CHAPTER IX
DESSALINES' HOUR
LUNCHEON was served in the pagoda above the boathouse; it was correct in every detail, planned by the crowlike Jules, as major-domo, and served by the cat-footed Japanese.
"No," said Dessalines, in answer to a question by Sir Henry, "there is nothing in this scene to remind one of Hayti; this is too tempered, too moderate. Our friend Leyden will tell you that Hayti is a place of strong outline, dazzling sunshine, and black shadows … but then, you must remember that it is not an old civilization like this, or the Japan which we are aping; Hayti is raw; it is a raw, strong, virile people who inhabit it; also, if our early influence could only have been English instead of French!"
"You might not have got your independence, old chap," said Giles. "Your name might have been that of a martyr, instead of a liberator."
For the first time Virginia saw an expression of real annoyance on the black face.
"England would not have kept us as slaves," answered Dessalines.
"That was well said!" cried Sir Henry warmly. "England would have taught you how to rule yourselves and then"
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