“South Carolina seceded?” repeated Justin, now in incredulous amazement.
“Glorious little State! Yes! She alone first flung down the gauntlet of defiance! She, single handed, challenged the whole power of the Federal Government and inaugurated the second great War of Independence!”
“What followed?” demanded Justin, in a low voice; while Britomarte, leaning her elbow on the table and bending forward, listened breathlessly to the next words of the stranger. “Wait and see! Shift the scenes. Scene 3d. This is a very exciting scene. Secession of Georgia, followed by the secession of all the Gulf States! Retirement of the Southern Senators from the Senate of the United States!”
“And were they suffered to depart?” inquired Britomarte, in a soft but thrilling voice.
“Of course they were, young lady! What should hinder them?”
“Their arrest, I should think.”
“Ha—ha—ha! Ho—ho—ho! Catch Uncle Jemmy at that game! or any of his Cabinet either! But let me go on with the play. Scene 4th. A very stately scene this—the Confederate Congress at Montgomery! Organization of a provisional government! Election of Jefferson Davis as President of the Southern Confederacy!”
“No!” exclaimed Justin, starting up in almost uncontrollable agitation.
“Yes, I tell you! Now sit down and be quiet! Don’t let your feelings overcome you prematurely. For there are more news and greater scenes to come! I see I was right to break the glory on you gradually—as the day dawns. No one could bear the light of the sun if it started up suddenly in the blackness of the night.”
“Go on,” said Justin.