"The Douglas platform was adopted and at once the delegations of six cotton States withdrew. We who cannot accept Douglas meet in Richmond. It means secession unless the Republicans are reasonable when they nominate in Chicago. Mr. Alexander Stephens predicts a civil war, which most men I meet here consider very unlikely."
Ann handed this letter to her husband, saying, "This will interest you."
He read it twice, and then said, "There is at least one man in the South who believes the North will fight—Stephens."
"But will it, James?" A predictive spectre of fear rose before her.
Slowly folding the letter he said, "Yes, the South does not know us." She walked away.
On May 16th the Republicans met in Chicago. The news of the nomination of Lincoln came to the Squire as riding from the mills he met Dr. McGregor afoot.
"What, walking!" he said. "I never before saw you afoot—away from that saint of a mare."
"Yes, my old mare got bit by something yesterday and kicked the gig to smithereens, and lamed her off hind-leg."
"I will lend you a horse and a gig," said Penhallow.
"Thanks," said McGregor simply. "I am sweating through my coat."