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 day, 'Nothing can happen to any man that is not a human accident, nor to an ox which is not according to the nature of an ox, nor to a vine which is not according to the nature of a vine, nor to a stone which is not proper to a stone.' If then, there happen to each thing both what is usual and natural, why shouldst thou complain, for the common nature brings nothing which may not be borne by thee."

Eletheer looked very sober and he continued, "Far be it from me to disparage Reuben, but like all of the colored race he is superstitious. You must not remain so much indoors. Mary's illness and the preparation for this wedding have made you morbid," he said, shivering slightly.

"Are you cold?" she asked in some surprise, at the same time poking the fire vigorously. The blaze which followed illuminated the room, revealing Hernando in a vain effort to repress a chill.

"I fear you are ill, Hernando."

Reuben here entered with an armful of wood. His observing eye recognized at a