"They were very slow about it," said Fleda. "Four times the government of Massachusetts abolished the slave-trade under their control, and four times the English government thrust it back upon them. Do you remember what Burke says about that, in his speech on Conciliation with America?"
"It don't signify what Burke says about it," said Mr. Stackpole, rubbing his chin "Burke is not the first authority; but, Miss Ringgan, it is undeniable that slavery, and the slave-trade too, does at this moment exist in the interior of your own country."
"I will never excuse what is wrong, Sir; but I think it becomes an Englishman to be very moderate in putting forth that charge."
"Why?" said he, hastily: "we have done away with it entirely in our own dominions wiped that stain clean off. Not a slave can touch British ground but he breathes free air from that minute."
"Yes, Sir; but candour will allow that we are not in a condition in this country to decide the question by a tour de force."
"What is to decide it, then!" said he, a little arrogantly.
"The progress of truth in public opinion."
"And why not the government, as well as our government!"
"It has not the power, you know, Sir."
"Not the power! well, that speaks for itself."