"I believe," said Harry in a strong and bitter tone, "that is what religious people call a Christian institution!"
"Hey?" said Mr. Jekyl, elevating his eyebrows, "what's that?"
Harry repeated his remark, and Mr. Jekyl replied in the most literal manner:—
"Of course it is. It is a divine ordering, and ought to be met in a proper spirit. There's no use, my boy, in rebellion. Hath not the potter power over the clay, to make one lump to honor, and the other to dishonor?"
"Mr. Jekyl, I think it would be expedient to confine the conversation simply to legal matters," said Clayton.
"Oh, certainly," said Mr. Jekyl. "And this brings me to say that I have orders from Mr. Gordon to stay till he comes, and keep order on the place. Also that none of the hands shall, at any time, leave the plantation until he arrives. I brought two or three officers with me, in case there should be any necessity for enforcing order."
"When will Mr. Gordon be here?" said Clayton.
"To-morrow, I believe," said Mr. Jekyl. "Young man," he added, turning to Harry, "you can produce the papers and books, and I can be attending to the accounts."
Clayton rose and left the room, leaving Harry with the imperturbable Mr. Jekyl, who plunged briskly into the business of the accounts, talking to Harry with as much freedom and composure as if he had not just been destroying the hopes of his whole lifetime.