Married or single?; Author's ed
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 Excerpt: ... I to myself, they needn't--why don't they give their slaves free, and make their boys work, and then they would crown their hoary heads;--that's it, Massa Copley. But Vi'let's always speaking up for 'em, 'specially the missesses. She says they are so kind, and gen'rous, and pious. Vi'let's heart is as tender as a spring chicken. She says they feel the curse of slavery more than the slaves do, and more than the abolitioners do; and some day they'll shake it off, for Vi'let says the day is a comin' when they can't stand it no longer, for their lands are a runnin' down, and their children are a runnin' down, and their consciences are a gnawin', and their hearts are a risin'! but says I to Vi'let, 'Why don't they make a beginnin'? I want you to 'splain that!'" "Are there shad in the market yet?" asked Copley. The old woman started at this sudden obstruction to her flow of earnest feeling. After recovering herself, she replied, "I think there be, sir; but my young misses is prudent, and never buys 'em at the dearest." Poor Dian left the room crest-fallen. As she mounted the stairs to look after Violet's toilet, she muttered, "S'pose I did run on like a house a-fire, he needn't throw cold water in my face! He's a terrible fine gentleman, but he an't good enough for our folks arter all." Grace re-appeared with her protegee. Copley surveyed the young mulatto. "There is an endowment of grace and refinement in your very shawl and hat, Miss Herbert!" he said. "Oh, no," replied Grace, "she is to that manner native. Now take her under your ward and watch, and don't forget to send a carriage at eight." "Forget!" he exclaimed, and then turning back from the door, as if at a second thought, he adde...