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gentleman to whom they belong, and to whom the money for their sale is to be transmitted, is a member of a Christian church in New York, who will receive the money, and go thereafter to the sacrament of his Lord and theirs, and think no more of it. These two, whom we shall call Susan and Emmeline, had been the personal attendants of an amiable and pious lady of New Orleans, by whom they had been carefully and piously instructed and trained. They had been taught to read and write, diligently instructed in the truths of religion, and their lot had been as happy an one as in their condition it was possible to be. But the only son of their protectress had the management of her property; and, by carelessness and extravagance involved it to a large amount, and at last failed. One of the largest creditors was the respectable firm of B. & Co., in New York. B. & Co. wrote to their lawyer in New Orleans, who attached the real estate (these two articles and a lot of plantation hands formed the most valuable part of it), and wrote word to that effect to New York. Brother B., being, as we have said, a Christian man, and a resident in a free State, felt some uneasiness on the subject. He didnt like trading in slaves and souls of men,of course, he didnt; but, then, there were thirty thousand dollars in the case, and that was rather too much money to be lost for a principle; and so, after much considering, and asking advice from those that he knew would advise to suit him, Brother B. wrote to his lawyer to dispose of the business in the way that seemed to him the most suitable, and remit the proceeds. The day after the letter arrived in New Orleans, Susan and Emmeline were attached, and sent to the depot to await a general auction on the following morning; and as they glimmer faintly upon us in the moonlight which steals through the grated window, we may listen to their conversation. Both are weeping, but each quietly, that the other may not hear. Mother, just lay your head on my lap, and see if you cant sleep a little, says the girl, trying to appear calm. I havent any heart to sleep, Em; I cant; its the last night we may be together! O, mother, dont say so! perhaps we shall get sold together,who knows? If t was anybodys else case, I should say so, too, Em, said the woman; but Im so feard of losin you that I dont see anything but the danger. Why, mother, the man said we were both likely, and would sell well. Susan remembered the mans looks and words. With a deadly sickness at her heart, she remembered how he had looked at Emmelines hands, and lifted up her curly hair, and pronounced her a first-rate article. Susan had been trained as a Christian, brought up in the daily reading of the Bible, and had the same horror of her childs being sold to a life of shame that any other Christian mother might have; but she had no hope,no protection. Mother, I think we might do first rate, if you could get a place as cook, and I as chambermaid or seamstress, in some family. I dare say we shall. Lets both look as bright and lively as we can, and tell all we can do, and perhaps we shall, said Emmeline. I want you to brush your hair all back straight, tomorrow, said Susan. What for, mother? I dont look near so well, that way. Yes, but youll sell better so. I dont see why! said the child. Respectable families would be more apt to buy you, if they saw you looked plain and decent, as if you wasnt trying to look handsome. I know their ways better n you do, said Susan. |
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