Iola Leroy Shadows Uplifted

Excerpt

I confess when I first learned that Mrs. Harper was about to write “a
story” on some features of the Anglo-African race, growing out of what
was once popularly known as the “peculiar institution,” I had my doubts
about the matter.  Indeed it was far from being easy for me to think that
she was as fortunate as she might have been in selecting a subject which
would afford her the best opportunity for bringing out a work of merit
and lasting worth to the race—­such a work as some of her personal
friends have long desired to see from her graphic pen.  However, after
hearing a good portion of the manuscript read, and a general statement
with regard to the object in view, I admit frankly that my partial
indifference was soon swept away; at least I was willing to wait for
further developments.