loquacious landlord—Pleasant dinner—Story of Benson—Arrest
of a fugitive—The result.
X. —The Quiet Close of Day 114

Southern domestic scenes—The sun goes down—The sick negro—
The place of repose—The family altar—Pleasant dreams.
XI. —An Order Disobeyed 123

The proscribed lash—Col. Price's visit—“Electioneering tour”—
The boy Jack—Mr. Toadvine receives sympathy and valuable
advice from his friend—Efficacy of water-melons—Stubbs and
his protégé—An affecting reminiscence.
XII. —The Promised Visit 137

The pleasant ride—Compliments when servants meet—Arrival at
Mr. Moreton's—The matron at home—A perpetual motion—
Domestic scenes.
XIII. —Every Day Incidents 148

A conversation—Reminiscences—The courtly Col. Lee—A visit to
the quarters as valuable messenger—Effective Pantomime—A
precocious child—Aunty's predictions.
XIV. —The Hospitable Board 162

The irruption—Order restored—A new version of an old story—
Childish amusements on the lawn—Sagacity of the hound—
Puggy Bill transported with joy—Return home.
XV. —The Title Deed 170

Esquire Hobby—The purchaser—Mildmay pronounced upon by
competent judges—Worse cases known—Legal technicalities—
Redhibitory—Critical Examination—A preference expressed—
The Signature.
XVI. —Dixon's Remorse 185

Pleasant excitement at Beechland and vicinity—Arrival of Rev.
Mr. Goshawk—The fair widow—The concourse at the church
—Happy influences of such occasions—Effect on Major Dixon—
Resolutions for the future—Scene in the sick room—A consoling
friend—Black ghosts.

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XVII. —Dixon acquires Peace of Mind 200

A knotty question propounded—An impressive sermon—Dixon's
surprise at what he heard—becomes reconciled—Slanders refuted—Dixon
regenerated.
XVIII. —Death of Jack 211

An impetuous horseman—The jailer's attempts to mollify his
guest—Toadvine's continued bad luck—Poor Jack has many
friends—His behavior—Patriotic music—Night closes in as he
starts for home.
XIX. —The Excitement of the Hour 219

A dark deed—An extemporaneous jury—Vague speculations—The
conclave—The decision.
XX. —The Rescue 229

The decision of the jury—The object of vengeance—Futile attempt
to escape—The fatal cord—Unexpected interruption—
The appeal for mercy—The result.
XXI. —Unexpected Relationship 238

Gen. Bledsoe—A cordial reception—Consanguinity—Old Dan—
The fearful ride—The solitary funeral—The grace—Carious divisibility—The
retaining fee provided for.
XXII. —Dixon journeys on Business 251

Demand and supply — Significant chirography — Dixon attends
church—Improves his opportunity—A “hard up” neighborhood
ruined by the Yankees—Receipt for “starting well.”
XXIII. —Dixon's unexpected Success 267

The indefatigable agent—Sensitive on the character of one's business
—Mister and Master—Private correspondence—its effect—The
considerate owner—A bad education, and its result—The last
orders, and triumph.
XXIV. —Abstractions and Realities 278

An aristocratic institution—All men free and equal—A good debater
jumping at a wrong conclusion—Blacksmiths wanted—
Good suggestions—Wouldn't yield even a prejudice.
XXV. —The Forms of Law 288

Entrance of the prisoner—Empanelling the jury—Doughfaces—
Talesmen—Model jurors, by all means—The industrious saddler,
part of the law—A principle of action.

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XXVI. —The Testimony 297

Orcutt the jailer—The term “intoxicated” difficult to understand
—Security against cross-questioning—Runaways dangerous—
A standing witness—Sober as any gentleman—Ready to take a
“sw'ar”—A mild, very mild man—Proper encouragement to a
bashful man.
XXVII. —An American Weakness 326

The piny woods—Candidate with a good cry—Capt. Duffy White
—An independent journalist—Hickman's price—Look before
you leap — The Disappointment — One passion displaced by
another.
XXVIII. —The Field of Honor 346

The challenge—The fearful struggle—Responsibility transferred to
another—The white rose—Governor's alarm—Neglect of instructions—Mrs.
Moreton's courage—The picnic.
XXIX. —The Catastrophe 358

Nature inharmonious with mind—Humble sympathy—Unavailing
efforts for peace—The Combatants—An unpleasant doubt revived—The
reminder—Sudden enthusiasm—The thrilling moment—The
Catastropho.
XXX. —The Widow and Orphans 366

Aunt Margaret—Toots—Mrs. Moreton's womanly fears—The carriages
approach—The suspense—The truth becomes known—
Col. Lee repulsed—The reaction—The unavailing denunciations—The
angel of mercy—One placid face.
XXXI. —The Penalty 377

Mildmay returns from the field—Startling change—The mind confused—The
truth at last obtained—What is the future—A faint
hope of peace—Col. Lee's sudden departure—Nightfall.
XXXII. —* * * * * 390