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？