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The master's house

a tale of Southern life
  
  
  
  
  
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CONTENTS.

Page CONTENTS.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER.

PAGE.

  • 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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    Page 10
  • 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