AftereightmonthsacquaintancewithMarion，Morton’ssympathiesripenedintolove，whichwasmostcordiallyreciprocatedbythefriendlessandinjuredchildofsorrow。Therewasbutonecoursewhichtheyoungmancouldhonorablypursue，andthatwastopurchaseMarionandmakeherhislawfulwife;andthishedidimmediately，forhefoundMr。andMrs。Cardinaywillingtosecondhisliberalintentions。
　　Theyoungman，afterpurchasingMarionfromCardinay，andmarryingher，tooklodgingsinanotherpartofthecity。Aprivateteacherwascalledin，andtheyoungwifewastaughtsomeofthoseaccomplishmentssonecessaryforonetakingahighpositioningoodsociety。
　　Dr。Mortonsoonobtainedalargeandinfluentialpracticeinhisprofession，andwithitincreasedinwealth;butwithallhiswealthheneverownedaslave。Probablythefactthathehadraisedhiswifefromthatconditionkeptthehydra-headedsystemcontinuallybeforehim。TothecreditofMarionbeitsaid，sheusedeverymeanstoobtainthefreedomofhermother，whohadbeensoldtoParsonWilson，atNatchez。Herefforts，however，hadcometoolate;forAgneshaddiedofafeverbeforethearrivalofDr。
　　Morton’sagent。
　　MarionfoundinAdolphusMortonakindandaffectionatehusband;
　　andhiswishtopurchasehermother，althoughunsuccessful，haddoublyendearedhimtoher。Ereayearhadelapsedfromthetimeoftheirmarriage，Mrs。Mortonpresentedherhusbandwithalovelydaughter，whoseemedtoknittheirheartsstillclosertogether。
　　ThischildtheynamedJane;andbeforetheexpirationofthesecondyear，theywereblessedwithanotherdaughter，whomtheynamedAdrika。
　　Thesechildrengrewuptotheagesoftenandeleven，andwerethensenttotheNorthtofinishtheireducation，andreceivethatrefinementwhichyoungladiescannotobtainintheSlaveStates。
　　CHAPTERX
　　THEQUADROON’SHOME
　　AfewmilesoutofRichmondisapleasantplace，withhereandthereabeautifulcottagesurroundedbytreessoasscarcelytobeseen。Amongthesewasonefarretiredfromthepublicroads，andalmosthiddenamongthetrees。ThiswasthespotthatHenryLinwoodhadselectedforIsabella，theeldestdaughterofAgnes。
　　Theyoungmanhiredthehouse，furnishedit，andplacedhismistressthere，andformanymonthsnooneinhisfather’sfamilyknewwherehespenthisleisurehours。
　　WhenHenrywasnotwithher，Isabellaemployedherselfinlookingafterherlittlegardenandtheflowersthatgrewinfrontofhercottage。Thepassion-flowerpeony，dahlia，laburnum，andotherplant，soabundantinwarmclimates，underthetastefulhandofIsabella，lavishedtheirbeautyuponthisretiredspot，andminiatureparadise。
　　AlthoughIsabellahadbeenassuredbyHenrythatsheshouldbefreeandthathewouldalwaysconsiderherashiswife，sheneverthelessfeltthatsheoughttobemarriedandacknowledgedbyhim。Butthiswasanimpossibilityunder。theStatelaws，evenhadtheyoungmanbeendisposedtodowhatwasrightinthematter。
　　Relatedashewas，however，tooneofthefirstfamiliesinVirginia，hewouldnothavedaredtomarryawomanofsolowanorigin，evenhadthelawsbeenfavorable。
　　Here，inthissecludedgrove，unvisitedbyanyotherexceptherlover，Isabellalivedforyears。Shehadbecomethemotherofalovelydaughter，whichitsfathernamedClotelle。Thecomplexionofthechildwasstillfairerthanthatofitsmother。Indeed，shewasnotdarkerthanotherwhitechildren，andasshegrewoldershemoreandmoreresembledherfather。
　　Astimepassedaway，HenrybecamenegligentofIsabellaandhischild，somuchso，thatdaysandevenweekspassedwithouttheirseeinghim，orknowingwherehewas。Becomingmoreacquaintedwiththeworld，andmovingcontinuallyinthesocietyofyoungwomenofhisownstation，theyoungmanfeltthatIsabellawasaburdentohim，andhavingassomewouldsay，"outgrownhislove，"helongedtofreehimselfoftheresponsibility;yeteverytimehesawthechild，hefeltthatheowedithisfatherlycare。
　　Henryhadnowenteredintopoliticallife，andbeenelectedtoaseatinthelegislatureofhisnativeState;andinhisintercoursewithhisfriendshadbecomeacquaintedwithGertrudeMiller，thedaughterofawealthygentlemanlivingnearRichmond。
　　BothHenryandGertrudewereverygood-looking，andamutualattachmentsprangupbetweenthem。
　　InsteadoffindingfaultwiththeunfrequentvisitsofHenry，Isabellaalwaysmethimwithasmile，andtriedtomakebothhimandherselfbelievethatbusinesswasthecauseofhisnegligence。
　　Whenhewaswithher，shedevotedeverymomentofhertimetohim，andneverfailedtospeakofthegrowthandincreasingintelligenceofClotelle。
　　Thechildhadgrownsolargeastobeabletofollowitsfatheronhisdepartureouttotheroad。ButtheimpressionmadeonHenry’sfeelingsbythedevotedwomanandherchildwasmomentary。Hishearthadgrownhard，andhisactswereguidedbynofixedprinciple。HenryandGertrudehadbeenmarriednearlytwoyearsbeforeIsabellaknewanythingoftheevent，anditwasmerelybyaccidentthatshebecameacquaintedwiththefacts。
　　Onebeautifulafternoon，whenIsabellaandClotellewerepickingwildstrawberriessometwomilesfromtheirhome，andneartheroad-side，theyobservedaone-horsechaisedrivingpast。Themotherturnedherfacefromthecarriagenotwishingtobeseenbystrangers，littledreamingthatthechaisecontainedHenryandhiswife。Thechild，however，watchedthechaise，andstartledhermotherbyscreamingoutatthetopofhervoice，"Papa！papa！"andclappedherlittlehandsforjoy。Themotherturnedinhastetolookatthestrangers，andhereyesencounteredthoseofHenry’spaleanddejectedcountenance。Gertrude’seyeswereonthechild。
　　TheswiftnesswithwhichHenrydrovebycouldnothidefromhiswifethestrikingresemblanceofthechildtohimself。Theyoungwifehadheardthechildexclaim"Papa！papa！"andsheimmediatelysawbythequiveringofhislipsandtheagitationdepictedinhiscountenance，thatallwasnotright。
　　"Whoisthatwoman？andwhydidthatchildcallyoupapa？"sheinquired，withatremblingvoice。
　　Henrywassilent;heknewnotwhattosay，andwithoutanotherwordpassingbetweenthem，theydrovehome。
　　Onreachingherroom，Gertrudeburiedherfaceinherhandkerchiefandwept。ShelovedHenry，andwhenshehadheardfromthelipsofhercompanionshowtheirhusbandshadprovedfalse，shefeltthathewasanexception，andferventlythankedGodthatshehadbeensoblessed。
　　WhenGertruderetiredtoherbedthatnight，thesadsceneofthedayfollowedher。ThebeautyofIsabella，withherflowingcurls，andthelookofthechild，somuchresemblingthemanwhomshesodearlyloved，couldnotbeforgotten;andlittleClotelle’sexclamationof"Papa！Papa"ranginherearsduringthewholenight。
　　ThereturnofHenryattwelveo’clockdidnotincreaseherhappiness。Feelinghisguilt，hehadabsentedhimselffromthehousesincehisreturnfromtheride。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　TO-DAYAMISTRESS，TO-MORROWASLAVE
　　THEnightwasdark，therain，descendedintorrentsfromtheblackandoverhangingclouds，andthethunder，accompaniedwithvividflashesoflightning，resoundedfearfully，asHenryLinwoodsteppedfromhischaiseandenteredIsabella’scottage。
　　Morethanafortnighthadelapsedsincetheaccidental。meeting，andIsabellawasindoubtastowhotheladywasthatHenrywaswithinthecarriage。Little，however，didshethinkthatitwashiswife。Withasmile，Isabellamettheyoungmanasheenteredherlittledwelling。Clotellehadalreadygonetobed，butherfather’svoicerousedherfromhersleep，andshewassoonsittingonhisknee。
　　ThepaleandagitatedcountenanceofHenrybetrayedhisuneasiness，butIsabella’smildandlaughingallusiontotheincidentoftheirmeetinghimonthedayofhispleasure-drive，andhersaying，"I
　　presume，dearHenry，thattheladywasoneofyourrelatives，"ledhimtobelievethatshewasstillinignoranceofhismarriage。
　　Shewas，infact，ignorantwhotheladywaswhoaccompaniedthemanshelovedonthateventfulday。He，awareofthis，nowactedmorelikehimself，andpassedthethingoffasajoke。Atheart，however，Isabellafeltuneasy，andthisuneasinesswouldattimesshowitselftotheyoungman。Atlast，andwithagreateffort，shesaid，——
　　"Now，dearHenry，ifIaminthewayofyourfuturehappiness，sayso，andIwillreleaseyoufromanypromisesthatyouhavemademe。IknowthereisnolawbywhichIcanholdyou，andiftherewas，Iwouldnotresorttoit。Youareasdeartomeasever，andmythoughtsshallalwaysbedevotedtoyou。Itwouldbeagreatsacrificeformetogiveyouuptoanother，butifitbeyourdesire，asgreatasthesacrificeis，Iwillmakeit。SendmeandyourchildintoaFreeStateifweareinyourway。"
　　AgainandagainLinwoodassuredherthatnowomanpossessedhislovebuther。Oh，whatfalsehood。anddeceitmancanputonwhendealingwithwoman’slove！
　　TheunabatedstormkeptHenryfromreturninghomeuntilaftertheclockhadstrucktwo，andashedrewnearhisresidencehesawhiswifestandingatthewindow。Givinghishorseinchargeoftheservantwhowaswaiting，heenteredthehouse，andfoundhiswifeintears。AlthoughhehadneversatisfiedGertrudeastowhothequadroonwomanandchildwere，hehadkepthercomparativelyeasybyhiscloseattentiontoher，andbytellingherthatshewasmistakeninregardtothechild’scallinghim"papa。"Hisabsencethatnight，however，withoutanyapparentcause，hadagainarousedthejealousyofGertrude;butHenrytoldherthathehadbeencaughtintherainwhileout，whichpreventedhissoonerreturning，andshe，anxioustobelievehim，receivedthestoryassatisfactory。
　　Somewhatheatedwithbrandy，andweariedwithmuchlossofsleep，Linwoodfellintoasoundslumberassoonasheretired。NotsowithGertrude。Thatfaithfulnesswhichhaseverdistinguishedhersex，andtheanxietywithwhichshewatchedallhismovements，keptthewifeawakewhilethehusbandslept。Hissleep，thoughapparentlysound，wasneverthelessuneasy。AgainandagainsheheardhimpronouncethenameofIsabella，andmorethanoncesheheardhimsay，"Iamnotmarried;Iwillnevermarrywhileyoulive。"ThenhewouldspeakthenameofClotelleandsay，"Mydearchild，howIloveyou！"
　　Afterasleeplessnight，Gertrudearosefromhercouch，resolvedthatshewouldrevealthewholemattertohermother。Mrs。Millerwasawomanoflittleornofeeling，proud，peevish，andpassionate，thusmakingeverybodymiserablethatcamenearher;
　　andwhenshedislikedanyone，herhatredknewnobounds。ThisGertrudeknew;andhadshenotconsidereditherduty，shewouldhavekeptthesecretlockedinherownheart。
　　Duringtheday，Mrs。Linwoodvisitedhermotherandtoldherallthathadhappened。Themotherscoldedthedaughterfornothavinginformedhersooner，andimmediatelydeterminedtofindoutwhothewomanandchildwerethatGertrudehadmetonthedayofherride。ThreedayswerespentbyMrs。Millerinthisendeavor，butwithoutsuccess。
　　Fourweekshadelapsed，andthestormoftheoldlady’stemperhadsomewhatsubsided，when，oneevening，asshewasapproachingherdaughter’sresidence，shesawHenrywalking，inthedirectionofwherethequadroonwassupposedtoreside。Feelingsatisfiedthattheyoungmanhadnotseenher，theoldwomenatonceresolvedtofollowhim。Linwood’sbootssqueakedsoloudlythatMrs。Millerhadnodifficultyinfollowinghimwithoutbeingherselfobserved。
　　Afterawalkofabouttwomiles，theyoungmanturnedintoanarrowandunfrequentedroad，andsoonenteredthecottageoccupiedbyIsabella。Itwasafinestarlightnight，andthemoonwasjustrisingwhentheygottotheirjourney’send。Asusual，IsabellametHenrywithasmile，andexpressedherfearsregardinghishealth。
　　Hourspassed，andstilloldMrs。Millerremainednearthehouse，determinedtoknowwholivedthere。Whensheundertooktoferretoutanything，shebentherwholeenergiestoit。AsMichaelAngelo，whosubjectedallthingstohispursuitandtheideahehadformedofit，paintedthecrucifixionbythesideofawrithingslaveandwouldhavebrokenupthetruecrossforpencils，soMrs。Millerwouldhaveenteredthesepulchre，ifshecouldhavedoneit，insearchofanobjectshewishedtofind。
　　Thefullmoonhadrisen，andwaspouringitsbeamsuponsurroundingobjectsasHenrysteppedfromIsabella’sdoor，andlookingathiswatch，said，——
　　"Imustgo，dear;itisnowhalf-pastten。"
　　HadlittleClotellebeenawake，shetoowouldhavebeenatthedoor。AsHenrywalkedtothegate，Isabellafollowedwithherlefthandlockedinhis。Againhelookedathiswatch，andsaid，"I
　　mustgo。"
　　"Itismorethanayearsinceyoustaidallnight，"murmuredIsabella，ashefoldedherconvulsivelyinhisarms，andpresseduponherbeautifullipsapartingkiss。
　　Hewasnearlyoutofsightwhen，withbittersobs，thequadroonretracedherstepstothedoorofthecottage。Clotellehadinthemeantimeawoke，andnowinquiredofhermotherhowlongherfatherhadbeengone。Atthatinstant，aknockwasheardatthedoor，andsupposingthatitwasHenryreturningforsomethinghehadforgotten，ashefrequentlydid，Isabellaflewtolethimin。
　　Toheramazement，however，astrangewomanstoodinthedoor。
　　"Whoareyouthatcomeshereatthislatehour？"demandedthehalf-frightenedIsabella。
　　Withoutmakinganyreply，Mrs。Millerpushedthequadroonaside，andenteredthehouse。
　　"Whatdoyouwanthere？"againdemandedIsabella。
　　"Iaminsearchofyou，"thunderedthemaddenedMrs。Miller;butthinkingthatherobjectwouldbebetterservedbyseemingtobekind，sheassumedadifferenttoneofvoice，andbegantalkinginapleasingmanner。
　　Inthisway，shesucceededinfindingouttheconnectionexistingbetweenLinwoodandIsabella，andaftergettingallshecouldoutoftheunsuspectingwoman，sheinformedherthatthemanshesofondlylovedhadbeenmarriedformorethantwoyears。Seizedwithdizziness，thepoor，heart-brokenwomanfaintedandfelluponthefloor。Howlongsheremainedthereshecouldnottell;butwhenshereturnedtoconsciousness，thestrangewomanwasgone，andherchildwasstandingbyherside。Whenshewassofarrecoveredastoregainherfeet，Isabellawenttothedoor，andevenintotheyard，toseeiftheoldwomanwasnotsomewhereabout。
　　Asshestoodthere，thefullmooncastitsbrightraysoverherwholeperson，givingheranangelicappearanceandimpartingtoherflowinghairastillmoregoldenhue。Suddenlyanotherchangecameoverherfeatures，andherfullredlipstrembledaswithsuppressedemotion。Themusclesaroundherfaultlessmouthbecameconvulsed，shegaspedforbreath，andexclaiming，"Isitpossiblethatmancanbesofalse！"againfainted。
　　Clotellestoodandbathedhermother’stempleswithcoldwateruntilsheoncemorerevived。
　　AlthoughthelawsofVirginiaforbidtheeducationofslaves，Agneshadneverthelessemployedanoldfreenegrototeachhertwodaughterstoreadandwrite。Afterbeingseparatedfromhermotherandsister，IsabellaturnedherattentiontothesubjectofChristianity，andreceivedthatconsolationfromtheBiblewhichisneverdeniedtothechildrenofGod。Thiswasnowherlasthope，forherheartwastornwithgriefandfilledwithallthebitternessofdisappointment。
　　Thenightpassedaway，butwithoutsleeptopoorIsabella。Atthedawnofday，shetriedtomakeherselfbelievethatthewholeofthepastnightwasadream，anddeterminedtobesatisfiedwiththeexplanationwhichHenryshouldgiveonhisnextvisit。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　THEMOTHER-IN-LAW。
　　WhenHenryreturnedhome，hefoundhiswifeseatedatthewindow，awaitinghisapproach。Secretgriefwasgnawingatherheart。Hersad，palecheeksandswolleneyesshowedtoowellthatagony，fardeeperthanherspeechportrayed，filledherheart。Adullanddeath-likesilenceprevailedonhisentrance。Hispalefaceandbrow，dishevelledhair，andthefeelingthathemanifestedonfindingGertrudestillup，toldHenryinplainerwordsthanshecouldhaveusedthathiswife，wasawarethatherlovehadneverbeenheldsacredbyhim。Thewindow-blindswerestillunclosed，andthefull-orbedmoonshedhersoftrefulgenceovertheunrivalledscene，andgaveitasilverylustrewhichsweetlyharmonizedwiththesilenceofthenight。Theclock’sirontongue，inaneighboringbelfry，proclaimedthehouroftwelve，asthetruantandunfaithfulhusbandseatedhimselfbythesideofhisdevotedandlovingwife，andinquiredifshewasnotwell。
　　"Iam，dearHenry，"repliedGertrude;"butIfearyouarenot。Ifwellinbody，Ifearyouarenotatpeaceinmind。"
　　"Why？"inquiredhe。
　　"Because，"shereplied，"youaresopaleandhavesuchawildlookinyoureyes。"
　　Againheprotestedhisinnocence，andvowedshewastheonlywomanwhohadanyclaimuponhisheart。Tobeholdonethusplayinguponthefeelingsoftwolovelywomenisenoughtomakeusfeelthatevilmustatlastbringitsownpunishment。
　　HenryandGertrudehadscarcelyrisenfromthebreakfast-tablenextmorningereoldMrs。Millermadeherappearance。Sheimmediatelytookherdaughteraside，andinformedherofherpreviousnight’sexperience，tellingherhowshehadfollowedHenrytoIsabella’scottage，detailingtheinterviewwiththequadroon，andherlatereturnhomealone。TheoldwomanurgedherdaughtertodemandthatthequadroonandherchildbeatoncesoldtothenegrospeculatorsandtakenoutoftheState，orthatGertrudeherselfshouldseparatefromHenry。
　　"Assertyourrights，mydear。Letnooneshareaheartthatjustlybelongstoyou，"saidMrs。Miller，withhereyesflashingfire。
　　"Don’tsleepthisnight，mychild，untilthatwenchhasbeenremovedfromthatcottage;andasforthechild，handthatovertome，——IsawatoncethatitwasHenry’s。"
　　Duringtheseremarks，theoldladywaswalkingupanddowntheroomlikeacagedlioness。ShehadlearnedfromIsabellathatshehadbeenpurchasedbyHenry，andtheinnocenceoftheinjuredquadrooncausedhertoacknowledgethathewasthefatherofherchild。FewwomencouldhavetakensuchamatterinhandandcarrieditthroughwithmoredeterminationandsuccessthanoldMrs。Miller。
　　Completelyinuredinallthecrimesandatrocitiesconnectedwiththeinstitutionofslavery，shewasalsoawarethat，toagreaterorlessextent，theslavewomensharedwiththeirmistresstheaffectionsoftheirmaster。Thiscausedhertolookwithasuspiciouseyeoneverygood-lookingnegrowomanthatshesaw。
　　Whiletheoldwomanwasthuslecturingherdaughteruponherrightsandduties，Henry，unawareofwhatwastranspiring，hadleftthehouseandgonetohisoffice。Assoonastheoldwomanfoundthathewasgone，shesaid，——
　　"Iwillventureanythingthatheisonhiswaytoseethatwenchagain。I’lllaymylifeonit。"
　　Theentrance，however，oflittleMarcus，orMark，ashewasfamiliarlycalled，askingforMassaLinwood’sbluebag，satisfiedherthatherson-in-lawwasathisoffice。Beforetheoldladyreturnedhome，itwasagreedthatGertrudeshouldcometohermother’stoteathatevening，andHenrywithher，andthatMrs。
　　Millershouldtherechargetheyounghusbandwithinconstancytoherdaughter，anddemandtheremovalofIsabella。
　　Withthisunderstanding，theoldwomanretracedherstepstoherowndwelling。
　　HadMrs。Millerbeenofadifferentcharacterandnotsurroundedbyslavery，shecouldscarcelyhavebeenunhappyinsuchahomeashers。Justattheedgeofthecity，andshelteredbylargepoplar-treeswastheoldhomesteadinwhichsheresided。Therewasasplendidorchardintherearofthehouse，andtheoldweather-beatensweep，with"themoss-coveredbucket"atitsend，swungmajesticallyoverthedeepwell。Thegardenwasscarcelytobeequalled。Itsgroundswerelaidoutinexcellenttaste，andrareexoticsinthegreenhousemadeitstillmorelovely。
　　Itwasasweetautumnevening，whentheairbreathedthroughthefragrantsheavesofgrain，andthesettingsun，withhisgoldenkisses，burnishedtherichclustersofpurplegrapes，thatHenryandGertrudewereseenapproachingthehouseonfoot;itwasnothingmorethanapleasantwalk。Oh，howGertrude’sheartbeatassheseatedherself，ontheirarrival！
　　Thebeautifulparlor，surroundedonallsideswithluxuryandtaste，withthesuncreepingthroughthedamaskcurtains，addedacharmtothescene。ItwasinthisroomthatGertrudehadbeenintroducedtoHenry，andthepleasanthoursthatshehadspenttherewithhimrushedunbiddenonhermemory。Itwasherethat，informerdays，herbeautifulcountenancehadmadeherappearanceasfascinatingandaslovelyasthatofCleopatra’s。Hersweet，musicalvoicemighthavebeenheardineverypartofthehouse，occasionallythrillingyouwithanunexpectedtouch。Howchangedthescene！Herpaleandwastedfeaturescouldnotbelightedupbyanythoughtsofthepast，andshewassorrowfulatheart。
　　Asusual，theservantsinthekitchenwereinecstasiesattheannouncementthat"MissGerty，"astheycalledtheiryoungmistress，wasinthehouse，fortheylovedhersincerely。Gertrudehadsavedthemfrommanyaflogging，byintercedingforthem，whenhermotherwasinoneofheruncontrollablepassions。Dinah，thecook，alwaysexpectedMissGertytovisitthekitchenassoonasshecame，andwasnotalittledispleased，onthisoccasion，atwhatsheconsideredheryoungmistress’sneglect。UncleTony，too，lookedregularlyforMissGertytovisitthegreenhouse，andcongratulatehimonhissuperiorityasagardener。
　　Whenteawasover，Mrs。Millerdismissedtheservantsfromtheroom，thentoldherson-in-lawwhatshehadwitnessedthepreviousnight，anddemandedforherdaughterthatIsabellashouldbeimmediatelysentoutoftheState，andtobesurethatthethingwouldbedone，shewantedhimtogiveherthepowertomakesuchdispositionofthewomanandchildassheshouldthinkbest。
　　GertrudewasMrs。Miller’sonlychild，andHenryfeltlittlelikedispleasingafamilyuponwhosefriendshiphesomuchdepended，and，nodoubt，longwishingtofreehimselffromIsabella，heatonceyieldedtothedemandsofhismother-in-law。Mr。Millerwasamerecipherabouthispremises。Ifanyonecameonbusinessconnectedwiththefarm，hewouldinvariablysay，"WaittinIseemywife，"andthewife’sopinionwassuretobelawineverycase。
　　Bankruptincharacter，anddebauchedinbodyandmind，withsevenmulattochildrenwhoclaimedhimastheirfather，hewasbadlypreparedtofindfaultwithhisson-in-law。ItwassettledthatMrs。MillershoulduseherowndiscretioninremovingIsabellafromherlittlecottage，andherfuturedisposition。WiththisunderstandingHenryandGertrudereturnedhome。Inthedeeprecessesofhishearttheyoungmanfeltthathewouldliketoseehischildanditsmotheroncemore;butfearingthewrathofhismother-in-law，hedidnotdaretogratifyhisinclination。Hehadnottheslightestideaofwhatwouldbecomeofthem;buthewellknewthattheoldwomanwouldhavenomercyonthem。
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　AHARD-HEARTEDWOMAN。
　　WithnoonebutherdearlittleClotelle，Isabellapassedherwearyhourswithoutpartakingofeitherfoodordrink，hopingthatHenrywouldsoonreturn，andthatthestrangemeetingwiththeoldwomanwouldbeclearedup。
　　Whileseatedinherneatlittlebedroomwithherfeveredfaceburiedinherhandkerchief，thechildraninandtolditsmotherthatacarriagehadstoppedinfrontofthehouse。Withapalpitatingheartshearosefromherseatandwenttothedoor，hopingthatitwasHenry;but，tohergreatconsternation，theoldladywhohadpaidhersuchanunceremoniousvisitontheeveningthatshehadlastseenHenry，steppedoutofthecarriage，accompaniedbytheslave-trader，Jennings。
　　Isabellahadseenthetraderwhenhepurchasedhermotherandsister，andimmediatelyrecognizedhim。Whatcouldthesepersonswantthere？thoughtshe。Withoutanyparleyingorwordofexplanation，thetwoenteredthehouse，leavingthecarriageinchargeofaservant。
　　Clotellerantohermother，andclungtoherdressasiffrightenedbythestrangers。
　　"She’safine-lookingwench，"saidthespeculator，asheseatedhimself，unasked，intherocking-chair;"yetIdon’tthinksheisworththemoneyyouaskforher。"
　　"Whatdoyouwanthere？"inquiredIsabella，withaquiveringvoice。
　　"Noneofyourinsolencetome，"bawledouttheoldwoman，atthetopofhervoice;"ifyoudo，Iwillgiveyouwhatyoudeservesomuch，mylady，——agoodwhipping。"
　　Inanagonyofgrief，pale，trembling，andreadytosinktothefloor，Isabellawasonlysustainedbythehopethatshewouldbeabletosaveherchild。Atlast，regainingherself-possession，sheorderedthembothtoleavethehouse。Feelingherselfinsulted，theoldwomanseizedthetongsthatstoodbythefire-place，andraisedthemtostrikethequadroondown;buttheslave-traderimmediatelyjumpedbetweenthewomen，exclaiming，——
　　"Iwon’tbuyher，Mrs。Miller，ifyouinjureher。"
　　PoorlittleClotellescreamedasshesawthestrangewomanraisethetongsathermother。WiththeexceptionofoldAuntNancy，afreecoloredwoman，whomIsabellasometimesemployedtoworkforher，thechildhadneverbeforeseenastrangefaceinhermother’sdwelling。FearingthatIsabellawouldoffersomeresistance，Mrs。Millerhadorderedtheoverseerofherownfarmtofollowher;and，justasJenningshadsteppedbetweenthetwowomen，Mull，thenegro-driver，walkedintotheroom。
　　"Seizethatimpudenthussy，"saidMrs。Millertotheoverseer，"andtieherupthisminute，thatImayteachheralessonshewon’tforgetinahurry。"
　　Asshespoke，theoldwoman’seyesrolled，herlipsquivered，andshelookedlikeaveryfury。
　　"Iwillhavenothingtodowithher，ifyouwhipher，Mrs。Miller，"
　　saidtheslave-trader。"Niggersain’tworthhalfsomuchinthemarketwiththeirbacksnewlyscarred，"continuedhe，astheoverseercommencedhispreparationsforexecutingMrs。Miller’sorders。
　　Clotelleheretookherfather’swalking-stick，whichwaslyingonthebackofthesofawherehehadleftit，and，raisingit，said，——
　　"Ifyoubadpeopletouchmymother，Iwillstrikeyou。"
　　Theylookedatthechildwithastonishment;andherextremeyouth，wonderfulbeauty，anduncommoncourage，seemedforamomenttoshaketheirpurpose。Themannerandlanguageofthischildwerealikebeyondheryears，andunderothercircumstanceswouldhavegainedforhertheapprobationofthosepresent。
　　"Oh，Henry，Henry！"exclaimedIsabella，wringingherhands。
　　"Youneednotcallonhim，hussy;youwillneverseehimagain，"
　　saidMrs。Miller。
　　"What！ishedead？"inquiredtheheart-strickenwoman。
　　Itwasthenthatsheforgotherownsituation，thinkingonlyofthemansheloved。Neverhavingbeencalledtoendureanykindofabusivetreatment，IsabellawasnotfittedtosustainherselfagainstthebrutalityofMrs。Miller，muchlessthecombinedferociousnessoftheoldwomanandtheoverseertoo。Sufficeittosay，thatinsteadofwhippingIsabella，Mrs。Millertransferredhertothenegro-speculator，whotookherimmediatelytohisslave-pen。TheunfeelingoldwomanwouldnotpermitIsabellatotakemorethanasinglechangeofherclothing，remarkingtoJennings，——
　　"Isoldyouthewench，youknow，——notherclothes。"
　　Theinjured，friendless，andunprotectedIsabellafaintedasshesawherchildstrugglingtoreleaseherselffromthearmsofoldMrs。Miller，andasthewretchboxedthepoorchild’sears。
　　AfterleavingdirectionsastohowIsabella’sfurnitureandothereffectsshouldbedisposedof，Mrs。MillertookClotelleintohercarriageanddrovehome。TherewasnotevencolorenoughaboutthechildtomakeitappearthatasingledropofAfricanbloodflowedthroughitsblueveins。
　　Considerablesensationwascreatedinthekitchenamongtheservantswhenthecarriagedroveup，andClotelleenteredthehouse。
　　"Jes’likeMassaHenryfuralldeworl，"saidDinah，asshecaughtaglimpseofthechildthroughthewindow。
　　"Wondahwhosebratdatar’datmissisbringin’homewidher？"saidJane，assheputtheiceinthepitchersfordinner。"Iwarrantit’ssomepoorwhiteniggersomebodybingivin’her。"
　　Thechildwaswhite。Whatshouldbedonetomakeitlooklikeothernegroes，wasthequestionwhichMrs。Milleraskedherself。
　　Thecallous-heartedoldwomanbithernetherlip，assheviewedthatchild，standingbeforeher，withherlong，darkringletsclusteringoverheralabasterbrowandneck。
　　"Takethislittleniggerandcutherhairclosetoherhead，"saidthemistresstoJane，asthelatteransweredthebell。
　　Clotellescreamed，asshefeltthescissorsgoingoverherhead，andsawthosecurlsthathermotherthoughtsomuchoffallinguponthefloor。
　　Aroaroflaughterburstfromtheservants，asJaneledthechildthroughthekitchen，withthehaircutsoshortthatthenakedscalpcouldbeplainlyseen。
　　"Ginstolooklikenigger，now，"saidDinah，withhermouthuponagrin。
　　Themistresssmiled，astheshornchildreenteredtheroom;buttherewassomethingmoreneeded。Thechildwaswhite，andthatwasagreatobjection。However，shehituponaplantoremedythiswhichseemedfeasible。Thedaywasexcessivelywarm。Notasinglecloudfloatedoverthebluevaultofheaven;notabreathofwindseemedmoving，andtheearthwasparchedbythebroilingsun。
　　Eventhebeeshadstoppedhumming，andthebutterflieshadhidthemselvesunderthebroadleavesoftheburdock。Withoutamorselofdinner，thepoorchildwasputinthegarden，andsettoweedingit，herarms，neckandheadcompletelybare。Unaccustomedtotoil，Clotelleweptassheexertedherselfinpullinguptheweeds。OldDinah，thecook，wasasunfeelingashermistress，andshewaspleasedtoseethechildmadetoworkinthehotsun。
　　"Datwhitenigger’llsoonbeblackenuffifmissiskeepsherworkin’outdar，"shesaid，asshewipedtheperspirationfromhersootybrow。
　　Dinahwasthemotherofthirteenchildren，allofwhomhadbeentakenfromherwhenyoung;andthis，nodoubt，didmuchtohardenherfeelings，andmakeherhateallwhitepersons。
　　Theburningsunpoureditsraysonthefaceofthefriendlesschilduntilshesankdowninthecornerofthegarden，andwasactuallybroiledtosleep。
　　"Datlittleniggerain’tworkin’abit，missus，"saidDinahtoMrs。
　　Miller，asthelatterenteredthekitchen。
　　"She’slyinginthesunseasoning;shewillworkthebetterbyandby，"repliedthemistress。
　　"Desewhiteniggersalwaystinkdeyseffgoodaswhitefolks，"saidthecook。
　　"Yes;butwewillteachthembetter，won’twe，Dinah？"rejoinedMrs。Miller。
　　"Yes，missus，"repliedDinah;"Idon’tlikedesemerlatterniggers，nohow。Deyalwayswanttosetdeyseffupforsumfin’big。"Withthisremarktheoldcookgaveoneofhercoarselaughs，andcontinued："Missisunderstandshumannature，don’tshe？Ah！efsheain’tawholeteamanddeolegraymaretoboot，denDinahdon’tknownuffin’。"
　　Ofcourse，themistresswasoutofthekitchenbeforetheselastmarksweremade。
　　ItwaswiththedeepesthumiliationthatHenrylearnedfromoneofhisownslavesthetreatmentwhichhischildwasreceivingatthehandsofhisrelentlessmother-in-law。
　　Thescorchingsunhadthedesiredeffect;forinlessthanafortnight，Clotellecouldscarcelyhavebeenrecognizedasthesamechild。Oftenwassheseentoweep，andheardtocallonhermother。
　　Mrs。Miller，whenatchurchonSabbath，usually，onwarmdays，tookNancy，oneofherservants，inherpew，andthisgirlhadtofanhermistressduringservice。Unaccustomedtosuchasoftandpleasantseat，theservantwouldverysoonbecomesleepyandbegintonod。Sometimesshewouldgofastasleep，whichannoyedthemistressexceedingly。ButMrs。Millerhadnimblefingers，andonthemsharpnails，and，withanenergeticpinchuponthebarearmsofthepoorgirl，shewouldarousethedaughterofAfricafromherpleasantdreams。ButtherewasnooneofMrs。Miller’sservantswhoreceivedasmuchpunishmentasoldUncleTony。
　　Fondofhergreenhouse，andofteninthegarden，shewaseveratthegardener’sheels。UncleTonywasveryreligious，and，wheneverhismistressfloggedhim，heinvariablygaveherareligiousexhortation。Althoughunabletoread，he，nevertheless，hadonhistongue’sendportionsofScripturewhichhecoulduseatanymoment。InoneendofthegreenhousewasUncleTony’ssleepingroom，andthosewhohappenedinthatvicinity，betweennineandtenatnight，couldheartheoldmanofferinguphisthanksgivingtoGodforhisprotectionduringtheday。UncleTony，however，tookgreatpride，whenhethoughtthatanyofthewhiteswerewithinhearing，todwell，inhisprayer，onhisowngoodnessandtheunfitnessofotherstodie。Oftenwasheheardtosay，"OLord，thouknowestthatthewhitefolksarenotChristians，buttheblackpeopleareGod’sownchildren。"ButifTonythoughtthathisoldmistresswaswithinthesoundofhisvoice，helaunchedoutintodeeperwaters。
　　Itwas，therefore，onasweetnight，whenthebrightstarswerelookingoutwithajoyoussheen，thatMarkandtwooftheotherboyspassedthegreenhouse，andheardUncleTonyinhisdevotions。
　　"Let’shavealittlefun，"saidthemischievousMarcustohisyoungcompanions。"IwillmakeUncleTonybelievethatIamoldmistress，andhe’llgiveusanextratouchinhisprayer。"Markimmediatelycommencedtalkinginastrainofvoiceresembling，aswellashecould，Mrs。Miller，andatonceTonywasheardtosayinaloudvoice，"OLord，thouknowestthatthewhitepeoplearenotfittodie;but，asforoldTony，whenevertheangeloftheLordcomes，he’sready。"Atthatmoment，Marktappedlightlyonthedoor。"Who’sdar？"thunderedoldTony。Markmadenoreply。TheoldmancommencedandwentthroughwiththesameremarksaddressedtotheLord，whenMarkagainknockedatthedoor。"Whodatdar？"
　　askedUncleTony，withasomewhatagitatedcountenanceandtremblingvoice。StillMarkwouldnotreply。AgainTonytookupthethreadofhisdiscourse，andsaid，"OLord，thouknowestaswellasIdothatdesewhitefolksarenotpreparedtodie，buthereisOldTony，whendeangelofdeLordcomes，he’sreadytogotoheaven。"Markoncemoreknockedatthedoor。"Whodatdar？"
　　thunderedTonyatthetopofhisvoice。
　　"DeangelofdeLord，"repliedMark，inasomewhatsuppressedandsepulchralvoice。
　　"WhatdeangelofdeLordwanthere？"inquiredTony，asifmuchfrightened。
　　"He’scomeforpooroldTony，totakehimoutoftheworld"repliedMark，inthesamestrangevoice。
　　"Datniggerain’there;hedietreeweeksago，"respondedTony，inastillmoreagitatedandfrightenedtone。Markandhiscompanionsmadethewelkinringwiththeirshoutsattheoldman’sanswer。
　　UncleTonyhearingthem，andfindingthathehadbeenimposedupon，openedhisdoor，cameoutwithstickinhand，andsaid，"Isdatyou，Mr。Mark？youimp，ifIcangettoyouI’lllarnyouhowtocomeherewidyournonsense。"
　　Markandhiscompanionsleftthegarden，feelingsatisfiedthatUncleTonywasnotasreadytogowith"deangelofdeLord"ashewouldhaveothersbelieve。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　THEPRISON。
　　WhilepoorlittleClotellewasbeingkickedaboutbyMrs。Miller，onaccountofherrelationshiptoherson-in-law，Isabellawaspassinglonelyhoursinthecountyjail，theplacetowhichJenningshadremovedherforsafe-keeping，afterpurchasingherfromMrs。Miller。Incarceratedinoneoftheiron-barredroomsofthatdismalplace，thosedark，glowingeyes，loftybrow，andgracefulformwilteddownlikeapluckedroseunderanoondaysun，whiledeepinherheart’sambrosialcellswasthemostanguishingdistress。
　　Vulgarcuriosityisalwaysinsearchofitsvictims，andJennings’
　　boastthathehadsuchaladylikeandbeautifulwomaninhispossessionbroughtnumberstotheprisonwhobeggedofthejailertheprivilegeofseeingtheslave-trader’sprize。Manywhosawherweremeltedtotearsatthepitifulsight，andwerestruckwithadmirationatherintelligence;and，whenshespokeofherchild，theymusthavebeenconvincedthatamother’ssorrowcanbeconceivedbynonebutamother’sheart。Thewarblingofbirdsinthegreenbowersofbliss，whichsheoccasionallyheard，broughtnotidingsofgladnesstoher。Theirjoyfellcolduponherheart，andseemedlikebittermockery。Theyremindedherofherowncottage，where，withherbelovedchild，shehadspentsomanyhappydays。
　　Thespeculatorhadkeptclosewatchoverhisvaluablepieceofproperty，forfearthatitmightdamageitself。This，however，therewasnodangerof，forIsabellastillhopedandbelievedthatHenrywouldcometoherrescue。Shecouldnotbringherselftobelievethathewouldallowhertobesentawaywithoutatleastseeingher，andthetraderdidallhecouldtokeepthisideaaliveinher。
　　WhileIsabella，withawearyheart，waspassingsleeplessnightsthinkingonlyofherdaughterandHenry，thelatterwasseekingreliefinthatinsidiousenemyofthehumanrace，theintoxicatingcup。Hiswifedidallinherpowertomakehislifeapleasantandahappyone，forGertrudewasdevotedlyattachedtohim;butawearyheartgetsnogladnessoutofsunshine。Thesecretremorsethatrankledinhisbosomcausedhimtoseealltheworldblood-shot。Hehadnotvisitedhismother-in-lawsincetheeveninghehadgivenherlibertytouseherowndiscretionastohowIsabellaandherchildshouldbedisposedof。Hefearedeventogonearthehouse，forhedidnotwishtoseehischild。Gertrudefeltthiseverytimehedeclinedaccompanyinghertohermother’s。
　　Possessedofatenderandconfidingheart，entirelyunlikehermother，shesympathizeddeeplywithherhusband。ShewellknewthatallyoungmenintheSouth，toagreaterorlessextent，becameenamoredoftheslave-women，andshefanciedthathiscasewasonlyoneofthemany，andifhehadnowforsakenallothersforhershedidnotwishforhimtobepunished;butshedarednotlethermotherknowthatsuchwereherfeelings。AgainandagainhadshenoticedthegreatresemblancebetweenClotelleandHenry，andshewishedthechildinbetterhandsthanthoseofhercruelmother。
　　AtlastGertrudedeterminedtomentionthemattertoherhusband。
　　Consequently，thenextmorning，whentheywereseatedonthebackpiazza，andthesunwaspouringitssplendidraysuponeverythingaround，changingtheredtintsontheloftyhillsinthedistanceintostreaksofpurestgold，andnatureseemingbyhersmilestofavortheobject，shesaid，——
　　"What，dearHenry，doyouintendtodowithClotelle？"
　　Apalenessthatoverspreadhiscountenance，thetearsthattrickleddownhischeeks，thedeepemotionthatwasvisibleinhisface，andthetremblingofhisvoice，showedatoncethatshehadtouchedatenderchord。Withoutasingleword，heburiedhisfaceinhishandkerchief，andburstintotears。
　　ThismadeGertrudestillmoreunhappy，forshefearedthathehadmisunderstoodher;andsheimmediatelyexpressedherregretthatshehadmentionedthesubject。Becomingsatisfiedfromthisthathiswifesympathizedwithhiminhisunhappysituation，Henrytoldheroftheagonythatfilledhissoul，andGertrudeagreedtointercedeforhimwithhermotherfortheremovalofthechildtoaboarding-schoolinoneoftheFreeStates。
　　Intheafternoon，whenHenryreturnedfromhisoffice，hiswifemethimwithtearfuleyes，andinformedhimthathermotherwasfilledwithrageatthemerementionoftheremovalofClotellefromherpremises。
　　Inthemeantime，theslave-trader，Jennings，hadstartedfortheSouthwithhisgangofhumancattle，ofwhomIsabellawasone。
　　MostquadroonwomenwhoaretakentotheSouthareeithersoldtogentlemenfortheirownuseordisposedofashouse-servantsorwaiting-maids。FortunatelyforIsabella，shewassold，forthelatterpurpose。JenningsfoundapurchaserforherinthepersonofMr。JamesFrench。
　　Mrs。Frenchwasaseveremistress。Allwholivedwithher，thoughwell-dressed，werescantilyfedandover-worked。IsabellafoundhernewsituationfardifferentfromherVirginiacottage-life。
　　ShehadfrequentlyheardVicksburgspokenofasacruelplaceforslaves，andnowshewasinapositiontotestthetruthfulnessoftheassertion。
　　Afewweeksafterherarrival，Mrs。FrenchbegantoshowtoIsabellathatshewasanythingbutapleasantandagreeablemistress。Whatsocialvirtuesarepossibleinasocietyofwhichinjusticeisaprimarycharacteristic，——inasocietywhichisdividedintotwoclasses，mastersandslaves？EverymarriedwomanattheSouthlooksuponherhusbandasunfaithful，andregardseverynegrowomanasarival。
　　Isabellahadbeenwithhernewmistressbutashorttimewhenshewasorderedtocutoffherlongandbeautifulhair。Thenegroisnaturallyfondofdressandoutwarddisplay。Hewhohasshortwoollyhaircombsandoilsittodeath;hewhohaslonghairwouldsoonerhavehisteethdrawnthantopartwithit。But，howeverpainfulitwastoIsabella，shewassoonseenwithherhaircutshort，andthesleevesofherdressalteredtofittighttoherarms。Evenwithherhairshortandwithherill-lookingdress，Isabellawasstillhandsome。Herlifehadbeenasecludedone，andthoughnowtwenty-eightyearsofage，herbeautyhadonlyassumedaquietertone。TheotherservantsonlylaughedatIsabella’smisfortuneinlosingherbeautifulhair。
　　"Miss’Bellneedn’tstrutsobig;shegotshortnappyhar’swell’sI，"saidNell，withabroadgrinthatshowedherteeth。
　　"Shetinkshewhitewhenshecumhere，widdatlongharobhers，"
　　repliedMill。
　　"Yes，"continuedNell，"missusmakehertakedownherwool，soshenoputitupto-day。"
　　ThefairnessofIsabella’scomplexionwasregardedwithenvybytheservantsaswellasbythemistressherself。Thisisoneofthehardfeaturesofslavery。To-dayawomanismistressofherowncottage;to-morrowsheissoldtoonewhoaimstomakeherlifeasintolerableaspossible。Andletitberememberedthatthehouse-servanthasthebestsituationaslavecanoccupy。
　　ButthedegradationandharshtreatmentIsabellaexperiencedinhernewhomewasnothingcomparedtothegriefsheunderwentatbeingseparatedfromherdearchild。Takenfromherwithscarcelyamoment’swarning，sheknewnotwhathadbecomeofher。
　　ThisdeepandheartfeltgriefofIsabellawassoonperceivedbyherowners，andfearingthatherrefusaltotakeproperfoodwouldcauseherdeath，theyresolvedtosellher。Mr。Frenchfoundnodifficultyinsecuringapurchaserforthequadroonwoman，forsuchareusuallythemostmarketablekindofproperty。Isabellawassoldatprivatesaletoayoungmanforahousekeeper;butevenhehadmissedhisaim。
　　Mr。Gordon，thenewmaster，wasamanofpleasure。Hewastheownerofalargesugarplantation，whichhehadleftunderthechargeofanoverseer，andwasnowgivinghimselfuptothepleasuresofacitylife。AtfirstMr。GordonsoughttowinIsabella’sfavorbyflatteryandpresents，knowingthatwhateverhegaveherhecouldtakefromheragain。Thepoorinnocentcreaturedreadedeverymomentlestthesceneshouldchange。AteveryinterviewwithGordonshestoutlymaintainedthatshehadleftahusbandinVirginia，andcouldneverthinkoftakinganother。Inthissheconsideredthatshewastruthful，forshehadeverregardedHenryasherhusband。ThegoldwatchandchainandotherglitteringpresentswhichGordongavetoherwereallkeptunused。
　　InthesamehousewithIsabellawasaman-servantwhohadfromtimetotimehiredhimselffromhismaster。HisnamewasWilliam。HecouldfeelforIsabella，forhe，likeher，hadbeenseparatedfromnearanddearrelatives，andheoftentriedtoconsolethepoorwoman。OnedayIsabellaobservedtohimthatherhairwasgrowingoutagain。
　　"Yes，"repliedWilliam;"youlookagooddeallikeamanwithyourshorthair。"
　　"Oh，"rejoinedshe，"IhaveoftenbeentoldthatIwouldmakeabetterlookingmanthanwoman，andifIhadthemoneyImightavailmyselfofittobidfarewelltothisplace。"
　　Inamomentafterwards，Isabellafearedthatshehadsaidtoomuch，andlaughinglyobserved，"Iamalwaystalkingsomenonsense;youmustnotheedme。"
　　Williamwasatall，full-bloodedAfrican，whosecountenancebeamedwithintelligence。Beingamechanic，hehadbyindustryearnedmoremoneythanhehadpaidtohisownerforhistime，andthishehadlaidaside，withthehopethathemightsomedaygetenoughtopurchasehisfreedom。Hehadinhischestaboutahundredandfiftydollars。Hiswasaheartthatfeltforothers，andhehadagainandagainwipedthetearsfromhiseyeswhilelisteningtoIsabella’sstory。
　　"Ifshecangetfreewithalittlemoney，whynotgiveherwhatI
　　have？"thoughthe，andthenresolvedtodoit。
　　Anhourafter，heenteredthequadroon’sroom，and，layingthemoneyinherlap，said，——
　　"There，MissIsabella，yousaidjustnowthatifyouhadthemeansyouwouldleavethisplace。ThereismoneyenoughtotakeyoutoEngland，whereyouwillbefree。YouaremuchfairerthanmanyofthewhitewomenoftheSouth，andcaneasilypassforafreewhitewoman。"
　　AtfirstIsabellathoughtitwasaplanbywhichthenegrowishedtotryherfidelitytoherowner;butshewassoonconvinced，byhisearnestmannerandthedeepfeelinghemanifested，thathewasentirelysincere。
　　"Iwilltakethemoney，"saidshe，"onlyononecondition，andthatisthatIeffectyourescape，aswellasmyown。"
　　"Howcanthatbedone？"heinquired，eagerly。
　　"Iwillassumethedisguiseofagentleman，andyouthatofaservant，andwewillthustakepassageinasteamertoCincinnati，andfromthencetoCanada。"
　　WithfullconfidenceinIsabella’sjudgment，Williamconsentedatoncetotheproposition。Theclotheswerepurchased;everythingwasarranged，andthenextnight，whileMr。Gordonwasononeofhissprees，Isabella，undertheassumednameofMr。Smith，withWilliaminattendanceasaservant，tookpassageforCincinnatiinthesteamerHeroine。
　　Withapairofgreenglassesoverhereyes，inadditiontoherotherdisguise，Isabellamadequiteagentlemanlyappearance。Toavoidconversation，however，shekeptcloselytoherstate-room，underthepleaofillness。
　　Meanwhile，Williamwasplayinghispartwellwiththeservants。Hewasloudlytalkingofhismaster’swealth，andnothingontheboatappearedsogoodasinhismaster’sfinemansion。
　　"Idon’tlikedesesteamboats，nohow，"saidhe;"Ihopewhenmassagoesonanoderjourney，hetakedecarriageanddehosses。"
　　Afteranine-days’passage，theHeroinelandedatCincinnati，andMr。Smithandhisservantwalkedonshore。
　　"William，youarenowafreeman，andcangoontoCanada，"saidIsabella;"IshallgotoVirginia，insearchofmydaughter。"
　　ThissuddenannouncementfellheavilyuponWilliam’sears，andwithtearshebesoughthernottojeopardizeherlibertyinsuchamanner;butIsabellahadmadeuphermindtorescueherchildifpossible。
　　TakingaboatforWheeling，IsabellawassoononherwaytohernativeState。SeveralmonthshadelapsedsincesheleftRichmond，andallherthoughtswerecentredonthefateofherdearClotelle。Itwaswithapalpitatingheartthatthisinjuredwomanenteredthestage-coachatWheelingandsetoutforRichmond。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　THEARREST。
　　ITwaslateintheeveningwhenthecoacharrivedatRichmond，andIsabellaoncemorealightedinhernativecity。Shehadintendedtoseeklodgingssomewhereintheoutskirtsofthetown，butthelatenessofthehourcompelledhertostopatoneoftheprincipalhotelsforthenight。Shehadscarcelyenteredtheinnbeforesherecognizedamongthenumerousblackservantsonetowhomshewaswellknown，andheronlyhopewasthatherdisguisewouldkeepherfrombeingdiscovered。TheimperturbablecalmandentireforgetfulnessofselfwhichinducedIsabellatovisitaplacefromwhichshecouldscarcelyhopetoescape，toattempttherescueofabelovedchild，demonstratethatover-willingnessofwomantocarryoutthepromptingsofthefinerfeelingsoftheheart。Truetowoman’snature，shehadriskedherownlibertyforanother’s。
　　Sheremainedinthehotelduringthenight，andthenextmorning，underthepleaofillness，tookherbreakfastalone。
　　Thatdaythefugitiveslavepaidavisittothesuburbsofthetown，andoncemorebeheldthecottageinwhichshehadspentsomanyhappyhours。Itwaswinter，andtheclematisandpassion-
　　flowerwerenotthere;buttherewerethesamewalksherfeethadsooftenpressed，andthesametreeswhichhadsooftenshadedherasshepassedthroughthegardenatthebackofthehouse。Oldremembrancesrusheduponhermemoryandcausedhertoshedtearsfreely。Isabellawasnowinhernativetown，andnearherdaughter;buthowcouldshecommunicatewithher？howcouldsheseeher？Tohavemadeherselfknownwouldhavebeenasuicidalact;betrayalwouldhavefollowed，andshearrested。Threedayspassedaway，andstillsheremainedinthehotelatwhichshehadfirstputup，andyetshegotnotidingsofherchild。
　　UnfortunatelyforIsabella，adisturbancehadjustbrokenoutamongtheslavepopulationintheStateofVirginia，andallstrangersweretreatedwithsuspicion。
　　Theinsurrectiontowhichwenowreferwasheadedbyafull-bloodednegro，whohadbeenbornandbroughtupaslave。Hehadheardthecrackofthedriver’swhip，andseenthewarmbloodstreamingfromthenegro’sbody。Hehadwitnessedtheseparationofparentsfromchildren，andwasmadeaware，bytoomanyproofs，thattheslavecouldexpectnojusticefromthehandsoftheslave-owner。ThenameofthismanwasNatTurner。Hewasapreacheramongstthenegroes，distinguishedforhiseloquence，respectedbythewhites，lovedandveneratedbythenegroes。Onthediscoveryoftheplanfortheoutbreak，Turnerfledtotheswamps，followedbythosewhohadjoinedintheinsurrection。
　　Heretherevoltednegroesnumberedsomehundreds，andforatimebadedefiancetotheiroppressors。TheDismalSwampscovermanythousandacresofwildland，andadenseforest，withwildanimalsandinsectssuchasareunknowninanyotherpartofVirginia。
　　Hererunawaynegroesusuallyseekahiding-place，andsomehavebeenknowntoresidehereforyears。Therevolterswerejoinedbyoneofthese。Hewasalarge，tall，full-bloodednegro，withasternandsavagecountenance;themarksonhisfaceshowedthathewasfromoneofthebarbaroustribesinAfrica，andclaimedthatcountryashisnativeland。Hisonlycoveringwasagirdlearoundhisloins，madeofskinsofwildbeastswhichhehadkilled。Hisonlytokenofauthorityamongthosethatheledwasapairofepaulettes，madeofthetailofafox，andtiedtohisshoulderbyacord。BroughtfromthecoastofAfrica，whenonlyfifteenyearsofage，totheislandofCuba，hewassmuggledfromthenceintoVirginia。Hehadbeentwoyearsintheswamps，andconsideredithisfuturehome。Hehadmetanegrowoman，whowasalsoarunaway，and，afterthefashionofhisnativeland，hadgonethroughtheprocessofoilingher，asthemarriageceremony。Theyhadbuiltacaveonarisingmoundintheswamp，andthiswastheirhome。Thisman’snamewasPicquilo。Hisonlyweaponwasaswordmadefromascythewhichhehadstolenfromaneighboringplantation。Hisdress，hischaracter，hismanners，andhismodeoffightingwereallinkeepingwiththeearlytraininghehadreceivedinthelandofhisbirth。Hemovedaboutwiththeactivityofacat，andneitherthethicknessofthetreesnorthedepthofthewatercouldstophim。Hiswasabold，turbulentspirit;and，frommotivesofrevenge，heimbruedhishandsinthebloodofallthewhiteshecouldmeet。Hunger，thirst，andlossofsleep，heseemedmadetoendure，asifbypeculiarityofconstitution。Hisairwasfierce，hisstepoblique，hislooksanguinary。
　　SuchwasthecharacterofoneofthenegroesintheSouthamptonInsurrection。Allnegroeswerearrestedwhowerefoundbeyondtheirmaster’sthreshold，andallwhitestrangerswerelookeduponwithsuspicion。
　　SuchwasthepositioninwhichIsabellafoundaffairswhenshereturnedtoVirginiainsearchofherchild。Hadnottheslave-ownersbeenwatchfulofstrangers，owingtotheoutbreak，thefugitivecouldnothaveescapedthevigilanceofthepolice;
　　foradvertisementsannouncingherescape，andofferingalargerewardforherarrest，hadbeenreceivedinthecityprevioustoherarrival，andofficerswerethereforeonthelookoutforher。
　　ItwasonthethirddayafterherarrivalinRichmond，asthequadroonwasseatedinherroomatthehotel，stillinthedisguiseofagentleman，thattwoofthecityofficersenteredtheapartmentandinformedherthattheywereauthorizedtoexamineallstrangers，toassuretheauthoritiesthattheywerenotinleaguewiththerevoltednegroes。
　　Withtremblingheartthefugitivehandedthekeyofhertrunktotheofficers。Totheirsurprisetheyfoundnothingbutfemaleapparelinthetrunk，whichraisedtheircuriosity，andcausedafurtherinvestigationthatresultedinthearrestofIsabellaasafugitiveslave。Shewasimmediatelyconveyedtoprison，theretoawaittheordersofhermaster。
　　Formanydays，uncheeredbythevoiceofkindness，alone，hopeless，desolate，shewaitedforthetimetoarrivewhenthechainsshouldbeplacedonherlimbs，andshereturnedtoherinhumanandunfeelingowner。
　　Thearrestofthefugitivewasannouncedinallthenewspapers，butcreatedlittleornosensation。Theinhabitantsweretoomuchengagedinputtingdowntherevoltamongtheslaves;and，althoughalltheoddswereagainsttheinsurgents，thewhitesfounditnoeasymatter，withalltheircaution。Everydaybroughtnewsoffreshoutbreaks。Withoutscrupleandwithoutpity，thewhitesmassacredallblacksfoundbeyondthelimitsoftheirowners’
　　plantations。Thenegroes，inreturn，setfiretohouses，andputtodeaththosewhoattemptedtoescapefromtheflames。Thuscarnagewasaddedtocarnage，andthebloodofthewhitesflowedtoavengethebloodoftheblacks。
　　Theseweretheravagesofslavery。Nogravesweredugforthenegroes，buttheirbodiesbecamefoodfordogsandvultures;andtheirbones，partlycalcinedbythesun，remainedscatteredabout，asiftomarkthemournfulfuryofservitudeandlustofpower。
　　Whentheslavesweresubdued，exceptafewintheswamps，bloodhoundswereemployedtohuntouttheremainingrevolters。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　DEATHISFREEDOM。
　　ONreceivingintelligenceofthearrestofIsabella，Mr。Gordonauthorizedthesherifftosellhertothehighestbidder。Shewas，therefore，sold;thepurchaserbeingthenotednegro-trader，HopeH。Slater，whoatonceplacedherinprison。Herethefugitivesawnonebutslaveslikeherself，broughtinandtakenouttobeplacedinships，andsentawaytosomepartofthecountrytowhichsheherselfwouldsoonbecompelledtogo。ShehadseenorheardnothingofherdaughterwhileinRichmond，andallhopesofseeingherhadnowfled。
　　Attheduskoftheeveningprevioustothedaywhenshewastobesentoff，astheoldprisonwasbeingclosedforthenight，Isabellasuddenlydartedpastthekeeper，andranforherlife。
　　ItwasnotagreatdistancefromtheprisontothelongbridgewhichpassesfromthelowerpartofthecityacrossthePotomactotheextensiveforestsandwoodlandsofthecelebratedArlingtonHeights，thenoccupiedbythatdistinguishedrelativeanddescendantoftheimmortalWashington，Mr。Geo。W。Custis。Thitherthepoorfugitivedirectedherflight。Sounexpectedwasherescapethatshehadgainedseveralrodsthestartbeforethekeeperhadsecuredtheotherprisoners，andralliedhisassistantstoaidinthepursuit。Itwasatanhour，andinapartofthecitywherehorsescouldnoteasilybeobtainedforthechase;nobloodhoundswereathandtorundowntheflyingwoman，andforonceitseemedasiftherewastobeafairtrialofspeedandendurancebetweentheslaveandtheslave-catchers。
　　Thekeeperandhisforceraisedthehue-and-cryonherpathastheyfollowedclosebehind;butsorapidwastheflightalongthewideavenuethattheastonishedcitizens，astheypouredforthfromtheirdwellingstolearnthecauseofalarm，wereonlyabletocomprehendthenatureofthecaseintimetofallinwiththemotleythronginpursuit，orraiseananxiousprayertoheavenastheyrefusedtojoininthechase（asmanyaonedidthatnight）
　　thatthepantingfugitivemightescape，andthemercilesssoul-dealerforoncebedisappointedofhisprey。Andnow，withthespeedofanarrow，havingpassedtheavenue，withthedistancebetweenherandherpursuersconstantlyincreasing，thispoor，huntedfemalegainedthe"LongBridge，"asitiscalled，whereinterruptionseemedimprobable。Alreadyherheartbegantobeathighwiththehopeofsuccess。Shehadonlytopassthree-quartersofamileacrossthebridge，whenshecouldburyherselfinavastforest，justatthetimewhenthecurtainofnightwouldclosearoundher，andprotectherfromthepursuitofherenemies。
　　ButGod，byhisprovidence，hadotherwisedetermined。HehadordainedthatanappallingtragedyshouldbeenactedthatnightwithinplainsightofthePresident’shouse，andtheCapitoloftheUnion，whichwouldbeanevidencewhereveritshouldbeknownoftheunconquerableloveoflibertywhichthehumanheartmayinherit，aswellasafreshadmonitiontotheslave-dealerofthecrueltyandenormityofhiscrimes。
　　Justasthepursuerspassedthehighdraw，soonafterenteringuponthebridge，theybeheldthreemenslowlyapproachingfromtheVirginiaside。Theyimmediatelycalledtothemtoarrestthefugitive，proclaimingherarunawayslave。TruetotheirVirginiainstincts，asshecamenear，theyformedalineacrossthenarrowbridgetointercepther。Seeingthatescapewasimpossibleinthatquarter，shestoppedsuddenly，andturneduponherpursuers。
　　Oncametheprofaneandribaldcrewfasterthanever，alreadyexultinginhercapture，andthreateningpunishmentforherflight。Foramomentshelookedwildlyandanxiouslyaroundtoseeiftherewasnohopeofescape。Oneitherhand，fardownbelow，rolledthedeep，foamingwatersofthePotomac，andbeforeandbehindweretherapidlyapproachingstepsandnoisyvoicesofherpursuers。Seeinghowvainwouldbeanyfurtherefforttoescape，herresolutionwasinstantlytaken。Sheclaspedherhandsconvulsivelytogether，raisedhertearfulandimploringeyestowardheaven，andbeggedforthemercyandcompassiontherewhichwasunjustlydeniedheronearth;then，exclaiming，"Henry，Clotelle，Idieforthee！"withasinglebound，vaultedover，therailingofthebridge，andsankforeverbeneaththeangryandfoamingwatersoftheriver！
　　Suchwasthelife，andsuchthedeath，ofawomanwhosevirtuesandgoodnessofheartwouldhavedonehonortooneinahigherstationoflife，andwho，hadshebeenborninanyotherlandbutthatofslavery，wouldhavebeenrespectedandbeloved。Whatwouldhavebeenherfeelingsifshecouldhaveknownthatthechildforwhoserescueshehadsacrificedherselfwouldonedaybefree，honored，andlovedinanotherland？