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CHAPTER XXXII.

"Walk
Boldly and wisely in the light thou hast,
There is a hand above will lead thee on."

Walter was disappointed in the sympathy and encouragement he expected to meet with in the social and religious world. Friends stood aloof, and the church looked with suspicion upon any innovation calculated to raise excitement. Previous to this time "order reigned in Warsaw." Theological discussion was lulled, and if the same animosity existed between the sects, it was considered the wiser course to let each pursue its own path, trusting to the mercy of God for its conversion, rather than protract such useless controversies.

The excitement upon the slavery question which followed the revolutionary war had also subsided, and Southern markets plied their busy trade without hindrance from any source. Northern avarice and Southern cupidity joined hands in unholy wedlock, while the priest and Levite stood by to bless the banns.

The graven image was set up, the altar unto Molock was consummated, and it was only the struggling of the victims which began to disturb the conscience of a disreputable few who dared to confront the selfishness and prejudices of the community in