"That's true," said the Doctor. "Harvey's a wise man; it's a means of government."
"If I had to live under one of them," said Barton, "Westlake's haphazard fashions would suit me better than Harvey's regular system: a life in which everything is known beforehand tells on the nerves. But, strangely enough, Mr. Harvey never loses one of his people, and Westlake's are always slipping off."
"If Harvey carried on his plantation himself, as Westlake does," replied the Doctor, "he would be adored where now he is only loved. His rule would abound in that element of uncertainty whose charm you appreciate so justly. But he is wisely content to reign and not to govern."
"Mr. Harvey has a good overseer, I understand," said Barton,—"supervisor, though, I believe it is."
"Lenox; yes. He is able, perfectly temperate, cool, inflexible, and just."
"You have learned his character from Mr. Harvey?"
"And from what I have myself seen. The estate is really well ordered,—all things considered; Harvey tells me it is rare that a complaint is heard from his negroes."
"Lenox takes care of that," said Harry.
"And he ought. I walked round among the cabins with Harvey. Not a creature but had his petition; not one but would have had his grievance, if he had dared."
"Do you suppose they have no real grievances, then?"