"The Democrats will rejoice," said Penhallow. "The Administration will be as I am against Douglas and against this man's views."
"I wish he were even more of an abolitionist, Squire. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, ought to apply to all men, black and white."
"Yes, but are there to be further applications. Shall your free black vote? Does he say that?"
"No, but I do."
"Good gracious!" exclaimed the Squire. "I move we adjourn. Here comes
Ann."
Keen to have the last word, Rivers urged, "He is not against some fugitive-slave law—not for abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia—or the slave trade between the States."
"But," said Leila, "I read it all last night in my room. He said it was the right and duty of Congress to prohibit slavery in all the territories."
"The right," said Penhallow, "Miss Politician?"
"And the duty," returned Rivers. They rose as Ann came up the steps.
Billy was carrying the baskets she had emptied in the village, and as usual with Ann when there had been much to do, she came home, Rivers said, refreshed by the exercise of her gentle despotisms as a man may be by use of competent muscles. "You are all struck dumb," she cried. "I smell the sulphur of bad politics."