"But my dear Fleda," interrupted Mrs. Evelyn, "the English nation have no slaves nor slave-trade--they have put an end to slavery entirely everywhere under their flag."
"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."