“And for you or for me to try to put our puny strengths in the way of God’s everlastin’ decree and providence would be like puttin’ up our hands and tryin’ to stop a whirlwind. It would whirl us out of the way, but its path would be onward.
“The negroes will be a free people, a powerful, God-fearin’, patient, noble one.”
Col. Seybert wuzn’t convinced. Fur from it. He made a motion of extreme disgust. But I turned my head a little, and over Col. Seybert’s shoulder, back behind him, I see a face.
It wuz a face illumined, riz up, inspired, if ever a face wuz upon earth. A noble purpose shone through it and made it a grand face.
It wuz Victor; he had heard every word I had said and believed every word, only he had fitted the words to suit his own meaning.
I felt this by the rapt expression of his countenance, and also by that free-masonry of the spirit that binds the souls of the true lovers of Humanity, whether they be black or white on the outside.
Col. Seybert turned and follered my look, and he see Victor, and he spoke out angrily:
“Why do you follow me, you dog you, tight to my heels? Can’t I ever escape your watchfulness?”
(He had been on one of his sprees, so I hearn, and Victor had kep’ watch on him, and his nerves wuz onstrung yet, and he felt hateful.)
“Mrs. Seybert sent me over for you.”