Father was a fond, indulgent husband, but a man that never flinched from anything that he thought necessary; and so he put down his foot, like a rock, between us and the field-hands.

He told my mother, in language perfectly respectful and deferential, but quite explicit, that over the house-servants she should be entire mistress, but that with the field-hands he could allow no interference.

He revered and respected her above all living beings; but he would have said it all the same to the virgin Mary herself, if she had come in the way of his system.
"I used sometimes to hear my mother reasoning cases with him,--endeavoring to excite his sympathies.

He would listen to the most pathetic appeals with the most discouraging politeness and equanimity.
'It all resolves itself into this,' he would say; 'must I part with Stubbs, or keep him?
Stubbs is the soul of punctuality, honesty, and efficiency,--a thorough business hand, and as humane as the general run.

We can't have perfection; and if I keep him, I must sustain his administration as a _whole_, even if there are, now and then, things that are exceptionable.