"I am deeply affected with this proof of your kindness, Mr. Margrave," said Cora; "but I regret that Toby's indiscretion should have imposed upon you a task which will, as I believe, be useless."
"However that may be, Miss Leslie, it is a task which I accept with pride and joy."
At this moment the little group was approached by the captain of the Selma, whose sharp eyes had espied the dark skin of Toby amongst his aristocratic passengers.
"Hello! what are you doing here, nigger?" he exclaimed; "don't you know your place is at the other end of the vessel?"
The mulatto retired without a word, but not without a push from the indignant captain.
"Poor Toby," murmured Cora, as she followed with her eyes the faithful slave.
"You see, Miss Leslie," said Gilbert, "the company of Toby would have been no protection to you."
"I should have gone with him, Mr. Margrave. Is not my place his? Am I not an Octoroon?"
"You know all, then?"
"Yes. Alas! I see that it was only I who was ignorant."