A ROMANCE OF THE REPUBLIC

BY

L. MARIA CHILD

1867

TO

THE FATHER AND MOTHER OF

COL. R. G. SHAW, THE EARLY AND EVER-FAITHFUL FRIENDS OF FREEDOM AND EQUAL RIGHTS, THIS VOLUME

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY

INSCRIBED

BY

THE AUTHOR. 

PART FIRST. 

CHAPTER I. 

"What are you going to do with yourself this evening, Alfred?" said Mr. Royal to his companion, as they issued from his counting-house in NewOrleans. "Perhaps I ought to apologize for not calling you Mr. King, considering the shortness of our acquaintance; but your father and Iwere like brothers in our youth, and you resemble him so much, I canhardly realize that you are not he himself, and I still a young man. It used to be a joke with us that we must be cousins, since he was aKing and I was of the Royal family. So excuse me if I say to you, asI used to say to him. What are you going to do with yourself, CousinAlfred?"

"I thank you for the friendly familiarity, " rejoined the young man. "It is pleasant to know that I remind you so strongly of my goodfather. My most earnest wish is to resemble him in character as muchas I am said to resemble him in person. I have formed no plans for theevening. I was just about to ask you what there was best worth seeingor hearing in the Crescent City. "

"If I should tell you I thought there was nothing better worth seeingthan my daughters, you would perhaps excuse a father's partiality, "rejoined Mr. Royal. 

"Your daughters!" exclaimed his companion, in a tone of surprise. "Inever heard that you were married. "

A shadow of embarrassment passed over the merchant's face, as hereplied, "Their mother was a Spanish lady, --a stranger here, --and sheformed no acquaintance. She was a woman of a great heart and of rarebeauty. Nothing can ever make up her loss to me; but all the joy thatremains in life is centred in the daughters she has left me. I shouldlike to introduce them to you; and that is a compliment I never beforepaid to any young man. My home is in the outskirts of the city; andwhen we have dined at the hotel, according to my daily habit, I willsend off a few letters, and then, if you like to go there with me, Iwill call a carriage. "

"Thank you, " replied the young man; "unless it is your own custom toride, I should prefer to walk. I like the exercise, and it will give abetter opportunity to observe the city, which is so different from ourNorthern towns that it has for me the attractions of a foreign land. "

In compliance with this wish, Mr. Royal took him through the principalstreets, pointing out the public buildings, and now and then stoppingto smile at some placard or sign which presented an odd jumble ofFrench and English. When they came to the suburbs of the city, theaspect of things became charmingly rural. Houses were scattered hereand there among trees and gardens. Mr. Royal pointed out one of them, nestled in flowers and half encircled by an orange-grove, and said, "That is my home. When I first came here, the place where it standswas a field of sugar-canes; but the city is fast stretching itselfinto the suburbs. "

They approached the dwelling; and in answer to the bell, the door wasopened by a comely young negress, with a turban of bright colorson her head and golden hoops in her ears. Before the gentlemen haddisposed of their hats and canes, a light little figure bounded fromone of the rooms, clapping her hands, and exclaiming, "Ah, Papasito!"Then, seeing a stranger with him, she suddenly stood still, with apretty look of blushing surprise. 

"Never mind, Mignonne, " said her father, fondly patting her head. "This is Alfred Royal King, from Boston; my namesake, and the son ofa dear old friend of mine. I have invited him to see you dance. Mr. King, this is my Floracita. "

The fairy dotted a courtesy, quickly and gracefully as a butterflytouching a flower, and then darted back into the room she had left. There they were met by a taller young lady, who was introduced as "Mydaughter Rosabella. " Her beauty was superlative and peculiar. Hercomplexion was like a glowing reflection upon ivory from gold in thesunshine. Her large brown eyes were deeply fringed, and lambent withinterior light. Lustrous dark brown hair shaded her forehead in littlewaves, slight as the rippling of water touched by an insect's wing. Itwas arranged at the back of her head in circling braids, over whichfell clusters of ringlets, with moss-rose-buds nestling among them. Her full, red lips were beautifully shaped, and wore a mingledexpression of dignity and sweetness. The line from ear to chin wasthat perfect oval which artists love, and the carriage of her head waslike one born to a kingdom. 

Floracita, though strikingly handsome, was of a model less superb thanher elder sister. She was a charming little brunette, with laughteralways lurking in ambush within her sparkling black eyes, a mouth like"Cupid's bow carved in coral, " and dimples in her cheeks, that welldeserved their French name, _berceaux d'amour_. 

These radiant visions of beauty took Alfred King so much bysurprise, that he was for a moment confused. But he soon recoveredself-possession, and, after the usual salutations, took a seat offeredhim near a window overlooking the garden. While the commonplaces ofconversation were interchanged, he could not but notice the floralappearance of the room. The ample white lace curtains were surmountedby festoons of artificial roses, caught up by a bird of paradise. Onthe ceiling was an exquisitely painted garland, from the centreof which hung a tasteful basket of natural flowers, with delicatevine-tresses drooping over its edge. The walls were papered withbright arabesques of flowers, interspersed with birds and butterflies. In one corner a statuette of Flora looked down upon a geranium coveredwith a profusion of rich blossoms. In the opposite corner, ivy wastrained to form a dark background for Canova's "Dancer in Repose, "over whose arm was thrown a wreath of interwoven vines andorange-blossoms. On brackets and tables were a variety of naturalflowers in vases of Sevres china, whereon the best artists of Francehad painted flowers in all manner of graceful combinations. Theottomans were embroidered with flowers. Rosabella's white muslin dresswas trailed all over with delicately tinted roses, and the lace aroundthe corsage was fastened in front with a mosaic basket of flowers. Floracita's black curls fell over her shoulders mixed with crimsonfuchsias, and on each of her little slippers was embroidered abouquet. 

"This is the Temple of Flora, " said Alfred, turning to his host. "Flowers everywhere! Natural flowers, artificial flowers, paintedflowers, embroidered flowers, and human flowers excelling themall, "--glancing at the young ladies as he spoke. 

Mr. Royal sighed, and in an absent sort of way answered, "Yes, yes. "Then, starting up, he said abruptly, "Excuse me a moment; I wish togive the servants some directions. "

Floracita, who was cutting leaves from the geranium, observed hisquick movement, and, as he left the room, she turned toward theirvisitor and said, in a childlike, confidential sort of way: "Our dearMamita used to call this room the Temple of Flora. She had a greatpassion for flowers. She chose the paper, she made the garlands forthe curtains, she embroidered the ottomans, and painted that table soprettily. Papasito likes to have things remain as she arranged them, but sometimes they make him sad; for the angels took Mamita away fromus two years ago. "

"Even the names she gave you are flowery, " said Alfred, with anexpression of mingled sympathy and admiration. 

"Yes; and we had a great many flowery pet-names beside, " replied she. "My name is Flora, but when she was very loving with me she called meher Floracita, her little flower; and Papasito always calls me so now. Sometimes Mamita called me _Pensée Vivace_. "

"In English we call that bright little flower Jump-up-and-kiss-me, "rejoined Alfred, smiling as he looked down upon the lively littlefairy. 

She returned the smile with an arch glance, that seemed to say, "Isha'n't do it, though. " And away she skipped to meet her father, whosereturning steps were heard. 

"You see I spoil her, " said he, as she led him into the room with ahalf-dancing step. "But how can I help it?"

Before there was time to respond to this question, the negress withthe bright turban announced that tea was ready. 

"Yes, Tulipa? we will come, " said Floracita. 

"Is _she_ a flower too?" asked Alfred. 

"Yes, she's a flower, too, " answered Floracita, with a merry littlelaugh. "We named her so because she always wears a red and yellowturban; but we call her Tulee, for short. "

While they were partaking of refreshments, she and her father wereperpetually exchanging badinage, which, childish as it was, served toenliven the repast. But when she began to throw oranges for him tocatch, a reproving glance from her dignified sister reminded her ofthe presence of company. 

"Let her do as she likes, Rosa dear, " said her father. "She is used tobeing my little plaything, and I can't spare her to be a woman yet. "

"I consider it a compliment to forget that I am a stranger, " said Mr. King. "For my own part, I forgot it entirely before I had been in thehouse ten minutes. "

Rosabella thanked him with a quiet smile and a slight inclination ofher head. Floracita, notwithstanding this encouragement, paused in hermerriment; and Mr. Royal began to talk over reminiscences connectedwith Alfred's father. When they rose from table, he said, "Come here, Mignonne! We won't be afraid of the Boston gentleman, will we?"Floracita sprang to his side. He passed his arm fondly round her, and, waiting for his guest and his elder daughter to precede them, theyreturned to the room they had left. They had scarcely entered it, whenFloracita darted to the window, and, peering forth into the twilight, she looked back roguishly at her sister, and began to sing:--

 "Un petit blanc, que j'aime, En ces lieux est venu. Oui! oui! c'est lui même! C'est lui! je l'ai vue! Petit blanc! mon bon frère! Ha! ha! petit blanc si doux!"

The progress of her song was checked by the entrance of a gentleman, who was introduced to Alfred as Mr. Fitzgerald from Savannah. Hishandsome person reminded one of an Italian tenor singer, and hismanner was a graceful mixture of _hauteur_ and insinuating courtesy. After a brief interchange of salutations, he said to Floracita, "I heard some notes of a lively little French tune, that went sotrippingly I should be delighted to hear more of it. "

Floracita had accidentally overheard some half-whispered words whichMr. Fitzgerald had addressed to her sister, during his last visit, and, thinking she had discovered an important secret, she was disposedto use her power mischievously. Without waiting for a repetition ofhis request, she sang:--

 "Petit blanc, mon bon frère! Ha! ha! petit blanc si doux! Il n'y a rien sur la terre De si joli que vous. "

While she was singing, she darted roguish glances at her sister, whosecheeks glowed like the sun-ripened side of a golden apricot. Herfather touched her shoulder, and said in a tone of annoyance, "Don'tsing that foolish song, Mignonne!" She turned to him quickly with alook of surprise; for she was accustomed only to endearments from him. In answer to her look, he added, in a gentler tone, "You know I toldyou I wanted my friend to see you dance. Select one of your prettiest, _ma petite_, and Rosabella will play it for you. "

Mr. Fitzgerald assiduously placed the music-stool, and bent over theportfolio while Miss Royal searched for the music. A servant lightedthe candelabra and drew the curtains. Alfred, glancing at Mr. Royal, saw he was watching the pair who were busy at the portfolio, and thatthe expression of his countenance was troubled. His eyes, however, soon had pleasanter occupation; for as soon as Rosa touched the piano, Floracita began to float round the room in a succession of gracefulwhirls, as if the music had taken her up and was waltzing her along. As she passed the marble Dancing Girl, she seized the wreath that wasthrown over its arm, and as she went circling round, it seemed asif the tune had become a visible spirit, and that the garland was afloating accompaniment to its graceful motions. Sometimes it was heldaloft by the right hand, sometimes by the left; sometimes it wasa whirling semicircle behind her; and sometimes it rested on hershoulders, mingling its white orange buds and blossoms with her showerof black curls and crimson fuchsias. Now it was twined round her headin a flowery crown, and then it gracefully unwound itself, as if itwere a thing alive. Ever and anon the little dancer poised herself foran instant on the point of one fairy foot, her cheeks glowing withexercise and dimpling with smiles, as she met her father's delightedgaze. Every attitude seemed spontaneous in its prettiness, as if themusic had made it without her choice. At last she danced toward herfather, and sank, with a wave-like motion, on the ottoman at his feet. He patted the glossy head that nestled lovingly on his knee, anddrawing a long breath, as if oppressed with happiness, he murmured, "Ah, Mignonne!"

The floating fairy vision had given such exquisite pleasure, that allhad been absorbed in watching its variations. Now they looked ateach other and smiled. "You would make Taglioni jealous, " said Mr. Fitzgerald, addressing the little dancer; and Mr. King silentlythanked her with a very expressive glance. 

As Rosabella retired from the piano, she busied herself withrearranging a bouquet she had taken from one of the vases. When Mr. Fitzgerald stationed himself at her side, she lowered her eyes with aperceptibly deepening color. On her peculiar complexion a blush showedlike a roseate cloud in a golden atmosphere. As Alfred gazed on thelong, dark, silky fringes resting on those warmly tinted cheeks, hethought he had never seen any human creature so superbly handsome. 

"Nothing but music can satisfy us after such dancing, " said Mr. Fitzgerald. She looked up to him with a smile; and Alfred thought therising of those dark eyelashes surpassed their downcast expression, asthe glory of morning sunshine excels the veiled beauty of starlight. 

"Shall I accompany you while you sing, 'How brightly breaks themorning'?" asked she. 

"That always sings itself into my heart, whenever you raise your eyesto mine, " replied he, in a low tone, as he handed her to the piano. 

Together they sang that popular melody, bright and joyful as sunriseon a world of blossoms. Then came a Tyrolese song, with a doublevoice, sounding like echoes from the mountains. This was followedby some tender, complaining Russian melodies, novelties which Mr. Fitzgerald had brought on a preceding visit. Feeling they were toomuch engrossed with each other, she said politely, "Mr. King has notyet chosen any music. "

"The moon becomes visible through the curtains, " replied he. "Perhapsyou will salute her with 'Casta Diva. '"

"That is a favorite with us, " she replied. "Either Flora or I sing italmost every moonlight night. "

She sang it in very pure Italian. Then turning round on themusic-stool she looked at her father, and said, "Now, _Papasitoquerido_, what shall I sing for you?"

"You know, dear, what I always love to hear, " answered he. 

With gentle touch, she drew from the keys a plaintive prelude, whichsoon modulated itself into "The Light of other Days. " She played andsang it with so much feeling, that it seemed the voice of memoryfloating with softened sadness over the far-off waters of the past. The tune was familiar to Alfred, but it had never sung itself into hisheart, as now. "I felt as I did in Italy, listening to a vesper-bellsounding from a distance in the stillness of twilight, " said he, turning toward his host. 

"All who hear Rosabella sing notice a bell in her voice, " rejoined herfather. 

"Undoubtedly it is the voice of a belle, " said Mr. Fitzgerald. 

Her father, without appearing to notice the commonplace pun, went onto say, "You don't know, Mr. King, what tricks she can play with hervoice. I call her a musical ventriloquist. If you want to hear thebell to perfection, ask her to sing 'Toll the bell for lovely Nell. '"

"Do give me that pleasure, " said Alfred, persuasively. 

She sang the pathetic melody, and with voice and piano imitated toperfection the slow tolling of a silver-toned bell. After a shortpause, during which she trifled with the keys, while some generalremarks were passing, she turned to Mr. Fitzgerald, who was leaning onthe piano, and said, "What shall I sing for _you_?" It was a simplequestion, but it pierced the heart of Alfred King with a strange newpain. What would he not have given for such a soft expression in thoseglorious eyes when she looked at _him_!

"Since you are in a ventriloqual mood, " answered Mr. Fitzgerald, "I should like to hear again what you played the last time I washere, --Agatha's Moonlight Prayer, from _Der Freyschütz_. "

She smiled, and with voice and instrument produced the indescribablydreamy effect of the two flutes. It was the very moonlight of sound. 

"This is perfectly magical, " murmured Alfred. He spoke in a low, almost reverential tone; for the spell of moonlight was on him, andthe clear, soft voice of the singer, the novelty of her peculiarbeauty, and the surpassing gracefulness of her motions, as she swayedgently to the music of the tones she produced, inspired him with afeeling of poetic deference. Through the partially open window camethe lulling sound of a little trickling fountain in the garden, andthe air was redolent of jasmine and orange-blossoms. On the pier-tablewas a little sleeping Cupid, from whose torch rose the fragrantincense of a nearly extinguished _pastille_. The pervasive spirit ofbeauty in the room, manifested in forms, colors, tones, and motions, affected the soul as perfume did the senses. The visitors felt theyhad stayed too long, and yet they lingered. Alfred examined thereclining Cupid, and praised the gracefulness of its outline. 

"Cupid could never sleep here, nor would the flame of his torch evergo out, " said Mr. Fitzgerald; "but it is time _we_ were going out. "

The young gentlemen exchanged parting salutations with their host andhis daughters, and moved toward the door. But Mr. Fitzgerald paused onthe threshold to say, "Please play us out with Mozart's 'Good Night. '"

"As organists play worshippers out of the church, " added Mr. King. 

Rosabella bowed compliance, and, as they crossed the outer threshold, they heard the most musical of voices singing Mozart's beautifullittle melody, "Buona Notte, amato bene. " The young men lingered nearthe piazza till the last sounds floated away, and then they walkedforth in the moonlight, --Fitzgerald repeating the air in a subduedwhistle. 

His first exclamation was, "Isn't that girl a Rose Royal?"

"She is, indeed, " replied Mr. King; "and the younger sister is alsoextremely fascinating. "

"Yes, I thought you seemed to think so, " rejoined his companion. "Which do you prefer?"

Shy of revealing his thoughts to a stranger, Mr. King replied thateach of the sisters was so perfect in her way, the other would bewronged by preference. 

"Yes, they are both rare gems of beauty, " rejoined Fitzgerald. "If Iwere the Grand Bashaw, I would have them both in my harem. "

The levity of the remark jarred on the feelings of his companion, whoanswered, in a grave, and somewhat cold tone, "I saw nothing in themanners of the young ladies to suggest such a disposition of them. "

"Excuse me, " said Fitzgerald, laughing. "I forgot you were from theland of Puritans. I meant no indignity to the young ladies, I assureyou. But when one amuses himself with imagining the impossible, it isnot worth while to be scrupulous about details. I am _not_ the GrandBashaw; and when I pronounced them fit for his harem, I merely meanta compliment to their superlative beauty. That Floracita is amischievous little sprite. Did you ever see anything more roguish thanher expression while she was singing 'Petit blanc, mon bon frère'?"

"That mercurial little song excited my curiosity, " replied Alfred. "Pray what is its origin?"

"I think it likely it came from the French West Indies, " saidFitzgerald. "It seems to be the love-song of a young negress, addressed to a white lover. Floracita may have learned it from hermother, who was half French, half Spanish. You doubtless observedthe foreign sprinkling in their talk. They told me they never spokeEnglish with their mother. Those who have seen her describe her as awonderful creature, who danced like Taglioni and sang like Malibran, and was more beautiful than her daughter Rosabella. But the last partof the story is incredible. If she were half as handsome, no wonderMr. Royal idolized her, as they say he did. "

"Did he marry her in the French Islands?" inquired Alfred. 

"They were not married, " answered Fitzgerald. "Of course not, for shewas a quadroon. But here are my lodgings, and I must bid you goodnight. "

These careless parting words produced great disturbance in the spiritof Alfred King. He had heard of those quadroon connections, as onehears of foreign customs, without any realizing sense of theirconsequences. That his father's friend should be a partner in such analliance, and that these two graceful and accomplished girls should bythat circumstance be excluded from the society they would so greatlyornament, surprised and bewildered him. He recalled that tinge inRosa's complexion, not golden, but like a faint, luminous reflectionof gold, and that slight waviness in the glossy hair, which seemedto him so becoming. He could not make these peculiarities seem lessbeautiful to his imagination, now that he knew them as signs ofher connection with a proscribed race. And that bewitching littleFloracita, emerging into womanhood, with the auroral light ofchildhood still floating round her, she seemed like a beautifulItalian child, whose proper place was among fountains and statuesand pictured forms of art. The skill of no Parisian _coiffeur_ couldproduce a result so pleasing as the profusion of raven hair, that_would_ roll itself into ringlets. Octoroons! He repeated the wordto himself, but it did not disenchant him. It was merely somethingforeign and new to his experience, like Spanish or Italian beauty. Yethe felt painfully the false position in which they were placed by theunreasoning prejudice of society. 

Though he had had a fatiguing day, when he entered his chamber he feltno inclination to sleep. As he slowly paced up and down the room, hethought to himself, "My good mother shares the prejudice. How couldI introduce them to _her_?" Then, as if impatient with himself, hemurmured, in a vexed tone, "Why should I _think_ of introducing themto my mother? A few hours ago I didn't know of their existence. "

He threw himself on the bed and tried to sleep; but memory wastoo busy with the scene of enchantment he had recently left. Acatalpa-tree threw its shadow on the moon-lighted curtain. He began tocount the wavering leaves, in hopes the monotonous occupation wouldinduce slumber. After a while he forgot to count; and as his spirithovered between the inner and the outer world, Floracita seemed to bedancing on the leaf shadows in manifold graceful evolutions. Then hewas watching a little trickling fountain, and the falling drops weretones of "The Light of other Days. " Anon he was wandering amongflowers in the moonlight, and from afar some one was heard singing"Casta Diva. " The memory of that voice, "While slept the limbs and senses all, Made everything seem musical. "

Again and again the panorama of the preceding evening revolved throughthe halls of memory with every variety of fantastic change. A lightlaugh broke in upon the scenes of enchantment, with the words, "Ofcourse not, for she was a quadroon. " Then the plaintive melody of"Toll the bell" resounded in his ears; not afar off, but loud andclear, as if the singer were in the room. He woke with a start, andheard the vibrations of a cathedral bell subsiding into silence. Ithad struck but twice, but in his spiritual ear the sounds had beenmodulated through many tones. "Even thus strangely, " thought he, "hasthat rich, sonorous voice struck into the dream of my life, "

Again he saw those large, lustrous eyes lowering their long-fringedveils under the ardent gaze of Gerald Fitzgerald. Again he thought ofhis mother, and sighed. At last a dreamless sleep stole over him, andboth pleasure and pain were buried in deep oblivion. 

CHAPTER II. 

The sun was up before he woke. He rose hastily and ordered breakfastand a horse; for he had resolved the day before upon an early ride. Arestless, undefined feeling led him in the same direction he had takenthe preceding evening. He passed the house that would forevermore bea prominent feature in the landscape of his life. Vines were gentlywaving in the morning air between the pillars of the piazza, where hehad lingered entranced to hear the tones of "Buena Notte. " The brightturban of Tulipa was glancing about, as she dusted the blinds. Apeacock on the balustrade, in the sunshine, spread out his tail into agreat Oriental fan, and slowly lowered it, making a prismatic showerof topaz, sapphires, and emeralds as it fell. It was the first ofMarch; but as he rode on, thinking of the dreary landscape andboisterous winds of New England at that season, the air was filledwith the fragrance of flowers, and mocking-birds and thrushes salutedhim with their songs. In many places the ground was thickly strewnwith oranges, and the orange-groves were beautiful with golden fruitand silver flowers gleaming among the dark glossy green foliage. Here and there was the mansion of a wealthy planter, surrounded bywhitewashed slave-cabins. The negroes at their work, and their blackpicaninnies rolling about on the ground, seemed an appropriate part ofthe landscape, so tropical in its beauty of dark colors and luxuriantgrowth. 

He rode several miles, persuading himself that he was enticed solelyby the healthy exercise and the novelty of the scene. But morealluring than the pleasant landscape and the fragrant air was the hopethat, if he returned late, the young ladies might be on the piazza, or visible at the windows. He was destined to be disappointed. As hepassed, a curtain was slowly withdrawn from one of the windows andrevealed a vase of flowers. He rode slowly, in hopes of seeing a facebend over the flowers; but the person who drew the curtain remainedinvisible. On the piazza nothing was in motion, except the peacockstrutting along, stately as a court beauty, and drawing after himhis long train of jewelled plumage. A voice, joyous as a bobolink's, sounded apparently from the garden. He could not hear the words, butthe lively tones at once suggested, "Petit blanc, mon bon frère. " Herecalled the words so carelessly uttered, "Of course not, for she wasa quadroon, " and they seemed to make harsh discord with the refrain ofthe song. He remembered the vivid flush that passed over Rosa's facewhile her playful sister teased her with that tuneful badinage. Itseemed to him that Mr. Fitzgerald was well aware of his power, forhe had not attempted to conceal his consciousness of the singer'smischievous intent. This train of thought was arrested by the inwardquestion, "What is it to _me_ whether he marries her or not?"Impatiently he touched his horse with the whip, as if he wanted torush from the answer to his own query. 

He had engaged to meet Mr. Royal at his counting-house, and he wascareful to keep the appointment. He was received with parentalkindness slightly tinged with embarrassment. After some conversationabout business, Mr. Royal said: "From your silence concerning yourvisit to my house last evening, I infer that Mr. Fitzgerald has givenyou some information relating to my daughters' history. I trust, myyoung friend, that you have not suspected me of any intention todeceive or entrap you. I intended to have told you myself; but I had adesire to know first how my daughters would impress you, if judged bytheir own merits. Having been forestalled in my purpose, I am afraidfrankness on your part will now be difficult. "

"A feeling of embarrassment did indeed prevent me from alluding tomy visit as soon as I met you this morning, " replied Alfred; "but nocircumstances could alter my estimate of your daughters. Their beautyand gracefulness exceed anything I have seen. "

"And they are as innocent and good as they are beautiful, " rejoinedthe father. "But you can easily imagine that my pride and delight inthem is much disturbed by anxiety concerning their future. Latterly, I have thought a good deal about closing business and taking them toFrance to reside. But when men get to be so old as I am, the processof being transplanted to a foreign soil seems onerous. If it were aswell for _them_, I should greatly prefer returning to my native NewEngland. "

"They are tropical flowers, " observed Alfred. "There is nothingNorthern in their natures. "

"Yes, they are tropical flowers, " rejoined the father, "and my wish isto place them in perpetual sunshine. I doubt whether they could everfeel quite at home far away from jasmines and orange-groves. Butclimate is the least of the impediments in the way of taking themto New England. Their connection with the enslaved race is so veryslight, that it might easily be concealed; but the consciousness ofpractising concealment is always unpleasant. Your father was more freefrom prejudices of all sorts than any man I ever knew. If he wereliving, I would confide all to him, and be guided implicitly by hisadvice. You resemble him so strongly, that I have been involuntarilydrawn to open my heart to you, as I never thought to do to so young aman. Yet I find the fulness of my confidence checked by the fear oflowering myself in the estimation of the son of my dearest friend. Butperhaps, if you knew all the circumstances, and had had my experience, you would find some extenuation of my fault. I was very unhappy when Ifirst came to New Orleans. I was devotedly attached to a young lady, and I was rudely repelled by her proud and worldly family. I wasseized with a vehement desire to prove to them that I could becomericher than they were. I rushed madly into the pursuit of wealth, andI was successful; but meanwhile they had married her to another, and Ifound that wealth alone could not bring happiness. In vain the profitsof my business doubled and quadrupled. I was unsatisfied, lonely, andsad. Commercial transactions brought me into intimate relations withSeñor Gonsalez, a Spanish gentleman in St. Augustine. He had formed analliance with a beautiful slave, whom he had bought in the French WestIndies. I never saw her, for she died before my acquaintance with him;but their daughter, then a girl of sixteen, was the most charmingcreature I ever beheld. The irresistible attraction I felt toward herthe first moment I saw her was doubtless the mere fascination of thesenses; but when I came to know her more, I found her so gentle, sotender, so modest, and so true, that I loved her with a strong anddeep affection. I admired her, too, for other reasons than her beauty;for she had many elegant accomplishments, procured by her father'sfond indulgence during two years' residence in Paris. He was wealthyat that time; but he afterward became entangled in pecuniarydifficulties, and his health declined. He took a liking to me, andproposed that I should purchase Eulalia, and thus enable him to cancela debt due to a troublesome creditor whom he suspected of having aneye upon his daughter. I gave him a large sum for her, and brought herwith me to New Orleans. Do not despise me for it, my young friend. Ifit had been told to me a few years before, in my New England home, that I could ever become a party in such a transaction, I should haverejected the idea with indignation. But my disappointed and lonelycondition rendered me an easy prey to temptation, and I was wherepublic opinion sanctioned such connections. Besides, there were kindlymotives mixed up with selfish ones. I pitied the unfortunate father, and I feared his handsome daughter might fall into hands that wouldnot protect her so carefully as I resolved to do. I knew the freedomof her choice was not interfered with, for she confessed she loved me. 

"Señor Gonsalez, who was more attached to her than to anything elsein the world, soon afterward gathered up the fragments of hisbroken fortune, and came to reside near us. I know it was a greatsatisfaction to his dying hours that he left Eulalia in my care, andthe dear girl was entirely happy with me. If I had manumitted her, carried her abroad, and legally married her, I should have no remorsemingled with my sorrow for her loss. Loving her faithfully, as I didto the latest moment of her life, I now find it difficult to explainto myself how I came to neglect such an obvious duty. I was alwaysthinking that I would do it at some future time. But marriage with aquadroon would have been void, according to the laws of Louisiana;and, being immersed in business, I never seemed to find time to takeher abroad. When one has taken the first wrong step, it becomesdangerously easy to go on in the same path. A man's standing here isnot injured by such irregular connections; and my faithful, lovingEulalia meekly accepted her situation as a portion of her inheriteddestiny. Mine was the fault, not hers; for I was free to do as Ipleased, and she never had been. I acted in opposition to moralprinciples, which the education of false circumstances had given herno opportunity to form. I had remorseful thoughts at times, but I amquite sure she was never troubled in that way. She loved and trustedme entirely. She knew that the marriage of a white man with one of herrace was illegal; and she quietly accepted the fact, as humanbeings do accept what they are powerless to overcome. Her daughtersattributed her olive complexion to a Spanish origin; and their onlyidea was, and is, that she was my honored wife, as indeed she was inthe inmost recesses of my heart. I gradually withdrew from the fewacquaintances I had formed in New Orleans; partly because I wassatisfied with the company of Eulalia and our children, and partlybecause I could not take her with me into society. She had noacquaintances here, and we acquired the habit of living in a littleworld by ourselves, --a world which, as you have seen, was transformedinto a sort of fairy-land by her love of beautiful things. After Ilost her, it was my intention to send the children immediately toFrance to be educated. But procrastination is my besetting sin; andthe idea of parting with them was so painful, that I have deferred anddeferred it. The suffering I experience on their account is a justpunishment for the wrong I did their mother. When I think howbeautiful, how talented, how affectionate, and how pure they are, andin what a cruel position I have placed them, I have terrible writhingsof the heart. I do not think I am destined to long life; and who willprotect them when I am gone?"

A consciousness of last night's wishes and dreams made Alfred blushas he said, "It occurred to me that your eldest daughter might bebetrothed to Mr. Fitzgerald. "

"I hope not, " quickly rejoined Mr. Royal. "He is not the sort of manwith whom I would like to intrust her happiness. I think, if it wereso, Rosabella would have told me, for my children always confide inme. "

"I took it for granted that you liked him, " replied Alfred; "for yousaid an introduction to your home was a favor you rarely bestowed. "

"I never conferred it on any young man but yourself, " answered Mr. Royal, "and you owed it partly to my memory of your honest father, andpartly to the expression of your face, which so much resembles his. "The young man smiled and bowed, and his friend continued: "When Iinvited you, I was not aware Mr. Fitzgerald was in the city. I ambut slightly acquainted with him, but I conjecture him to be what iscalled a high-blood. His manners, though elegant, seem to me flippantand audacious. He introduced himself into my domestic sanctum; and, asI partook of his father's hospitality years ago, I find it difficultto eject him. He came here a few months since, to transact somebusiness connected with the settlement of his father's estate, and, unfortunately, he heard Rosabella singing as he rode past my house. Hemade inquiries concerning the occupants; and, from what I have heard, I conjecture that he has learned more of my private history than Iwished to have him know. He called without asking my permission, and told my girls that his father was my friend, and that he hadconsequently taken the liberty to call with some new music, which hewas very desirous of hearing them sing. When I was informed of this, on my return home, I was exceedingly annoyed; and I have ever sincebeen thinking of closing business as soon as possible, and taking mydaughters to France. He called twice again during his stay in thecity, but my daughters made it a point to see him only when I wasat home. Now he has come again, to increase the difficulties of myposition by his unwelcome assiduities. "

"Unwelcome to _you_" rejoined Alfred; "but, handsome and fascinatingas he is, they are not likely to be unwelcome to your daughters. Yourpurpose of conveying them to France is a wise one. "

"Would I had done it sooner!" exclaimed Mr. Royal. "How weak I havebeen in allowing circumstances to drift me along!" He walked up anddown the room with agitated steps; then, pausing before Alfred, helaid his hand affectionately on his shoulder, as he said, with solemnearnestness, "My young friend, I am glad your father did not accept myproposal to receive you into partnership. Let me advise you to live inNew England. The institutions around us have an effect on characterwhich it is difficult to escape entirely. Bad customs often leadwell-meaning men into wrong paths. "

"That was my father's reason for being unwilling I should reside inNew Orleans, " replied Alfred. "He said it was impossible to exaggeratethe importance of social institutions. He often used to speak ofhaving met a number of Turkish women when he was in the environs ofConstantinople. They were wrapped up like bales of cloth, with twosmall openings for their eyes, mounted on camels, and escorted by theoverseer of the harem. The animal sound of their chatter and giggling, as they passed him, affected him painfully; for it forced upon him theidea what different beings those women would have been if they hadbeen brought up amid the free churches and free schools of NewEngland. He always expounded history to me in the light of thatconviction; and he mourned that temporary difficulties should preventlawgivers from checking the growth of evils that must have a blightinginfluence on the souls of many generations. He considered slavery acumulative poison in the veins of this Republic, and predicted that itwould some day act all at once with deadly power. "

"Your father was a wise man, " replied Mr. Royal, "and I agree withhim. But it would be unsafe to announce it here; for slavery is atabooed subject, except to talk in favor of it. "

"I am well aware of that, " rejoined Alfred. "And now I must bid yougood morning. You know my mother is an invalid, and I may find lettersat the post-office that will render immediate return necessary. ButI will see you again; and hereafter our acquaintance may perhaps berenewed in France. "

"That is a delightful hope, " rejoined the merchant, cordiallyreturning the friendly pressure of his hand. As he looked after theyoung man, he thought how pleasant it would be to have such a son;and he sighed deeply over the vision of a union that might have been, under other circumstances, between his family and that of his oldfriend. Alfred, as he walked away, was conscious of that latent, unspoken wish. Again the query began to revolve through his mindwhether the impediments were really insurmountable. There floatedbefore him a vision of that enchanting room, where the whole of lifeseemed to be composed of beauty and gracefulness, music and flowers. But a shadow of Fitzgerald fell across it, and the recollection ofBoston relatives rose up like an iceberg between him and fairy-land. 

A letter informing him of his mother's increasing illness exciteda feeling of remorse that new acquaintances had temporarily nearlydriven her from his thoughts. He resolved to depart that evening; butthe desire to see Rosabella again could not be suppressed. Failing tofind Mr. Royal at his counting-room or his hotel, he proceeded to hissuburban residence. When Tulipa informed him that "massa" had notreturned from the city, he inquired for the young ladies, and wasagain shown into that parlor every feature of which was so indeliblyimpressed upon his memory. Portions of the music of _Cenerentola_ layopen on the piano, and the leaves fluttered softly in a gentle breezeladen with perfumes from the garden. Near by was swinging the beadedtassel of a book-mark between the pages of a half-opened volume. Helooked at the title and saw that it was Lalla Rookh. He smiled, as heglanced round the room on the flowery festoons, the graceful tangleof bright arabesques on the walls, the Dancing Girl, and the SleepingCupid. "All is in harmony with Canova, and Moore, and Rossini, "thought he. "The Lady in Milton's Comus _has_ been the ideal of myimagination; and now here I am so strangely taken captive by--"

Rosabella entered at that moment, and almost startled him with thecontrast to his ideal. Her glowing Oriental beauty and stately graceimpressed him more than ever. Floracita's fairy form and airy motionswere scarcely less fascinating. Their talk was very girlish. Floracitahad just been reading in a French paper about the performance of _LaBayadere_, and she longed to see the ballet brought out in Paris. Rosabella thought nothing could be quite so romantic as to float onthe canals of Venice by moonlight and listen to the nightingales; andshe should _so_ like to cross the Bridge of Sighs! Then they went intoraptures over the gracefulness of Rossini's music, and the brilliancyof Auber's. Very few and very slender thoughts were conveyed in theirwords, but to the young man's ear they had the charm of music; forFloracita's talk went as trippingly as a lively dance, and the sweetmodulations of Rosabella's voice so softened English to Italian sound, that her words seemed floating on a liquid element, like goldfishin the water. Indeed, her whole nature seemed to partake the fluidcharacter of music. Beauty born of harmonious sound "had passed intoher face, " and her motions reminded one of a water-lily undulating onits native element. 

The necessity of returning immediately to Boston was Alfred's apologyfor a brief call. Repressed feeling imparted great earnestness to themessage he left for his father's friend. While he was uttering it, theconversation he had recently had with Mr. Royal came back to him withpainful distinctness. After parting compliments were exchanged, heturned to say, "Excuse me, young ladies, if, in memory of our fathers'friendship, I beg of you to command my services, as if I were abrother, should it ever be in my power to serve you. "

Rosabella thanked him with a slight inclination of her graceful head;and Floracita, dimpling a quick little courtesy, said sportively, "Ifsome cruel Blue-Beard should shut us up in his castle, we will sendfor you. "

"How funny!" exclaimed the volatile child, as the door closed afterhim. "He spoke as solemn as a minister; but I suppose that's the waywith Yankees. I think _cher papa_ likes to preach sometimes. "

Rosabella, happening to glance at the window, saw that Alfred Kingpaused in the street and looked back. How their emotions would havedeepened could they have foreseen the future!

CHAPTER III. 

A year passed away, and the early Southern spring had again returnedwith flowers and fragrance. After a day in music and embroidery, withsundry games at Battledoor and The Graces with her sister, Floracitaheard the approaching footsteps of her father, and, as usual, boundedforth to meet him. Any one who had not seen him since he parted fromthe son of his early New England friend would have observed that helooked older and more careworn; but his daughters, accustomed to seehim daily, had not noticed the gradual change. 

"You have kept us waiting a little, Papasito, " said Rosabella, turninground on the music-stool, and greeting him with a smile. 

"Yes, my darling, " rejoined he, placing his hand fondly on her head. "Getting ready to go to Europe makes a deal of work. "

"If we were sons, we could help you, " said Rosabella. 

"I wish you _were_ sons!" answered he, with serious emphasis and adeep sigh. 

Floracita nestled close to him, and, looking up archly in his face, said, "And pray what would you do, papa, without your nightingale andyour fairy, as you call us?"

"Sure enough, what _should_ I do, my little flower?" said he, as witha loving smile he stooped to kiss her. 

They led him to the tea-table; and when the repast was ended, theybegan to talk over their preparations for leaving home. 

"_Cher papa_, how long before we shall go to Paris?" inquiredFloracita. 

"In two or three weeks, I hope, " was the reply. 

"Won't it be delightful!" exclaimed she. "You will take us to seeballets and everything. "

"When I am playing and singing fragments of operas, " said Rosabella, "I often think to myself how wonderfully beautiful they would sound, if all the parts were brought out by such musicians as they have inEurope. I should greatly enjoy hearing operas in Paris; but I oftenthink, Papasito, that we can never be so happy anywhere as we havebeen in this dear home. It makes me feel sad to leave all these prettythings, --so many of them--"

She hesitated, and glanced at her father. 

"So intimately associated with your dear mother, you were about tosay, " replied he. "That thought is often present with me, and the ideaof parting with them pains me to the heart. But I do not intend theyshall ever be handled by strangers. We will pack them carefully andleave them with Madame Guirlande; and when we get settled abroad, insome nice little cottage, we will send for them. But when you havebeen in Paris, when you have seen the world and the world has seenyou, perhaps you won't be contented to live in a cottage with your oldPapasito. Perhaps your heads will become so turned with flattery, thatyou will want to be at balls and operas all the time. "

"No flattery will be so sweet as yours, _cher papa_, " said Floracita. 

"No indeed!" exclaimed Rosa. But, looking up, she met his eye, andblushed crimson. She was conscious of having already listened toflattery that was at least more intoxicating than his. Her fathernoticed the rosy confusion, and felt a renewal of pain that unexpectedentanglements had prevented his going to Europe months ago. Hetenderly pressed her hand, that lay upon his knee, and looked at herwith troubled earnestness, as he said, "Now that you are going to makeacquaintance with the world, my daughters, and without a mother toguide you, I want you to promise me that you will never believe anygentleman sincere in professions of love, unless he proposes marriage, and asks my consent. "

Rosabella was obviously agitated, but she readily replied, "Do yousuppose, Papasito, that we would accept a lover without asking youabout it? When _Mamita querida_ died, she charged us to tell youeverything; and we always do. "

"I do not doubt you, my children, " he replied; "but the world is fullof snares; and sometimes they are so covered with flowers, that theinexperienced slip into them unawares. I shall try to shield you fromharm, as I always have done; but when I am gone--"

"O, don't say that!" exclaimed Floracita, with a quick, nervousmovement. 

And Rosabella looked at him with swimming eyes, as she repeated, "Don't say that, _Papasito querido_!"

He laid a hand on the head of each. His heart was very full. Withsolemn tenderness he tried to warn them of the perils of life. Butthere was much that he was obliged to refrain from saying, fromreverence for their inexperienced purity. And had he attempted todescribe the manners of a corrupt world, they could have had norealizing sense of his meaning; for it is impossible for youth tocomprehend the dangers of the road it is to travel. 

The long talk at last subsided into serious silence. After remainingvery still a few moments, Rosabella said softy, "Wouldn't you like tohear some music before you go to bed, _Papasito mio_?"

He nodded assent, and she moved to the piano. Their conversation hadproduced an unusually tender and subdued state of feeling, and shesang quietly many plaintive melodies that her mother loved. Thefountain trickling in the garden kept up a low liquid accompaniment, and the perfume of the orange-groves seemed like the fragrant breathof the tones. 

It was late when they parted for the night. "_Bon soir, cher papa_"said Floracita, kissing her father's hand. 

"_Buenas noches, Papasito querido_" said Rosabella, as she touched hischeek with her beautiful lips. 

There was moisture in his eyes as he folded them to his heart andsaid, "God bless you! God protect you, my dear ones!" Those melodiesof past times had brought their mother before him in all her lovingtrustfulness, and his soul was full of sorrow for the irreparablewrong he had done her children. 

The pensive mood, that had enveloped them all in a little cloud thepreceding evening, was gone in the morning. There was the usualbantering during breakfast, and after they rose from table theydiscussed in a lively manner various plans concerning their residencein France. Rosabella evidently felt much less pleasure in the prospectthan did her younger sister; and her father, conjecturing the reason, was the more anxious to expedite their departure. "I must not lingerhere talking, " said he. "I must go and attend to business; for thereare many things to be arranged before we can set out on our travels, "

"_Hasta luego, Papasito mio_" said Rosabella, with an affectionatesmile. 

"_Au revoir, cher papa_" said Floracita, as she handed him his hat. 

He patted her head playfully as he said, "What a polyglot family weare! Your grandfather's Spanish, your grandmother's French, and yourfather's English, all mixed up in an _olla podrida_. Good morning, mydarlings. "

Floracita skipped out on the piazza, calling after him, "Papa, what_is_ polyglot?"

He turned and shook his finger laughingly at her, as he exclaimed, "O, you little ignoramus!"

The sisters lingered on the piazza, watching him till he was out ofsight. When they re-entered the house, Floracita occupied herself withvarious articles of her wardrobe; consulting with Rosa whether anyalterations would be necessary before they were packed for France. It evidently cost Rosa some effort to attend to her innumerablequestions, for the incessant chattering disturbed her revery. Atevery interval she glanced round the room with a sort of farewelltenderness. It was more to her than the home of a happy childhood; fornearly all the familiar objects had become associated with glances andtones, the memory of which excited restless longings in her heart. Asshe stood gazing on the blooming garden and the little fountain, whosesparkling rills crossed each other in the sunshine like a silverynetwork strung with diamonds, she exclaimed, "O Floracita, we shallnever be so happy anywhere else as we have been here. "

"How do you know that, _sistita mia_?" rejoined the lively littlechatterer. "Only think, we have never been to a ball! And when we getto France, Papasito will go everywhere with us. He says he will. "

"I should like to hear operas and see ballets in Paris, " saidRosabella; "but I wish we could come back _here_ before long. "

Floracita's laughing eyes assumed the arch expression which renderedthem peculiarly bewitching, and she began to sing, --

 "Petit blanc, mon bon frère! Ha! ha! petit blanc si doux! Il n'y a rien sur la terre De si joli que vous. 

 "Un petit blanc que j'aime--"

A quick flush mantled her sister's face, and she put her hand over themischievous mouth, exclaiming, "Don't, Flora! don't!"

The roguish little creature went laughing and capering out of theroom, and her voice was still heard singing, --

 "Un petit blanc que j'aime. "

The arrival of Signor Papanti soon summoned her to rehearse a musiclesson. She glanced roguishly at her sister when she began; and as shewent on, Rosa could not help smiling at her musical antics. The oldteacher bore it patiently for a while, then he stopped trying toaccompany her, and, shaking his finger at her, said, "_Diavolessa_!"

"Did I make a false note?" asked she, demurely. 

"No, you little witch, you _can't_ make a false note. But how do yousuppose I can keep hold of the tail of the Air, if you send me chasingafter it through so many capricious variations? Now begin again, _dacapo_"

The lesson was recommenced, but soon ran riot again. The Signor becamered in the face, shut the music-book with a slam, and poured forth avolley of wrath in Italian, When she saw that he was really angry, sheapologized, and promised to do better. The third time of trying, sheacquitted herself so well that her teacher praised her; and whenshe bade him good morning, with a comic little courtesy, he smiledgood-naturedly, as he said, "_Ah, Malizietta_!"

"I knew I should make Signor Pimentero sprinkle some pepper, "exclaimed she, laughing, as she saw him walk away. 

"You are too fond of sobriquets, " said Rosa. "If you are not careful, you will call him Signor Pimentero to his face, some day. "

"What did you tell me _that_ for?" asked the little rogue. "It willjust make me do it. Now I am going to pester Madame's parrot. "

She caught up her large straw hat, with flying ribbons, and ran to thehouse of their next neighbor, Madame Guirlande. She was a French lady, who had given the girls lessons in embroidery, the manufacture ofartificial flowers, and other fancy-work. Before long, Floracitareturned through the garden, skipping over a jumping-rope. "This isa day of compliments, " said she, as she entered the parlor, "SignorPimentero called me _Diavolessa_; Madame Guirlande called me _Jolipetit diable_; and the parrot took it up, and screamed it after me, asI came away. "

"I don't wonder at it, " replied Rosa. "I think I never saw even you sofull of mischief. "

Her frolicsome mood remained through the day. One moment she assumedthe dignified manner of Rosabella, and, stretching herself to theutmost, she stood very erect, giving sage advice. The next, she wasimpersonating a negro preacher, one of Tulipa's friends. Hearing amocking-bird in the garden, she went to the window and taxed hispowers to the utmost, by running up and down difficult _roulades_, interspersed with the talk of parrots, the shrill fanfare of trumpets, and the deep growl of a contra-fagotto. The bird produced a grotesquefantasia in his efforts to imitate her. The peacock, as he strutted upand down the piazza, trailing his gorgeous plumage in the sunshine, ever and anon turned his glossy neck, and held up his ear to listen, occasionally performing his part in the _charivari_ by uttering aharsh scream. The mirthfulness of the little madcap was contagious, and not unfrequently the giggle of Tulipa and the low musical laugh ofRosabella mingled with the concert. 

Thus the day passed merrily away, till the gilded Flora that leanedagainst the timepiece pointed her wand toward the hour when theirfather was accustomed to return. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Floracita was still in the full career of fun, when footsteps wereheard approaching; and, as usual, she bounded forth to welcome herfather. Several men, bearing a palanquin on their shoulders, wereslowly ascending the piazza. She gave one glance at their burden, anduttered a shrill scream. Rosabella hastened to her in great alarm. Tulipa followed, and quickly comprehending that something terrible hadhappened, she hurried away to summon Madame Guirlande. Rosabella, paleand trembling, gasped out, "What has happened to my father?"

Franz Blumenthal, a favorite clerk of Mr. Royal's, replied, in a low, sympathizing tone, "He was writing letters in the counting-room thisafternoon, and when I went in to speak to him, I found him on thefloor senseless. We called a doctor immediately, but he failed torestore him. "

"O, call another doctor!" said Rosa, imploringly; and Floracita almostshrieked, "Tell me where to _go_ for a doctor. "

"We have already summoned one on the way, " said young Blumenthal, "butI will go to hasten him";--and, half blinded by his tears, he hurriedinto the street. 

The doctor came in two minutes, and yet it seemed an age. Meanwhilethe wretched girls were chafing their father's cold hands, and holdingsal-volatile to his nose, while Madame Guirlande and Tulipa werepreparing hot water and hot cloths. When the physician arrived, theywatched his countenance anxiously, while he felt the pulse and laidhis hand upon the heart. After a while he shook his head and said, "Nothing can be done. He is dead. "

Rosabella fell forward, fainting, on the body. Floracita utteredshriek upon shriek, while Madame Guirlande and Tulipa vainly tried topacify her. The doctor at last persuaded her to swallow some valerian, and Tulipa carried her in her arms and laid her on the bed. MadameGuirlande led Rosa away, and the two sisters lay beside each other, onthe same pillows where they had dreamed such happy dreams the nightbefore. Floracita, stunned by the blow that had fallen on her sosuddenly, and rendered drowsy by the anodyne she had taken, soon fellinto an uneasy slumber, broken by occasional starts and stifled sobs. Rosabella wept silently, but now and then a shudder passed over her, that showed how hard she was struggling with grief. After a shorttime, Flora woke up bewildered. A lamp was burning in the farther partof the room, and Madame Guirlande, who sat there in spectacles andruffled cap, made a grotesque black shadow on the wall. Floracitastarted up, screaming, "What is that?" Madame Guirlande went to her, and she and Rosa spoke soothingly, and soon she remembered all. 

"O, let me go home with _you_" she said to Madame "I am afraid to stayhere. "

"Yes, my children, " replied the good Frenchwoman. "You had better bothgo home and stay with me to-night. "

"I cannot go away and leave _him_ alone, " murmured Rosa, in tonesalmost inaudible. 

"Franz Blumenthal is going to remain here, " replied Madame Guirlande, "and Tulipa has offered to sit up all night. It is much better for youto go with me than to stay here, my children. "

Thus exhorted, they rose and began to make preparations for departure. But all at once the tender good-night of the preceding evening rushedon Rosa's memory, and she sank down in a paroxysm of grief. Afterweeping bitterly for some minutes, she sobbed out, "O, this is worsethan it was when Mamita died. Papasito was so tender with us then; andnow we are _all_ alone. "

"Not all alone, " responded Madame. "Jesus and the Blessed Virgin arewith you. "

"O, I don't know where _they_ are!" exclaimed Flora, in tones of wildagony. "I want my Papasito! I want to die and go to my Papasito. "

Rosabella folded her in her arms, and they mingled their tearstogether, as she whispered: "Let us try to be tranquil, Sistita. Wemust not be troublesome to our kind friend. I did wrong to say we wereall alone. We have always a Father in heaven, and he still spares usto love each other. Perhaps, too, our dear Papasito is watching overus. You know he used to tell us Mamita had become our guardian angel. "

Floracita kissed her, and pressed her hand in silence. Then they madepreparations to go with their friendly neighbor; all stepping verysoftly, as if afraid of waking the beloved sleeper. 

The sisters had lived in such extreme seclusion, that when sorrow cameupon them, like the sudden swoop and swift destruction of a tropicalstorm, they had no earthly friend to rely upon but Madame Guirlande. Only the day before, they had been so rich in love, that, had shepassed away from the earth, it would have made no distressing changein their existence. They would have said, "Poor Madame Guirlande! Shewas a good soul. How patient she used to be with us!" and after a dayor two, they would have danced and sung the same as ever. But one dayhad so beggared them in affection, that they leaned upon her as theironly earthly support. 

After an almost untasted breakfast, they all went back to thedesolated home. The flowery parlor seemed awfully lonesome. The pianowas closed, the curtains drawn, and their father's chair was placedagainst the wall. The murmur of the fountain sounded as solemn as adirge, and memories filled the room like a troop of ghosts. Hand inhand, the bereaved ones went to kiss the lips that would speak to themno more in this world. They knelt long beside the bed, and pouredforth their breaking hearts in prayer. They rose up soothed andstrengthened, with the feeling that their dear father and mother werestill near them. They found a sad consolation in weaving garlands andflowery crosses, which they laid on the coffin with tender reverence. 

When the day of the funeral came, Madame Guirlande kept them very nearher, holding a hand of each. She had provided them with long veils, which she requested them not to remove; for she remembered howanxiously their father had screened their beauty from the public gaze. A number of merchants, who had known and respected Mr. Royal, followedhis remains to the grave. Most of them had heard of his quadroonconnection, and some supposed that the veiled mourners might be hisdaughters; but such things were too common to excite remark, or toawaken much interest. The girls passed almost unnoticed; having, outof respect to the wishes of their friend, stifled their sobs till theywere alone in the carriage with her and their old music-teacher. 

The conviction that he was not destined to long life, which Mr. Royalhad expressed to Alfred King, was founded on the opinion of physiciansthat his heart was diseased. This furnished an additional motive forclosing his business as soon as possible, and taking his children toFrance. But the failure of several houses with which he was connectedbrought unexpected entanglements. Month by month, these became morecomplicated, and necessarily delayed the intended emigration. Hisanxiety concerning his daughters increased to an oppressive degree, and aggravated the symptoms of his disease. With his habitual desireto screen them from everything unpleasant, he unwisely concealed fromthem both his illness and his pecuniary difficulties. He knew he couldno longer be a rich man; but he still had hope of saving enough of hisfortune to live in a moderate way in some cheap district of France. But on the day when he bade his daughters good morning so cheerfully, he received a letter informing him of another extensive failure, whichinvolved him deeply. He was alone in his counting-room when he readit; and there Franz Blumenthal found him dead, with the letter in hishand. His sudden exit of course aroused the vigilance of creditors, and their examination into the state of his affairs proved anythingbut satisfactory. 

The sisters, unconscious of all this, were undisturbed by any anxietyconcerning future support. The necessity of living without theirfather's love and counsel weighed heavily on their spirits; butconcerning his money they took no thought. Hitherto they had livedas the birds do, and it did not occur to them that it could ever beotherwise. The garden and the flowery parlor, which their mother hadcreated and their father had so dearly loved, seemed almost as much aportion of themselves as their own persons. It had been hard to thinkof leaving them, even for the attractions of Paris; and now _that_dream was over, it seemed a necessity of their existence to live on inthe atmosphere of beauty to which they had always been accustomed. Butnow that the sunshine of love had vanished from it, they felt lonelyand unprotected there. They invited Madame Guirlande to come and livewith them on what terms she chose; and when she said there ought to besome elderly man in the house, they at once suggested inviting theirmusic-teacher. Madame, aware of the confidence Mr. Royal had alwaysplaced in him, thought it was the best arrangement that could be made, at least for the present. While preparations were being made to effectthis change, her proceedings were suddenly arrested by tidings thatthe house and furniture were to be sold at auction, to satisfy thedemands of creditors. She kept back the unwelcome news from the girls, while she held long consultations with Signor Papanti. He declaredhis opinion that Rosabella could make a fortune by her voice, andFloracita by dancing. 

"But then they are so young, " urged Madame, --"one only sixteen, theother only fourteen. "

"Youth is a disadvantage one soon outgrows, " replied the Signor. "Theycan't make fortunes immediately, of course; but they can earn a livingby giving lessons. I will try to open a way for them, and the sooneryou prepare them for it the better. "

Madame dreaded the task of disclosing their poverty, but she found itless painful than she had feared. They had no realizing sense of whatit meant, and rather thought that giving lessons would be a pleasantmode of making time pass less heavily. Madame, who fully understoodthe condition of things, kept a watchful lookout for their interests. Before an inventory was taken, she gathered up and hid away manytrifling articles which would be useful to them, though of little orno value to the creditors. Portfolios of music, patterns for drawings, boxes of paint and crayons, baskets of chenille for embroidery, and avariety of other things, were safely packed away out of sight, withoutthe girls' taking any notice of her proceedings. 

During her father's lifetime, Floracita was so continually whirlinground in fragmentary dances, that he often told her she rested on herfeet less than a humming-bird. But after he was gone, she remainedvery still from morning till night. When Madame spoke to her ofthe necessity of giving dancing-lessons, it suggested the idea ofpractising. But she felt that she could not dance where she had beenaccustomed to dance before _him_; and she had not the heart to askRosa to play for her. She thought she would try, in the solitude ofher chamber, how it would seem to give dancing-lessons. But withoutmusic, and without a spectator, it seemed so like the ghost of dancingthat after a few steps the poor child threw herself on the bed andsobbed. 

Rosa did not open the piano for several days after the funeral; butone morning, feeling as if it would be a relief to pour forth thesadness that oppressed her, she began to play languidly. Only requiemsand prayers came. Half afraid of summoning an invisible spirit, shesoftly touched the keys to "The Light of other Days. " But rememberingit was the very last tune she ever played to her father, she leanedher head forward on the instrument, and wept bitterly. 

While she sat thus the door-bell rang, and she soon became consciousof steps approaching the parlor. Her heart gave a sudden leap; for herfirst thought was of Gerald Fitzgerald. She raised her head, wipedaway her tears, and rose to receive the visitor. Three strangersentered. She bowed to them, and they, with a little look of surprise, bowed to her. "What do you wish for, gentlemen?" she asked. 

"We are here concerning the settlement of Mr. Royal's estate, " repliedone of them. "We have been appointed to take an inventory of thefurniture. "

While he spoke, one of his companions was inspecting the piano, to seewho was the maker, and another was examining the timepiece. 

It was too painful; and Rosa, without trusting herself to speakanother word, walked quietly out of the room, the gathering moisturein her eyes making it difficult for her to guide her steps. 

"Is that one of the daughters we have heard spoken of?" inquired oneof the gentlemen. 

"I judge so, " rejoined his companion. "What a royal beauty she is!Good for three thousand, I should say. "

"More likely five thousand, " added the third. "Such a fancy article asthat don't appear in the market once in fifty years. "

"Look here!" said the first speaker. "Do you see that pretty littlecreature crossing the garden? I reckon that's the other daughter. "

"They'll bring high prices, " continued the third speaker. "They'rethe best property Royal has left. We may count them eight or tenthousand, at least. Some of our rich fanciers would jump at the chanceof obtaining _one_ of them for that price. " As he spoke, he lookedsignificantly at the first speaker, who refrained from expressing anyopinion concerning their pecuniary value. 

All unconscious of the remarks she had elicited, Rosa retired to herchamber, where she sat at the window plunged in mournful revery. She was thinking of various articles her mother had painted andembroidered, and how her father had said he could not bear the thoughtof their being handled by strangers. Presently Floracita came runningin, saying, in a flurried way, "Who are those men down stairs, Rosa?"

"I don't know who they are, " replied her sister. "They said they cameto take an inventory of the furniture. I don't know what right theyhave to do it. I wish Madame would come. "

"I will run and call her, " said Floracita. 

"No, you had better stay with me, " replied Rosa. "I was just going tolook for you when you came in. "

"I ran into the parlor first, thinking you were there, " rejoinedFloracita. "I saw one of those men turning over Mamita's embroideredottoman, and chalking something on it. How dear papa would have feltif he had seen it! One of them looked at me in such a strange way! Idon't know what he meant; but it made me want to run away in a minute. Hark! I do believe they have come up stairs, and are in papa's room. They won't come here, will they?"

"Bolt the door!" exclaimed Rosa; and it was quickly done. They satfolded in each other's arms, very much afraid, though they knew notwherefore. 

"Ah!" said Rosa, with a sigh of relief, "there is Madame coming. " Sheleaned out of the window, and beckoned to her impatiently. 

Her friend hastened her steps; and when she heard of the strangers whowere in the house, she said, "You had better go home with me, and staythere till they are gone. "

"What are they going to do?" inquired Floracita. 

"I will tell you presently, " replied Madame, as she led themnoiselessly out of the house by a back way. 

When they entered her own little parlor, the parrot called out, "_Jolipetit diable_!" and after waiting for the old familiar response, "_Bonjour, jolie Manon_!" she began to call herself "_Jolie Manon_!" and tosing, "_Ha! ha! petit blanc, mon bon frère_!" The poor girls had noheart for play; and Madame considerately silenced the noisy bird byhanging a cloth over the cage. 

"My dear children, " said she, "I would gladly avoid telling youanything calculated to make you more unhappy. But you _must_ know thestate of things sooner or later, and it is better that a friend shouldtell you. Your father owed money to those men, and they are seeingwhat they can find to sell in order to get their pay. "

"Will they sell the table and boxes Mamita painted, and the ottomansshe embroidered?" inquired Rosa, anxiously. 

"Will they sell the piano that papa gave to Rosa for a birthdaypresent?" asked Flora. 

"I am afraid they will, " rejoined Madame. 

The girls covered their faces and groaned. 

"Don't be so distressed, my poor children, " said their sympathizingfriend. "I have been trying to save a little something for you. Seehere!" And she brought forth some of the hidden portfolios and boxes, saying, "These will be of great use to you, my darlings, in helpingyou to earn your living, and they would bring almost nothing atauction. "

They thanked their careful friend for her foresight. But when shebrought forward their mother's gold watch and diamond ring, Rosa said, "I would rather not keep such expensive things, dear friend. You knowour dear father was the soul of honor. It would have troubled himgreatly not to pay what he owed. I would rather have the ring and thewatch sold to pay his debts. "

"I will tell the creditors what you say, " answered Madame, "and theywill be brutes if they don't let you keep your mother's things. Yourfather owed Signor Papanti a little bill, and he says he will try toget the table and boxes, and some other things, in payment, and thenyou shall have them all. You will earn enough to buy another piano byand by, and you can use mine, you know; so don't be discouraged, mypoor children. "

"God has been very good to us to raise us up such friends as you andthe Signor, " replied Rosa. "You don't know how it comforts me to haveyou call us your children, for without you we should be all alone inthe world. "

CHAPTER V. 

Such sudden reverses, such overwhelming sorrows, mature characterswith wonderful rapidity. Rosa, though formed by nature and habit tocling to others, soon began to form plans for future support. Herinexperienced mind foresaw few of the difficulties involved in thecareer her friends had suggested. She merely expected to study andwork hard; but that seemed a trifle, if she could avoid for herselfand her sister the publicity which their father had so much dreaded. 

Floracita, too, seemed like a tamed bird. She was sprightly as ever inher motions, and quick in her gestures; but she would sit patiently ather task of embroidery, hour after hour, without even looking up toanswer the noisy challenges of the parrot. Sometimes the sisters, while they worked, sang together the hymns they had been accustomedto sing with their father on Sundays; and memory of the missing voiceimparted to their tones a pathos that no mere skill could imitate. 

One day, when they were thus occupied, the door-bell rang, and theyheard a voice, which they thought they recognized, talking withMadame. It was Franz Blumenthal. "I have come to bring some smallarticles for the young ladies, " said he. "A week before my bestfriend died, a Frenchwoman came to the store, and wished to sell somefancy-baskets. She said she was a poor widow; and Mr. Royal, whowas always kind and generous, commissioned her to make two of herhandsomest baskets, and embroider the names of his daughters on them. She has placed them in my hands to-day, and I have brought them myselfin order to explain the circumstances. "

"Are they paid for?" inquired Madame. 

"I have paid for them, " replied the young man, blushing deeply; "butplease not to inform the young ladies of that circumstance. And, Madame, I have a favor to ask of you. Here are fifty dollars. I wantyou to use them for the young ladies without their knowledge; and Ishould like to remit to you half my wages every month for the samepurpose. When Mr. Royal was closing business, he wrote several lettersof recommendation for me, and addressed them to well-establishedmerchants. I feel quite sure of getting a situation where I can earnmore than I need for myself. "

"_Bon garçon_!" exclaimed Madame, patting him on the shoulder. "I willborrow the fifty dollars; but I trust we shall be able to pay youbefore many months. "

"It will wound my feelings if you ever offer to repay me, " replied theyoung man. "My only regret is, that I cannot just now do any more forthe daughters of my best friend and benefactor, who did so much for mewhen I was a poor, destitute boy. But would it be asking too great afavor, Madame, to be allowed to see the young ladies, and place intheir hands these presents from their father?"

Madame Guirlande smiled as she thought to herself, "What is he but aboy now? He grows tall though. "

When she told her _protégées_ that Franz Blumenthal had a messagehe wished to deliver to them personally, Rosa said, "Please go andreceive it, Sistita. I had rather not leave my work. "

Floracita glanced at the mirror, smoothed her hair a little, arrangedher collar, and went out. The young clerk was awaiting her appearancewith a good deal of trepidation. He had planned a very nice littlespeech to make; but before he had stammered out all the story aboutthe baskets, he saw an expression in Flora's face which made him feelthat it was indelicate to intrude upon her emotion; and he hurriedaway, scarcely hearing her choked voice as she said, "I thank you. "

Very reverently the orphans opened the box which contained theposthumous gifts of their beloved father. The baskets weremanufactured with exquisite taste. They were lined with quilledapple-green satin. Around the outside of one was the name of Rosabellaembroidered in flowers, and an embroidered garland of roses formed thehandle. The other bore the name of Floracita in minute flowers, andthe handle was formed of _Pensées vivaces_. They turned them roundslowly, unable to distinguish the colors through their swimming tears. 

"How like Papasito, to be so kind to the poor woman, and so thoughtfulto please us, " said Rosabella. "But he was always so. "

"And he must have told her what flowers to put on the baskets, " saidFloracita. "You know Mamita often called me _Pensée vivace_. O, therenever _was_ such a Papasito!"

Notwithstanding the sadness that invested tokens coming as it werefrom the dead, they inspired a consoling consciousness of hispresence; and their work seemed pleasanter all the day for havingtheir little baskets by them. 

The next morning witnessed a private conference between Madame and theSignor. If any one had seen them without hearing their conversation, he would certainly have thought they were rehearsing some verypassionate scene in a tragedy. 

The fiery Italian rushed up and down the room, plucking his hair;while the Frenchwoman ever and anon threw up her hands, exclaiming, "_Mon Dieu! Mon Dieu_!"

When the violence of their emotions had somewhat abated, Madame said, "Signor, there must be some mistake about this. It cannot be true. Mr. Royal would never have left things in such a way. "

"At your request, " replied the Signor, "I went to one of thecreditors, to ask whether Mr. Royal's family could not be allowed tokeep their mother's watch and jewels. He replied that Mr. Royalleft no family; that his daughters were slaves, and, being propertythemselves, they could legally hold no property. I was so sure myfriend Royal would not have left things in such a state, that I toldhim he lied, and threatened to knock him down. He out with his pistol;but when I told him I had left mine at home, he said I must settlewith him some other time, unless I chose to make an apology. I toldhim I would do so whenever I was convinced that his statement wastrue. I was never more surprised than when he told me that MadameRoyal was a slave. I knew she was a quadroon, and I supposed she was a_placés_, as so many of the quadroons are. But now it seems that Mr. Royal bought her of her father; and he, good, easy man, neglected tomanumit her. He of course knew that by law 'the child follows thecondition of the mother, ' but I suppose it did not occur to him thatthe daughters of so rich a man as he was could ever be slaves. At allevents, he neglected to have manumission papers drawn till it was toolate; for his property had become so much involved that he no longerhad a legal right to convey any of it away from creditors. "

Madame swung back and forth in the vehemence of her agitation, exclaiming, "What _is_ to be done? What _is_ to be done?"

The Italian strode up and down the room, clenching his fist, andtalking rapidly. "To think of that Rosabella!" exclaimed he, --"agirl that would grace any throne in Europe! To think of _her_ on theauction-stand, with a crowd of low-bred rascals staring at her, andrich libertines, like that Mr. Bruteman--Pah! I can't endure to thinkof it. How like a satyr he looked while he was talking to me abouttheir being slaves. It seems he got sight of them when they took aninventory of the furniture. And that handsome little witch, Floracita, whom her father loved so tenderly, to think of her being bid off tosome such filthy wretch! But they sha'n't have 'em! They sha'n't have'em! I swear I'll shoot any man that comes to take 'em. " He wiped theperspiration from his forehead, and rushed round like a tiger in acage. 

"My friend, " replied Madame, "they have the law on their side; and ifyou try to resist, you will get yourself into trouble without doingthe girls any good. I'll tell you what we must do. We must disguisethem, and send them to the North. "

"Send them to the North!" exclaimed the Italian. "Why, they'd no moreknow how to get there than a couple of kittens. "

"Then I must go with them, " replied Madame; "and they must be got outof this house before another day; for now that we know of it, we shallbe watched. "

The impetuous Italian shook her hand cordially. "You have a braveheart, Madame, " said he. "I should rather march up to the cannon'smouth than tell them such news as this. "

The bewildered Frenchwoman felt the same dread of the task before her;but she bravely said, "What _must_ be done, _can_ be done. "

After some further talk with the Signor concerning ways and means, she bade him good morning, and sat still for a moment to collect herthoughts. She then proceeded to the apartment assigned to the orphans. They were occupied with a piece of embroidery she had promised tosell for them. She looked at the work, praised the exactness of thestitches and the tasteful shading of the flowers; but while shepointed out the beauties of the pattern, her hand and voice trembled. 

Rosabella noticed it, and, looking up, said, "What troubles you, dearfriend?"

"O, this is a world of trouble, " replied Madame, "and you have hadsuch a storm beating on your young heads, that I wonder you keep yoursenses. "

"I don't know as we could, " said Rosa, "if the good God had not givenus such a friend as you. "

"If any _new_ trouble should come, I trust you will try to keep upbrave hearts, my children, " rejoined Madame. 

"I don't know of any new trouble that _can_ come to us now, " saidRosa, "unless you should be taken from us, as our father was. It seemsas if everything else had happened that _could_ happen. "

"O, there are worse things than having _me_ die, " replied Madame. 

Floracita had paused with her thread half drawn through her work, andwas looking earnestly at the troubled countenance of their friend. "Madame, " exclaimed she, "something has happened. What is it?"

"I will tell you, " said Madame, "if you will promise not to screamor faint, and will try to keep your wits collected, so as to help methink what is best to be done. "

They promised; and, watching her countenance with an expression ofwonder and anxiety, they waited to hear what she had to communicate. "My dear children, " said she, "I have heard something that willdistress you very much. Something neither you nor I ever suspected. Your mother was a slave. "

"_Our_ mother a slave!" exclaimed Rosa, coloring vehemently. "_Whose_slave could she be, when she was Papasito's wife, and he loved her so?It is impossible, Madame. "

"Your father bought her when she was very young, my dear; but I knowvery well that no wife was ever loved better than she was. "

"But she always lived with her own father till she married papa, " saidFloracita. "How then _could_ she be his slave?"

"Her father got into trouble about money, my dear; and he sold her. "

"Our Grandpapa Gonsalez sold his daughter!" exclaimed Rosa. "Howincredible! Dear friend, I wonder you can believe such things. "

"The world is full of strange things, my child, --stranger thananything you ever read in story-books. "

"If she was only Papasito's slave, " said Flora, "I don't think Mamitafound _that_ any great hardship. "

"She did not, my dear. I don't suppose she ever thought of it; but agreat misfortune has grown out of it. "

"What is it?" they both asked at once. 

Their friend hesitated. "Remember, you have promised to be calm, " saidshe. "I presume you don't know that, by the laws of Louisiana, 'thechild follows the condition of the mother. ' The consequence is, that_you_ are slaves, and your father's creditors claim a right to sellyou. "

Rosabella turned very pale, and the hand with which she clutched achair trembled violently. But she held her head erect, and her lookand tone were very proud, as she exclaimed, "_We_ become slaves! Iwill die rather. "

Floracita, unable to comprehend this new misfortune, looked from oneto the other in a bewildered way. Nature had written mirthfulness inthe shape of her beautiful eyes, which now contrasted strangely withtheir startled and sad expression. 

The kind-hearted Frenchwoman bustled about the room, moving chairs, and passing her handkerchief over boxes, while she tried hard toswallow the emotions that choked her utterance. Having conquered inthe struggle, she turned toward them, and said, almost cheerfully:"There's no need of dying, my children. Perhaps your old friend canhelp you out of this trouble. We must disguise ourselves as gentlemen, and start for the North this very evening. "

Floracita looked at her sister, and said, hesitatingly: "Couldn't youwrite to Mr. Fitzgerald, and ask _him_ to come here? Perhaps he couldhelp us. "

Rosa's cheeks glowed, as she answered proudly: "Do you think I would_ask_ him to come? I wouldn't do such a thing if we were as rich andhappy as we were a little while ago; and certainly I wouldn't do itnow. "

"There spoke Grandpa Gonsalez!" said Madame. "How grand the oldgentleman used to look, walking about so erect, with his gold-headedcane! But we must go to work in a hurry, my children. Signor Papantihas promised to send the disguises, and we must select and pack suchthings as it is absolutely necessary we should carry. I am sorry nowthat Tulee is let out in the city, for we need her help. 

"She must go with us, " said Flora. "I can't leave Tulee. "

"We must do as we can, " replied Madame. "In this emergency we can't doas we would. _We_ are all white, and if we can get a few miles fromhere, we shall have no further trouble. But if we had a negro withus, it would lead to questions, perhaps. Besides, we haven't time todisguise her and instruct her how to perform her part. The Signor willbe a good friend to her; and as soon as we can earn some money, wewill send and buy her. "

"But where can we go when we get to the North?" asked Rosa. 

"I will tell you, " said Floracita. "Don't you remember that Mr. Kingfrom Boston, who came to see us a year ago? His father was papa's bestfriend, you know; and when he went away, he told us if ever we were introuble, to apply to him, as if he were our brother. "

"Did he?" said Madame. "That lets in a gleam of light. I heard yourfather say he was a very good young man, and rich. "

"But Papasito said, some months ago, that Mr. King had gone to Europewith his mother, on account of her health, " replied Rosa. "Besides, if he were at home, it would be very disagreeable to go to a younggentleman as beggars and runaways, when he was introduced to us asladies. "

"You must put your pride in your pocket for the present, SeñoritaGonsalez, " said Madame, playfully touching her under the chin. "Ifthis Mr. King is absent, I will write to him. They say there is a manin Boston, named William Lloyd Garrison, who takes great interest inslaves. We will tell him our story, and ask him about Mr. King. I didthink of stopping awhile with relatives in New York. But it would beinconvenient for them, and they might not like it. This plan pleasesme better. To Boston we will go. The Signor has gone to ask my cousin, Mr. Duroy, to come here and see to the house. When I have placed yousafely, I will come back slyly to my cousin's house, a few miles fromhere, and with his help I will settle up my affairs. Then I willreturn to you, and we will all go to some secure place and livetogether. I never starved yet, and I don't believe I ever shall. "

The orphans clung to her, and kissed her hands, as they said: "Howkind you are to us, dear friend! What shall we ever do to repay you?"

"Your father and mother were generous friends to me, " replied Madame;"and now their children are in trouble, I will not forsake them. "

As the good lady was to leave her apartments for an indefinite time, there was much to be done and thought of, beside the necessary packingfor the journey. The girls tried their best to help her, but they werecontinually proposing to carry something because it was a keepsakefrom Mamita or Papasito. 

"This is no time for sentiment, my children, " said Madame. "We mustnot take anything we can possibly do without. Bless my soul, theregoes the bell! What if it should be one of those dreadful creditorscome here to peep and pry? Run to your room, my children, and bolt thedoor. "

A moment afterward, she appeared before them smiling, and said: "Therewas no occasion for being so frightened, but I am getting nervous withall this flurry. Come back again, dears. It is only Franz Blumenthal. "

"What, come again?" asked Rosa. "Please go, Floracita, and I will comedirectly, as soon as I have gathered up these things that we mustcarry. "

The young German blushed like a girl as he offered two bouquets, oneof heaths and orange-buds, the other of orange-blossoms and fragrantgeraniums; saying as he did so, "I have taken the liberty to bringsome flowers, Miss Floracita. "

"My name is Miss Royal, sir, " she replied, trying to increase herstature to the utmost. It was an unusual caprice in one whose naturewas so childlike and playful; but the recent knowledge that she was aslave had made her, for the first time, jealous of her dignity. Shetook it into her head that he knew the humiliating fact, and presumedupon it. 

But the good lad was as yet unconscious of this new trouble, and theunexpected rebuke greatly surprised him. Though her slight figure andjuvenile face made her attempt at majesty somewhat comic, it was quitesufficient to intimidate the bashful youth; and he answered, verymeekly: "Pardon me, Miss Royal. Floracita is such a very pretty name, and I have always liked it so much, that I spoke it before I thought. "

The compliment disarmed her at once; and with one of her winningsmiles, and a quick little courtesy, she said: "Do you think it's apretty name? You _may_ call me Floracita, if you like it so much. "

"I think it is the prettiest name in the world, " replied he. "I usedto like to hear your mother say it. She said everything so sweetly! Doyou remember she used to call me Florimond when I was a little boy, because, she said, my face was so florid? Now I always write my nameFranz Florimond Blumenthal, in memory of her. "

"I will always call you Florimond, just as Mamita did, " said she. 

Their very juvenile _tête-à-tête_ was interrupted by the entrance ofMadame with Rosa, who thanked him graciously for her portion of theflowers, and told him her father was so much attached to him that sheshould always think of him as a brother. 

He blushed crimson as he thanked her, and went away with a very warmfeeling at his heart, thinking Floracita a prettier name than ever, and happily unconscious that he was parting from her. 

He had not been gone long when the bell rang again, and the girlsagain hastened to hide themselves. Half an hour elapsed without theirseeing or hearing anything of Madame; and they began to be extremelyanxious lest something unpleasant was detaining her. But she came atlast, and said, "My children, the Signor wants to speak to you. "

They immediately descended to the sitting-room, where they found theSignor looking down and slowly striking the ivory head of his caneagainst his chin, as he was wont to do when buried in profoundthought. He rose as they entered, and Rosa said, with one of hersweetest smiles, "What is it you wish, dear friend?" He dropped a thincloak from his shoulders and removed his hat, which brought away agrizzled wig with it, and Mr. Fitzgerald stood smiling before them. 

The glad surprise excited by this sudden realization of a latent hopeput maidenly reserve to flight, and Rosa dropped on her knees beforehim, exclaiming, "O Gerald, save us!"

He raised her tenderly, and, imprinting a kiss on her forehead, said:"Save you, my precious Rose? To be sure I will. That's what I camefor. "

"And me too, " said Flora, clinging to him, and hiding her face underhis arm. 

"Yes, and you too, mischievous fairy, " replied he, giving her a lessceremonious kiss than he had bestowed on her sister. "But we must talkfast, for there is a great deal to be done in a short time. I wasunfortunately absent from home, and did not receive the letterinforming me of your good father's death so soon as I should otherwisehave done. I arrived in the city this morning, but have been too busymaking arrangements for your escape to come here any earlier. TheSignor and I have done the work of six during the last few hours. The creditors are not aware of my acquaintance with you, and I haveassumed this disguise to prevent them from discovering it. The Signorhas had a talk with Tulee, and told her to keep very quiet, and nottell any mortal that she ever saw me at your father's house. A passagefor you and Madame is engaged on board a vessel bound to Nassau, which will sail at midnight. Soon, after I leave this house, Madame'scousin, Mr. Duroy, will come with two boys. You and Madame will assumetheir dresses, and they will put on some clothes the Signor hasalready sent, in such boxes as Madame is accustomed to receive, fullof materials for her flowers. All, excepting ourselves, will supposeyou have gone North, according to the original plan, in order thatthey may swear to that effect if they are brought to trial. When I goby the front of the house whistling _Ça ira_, you will pass throughthe garden to the street in the rear, where you will find my servantwith a carriage, which will convey you three miles, to the house ofone of my friends. I will come there in season to accompany you onboard the ship. "

"O, how thoughtful and how kind you are!" exclaimed Rosa. "But can'twe contrive some way to take poor Tulee with us?"

"It would be imprudent, " he replied. "The creditors must be allowed tosell her. She knows it, but she has my assurance that I will take goodcare of her. No harm shall come to Tulee, I promise you. I cannot gowith you to Nassau; because, if I do, the creditors may suspect myparticipation in the plot. I shall stay in New Orleans a week or tendays, then return to Savannah, and take an early opportunity to sailfor Nassau, by the way of New York. Meanwhile, I will try to managematters so that Madame can safely return to her house. Then we willdecide where to make a happy home for ourselves. "

The color forsook Rosa's cheeks, and her whole frame quivered, as shesaid, "I thank you, Gerald, for all this thoughtful care; but I cannotgo to Nassau, --indeed I cannot!"

"Cannot go!" exclaimed he. "Where _will_ you go, then?"

"Before you came, Madame had made ready to take us to Boston, youknow. We will go there with her. "

"Rosa, do you distrust me?" said he reproachfully. "Do you doubt mylove?"

"I do not distrust you, " she replied; "but"--she looked down, andblushed deeply as she added--"but I promised my father that I wouldnever leave home with any gentleman unless I was married to him. "

"But, Rosa dear, your father did not foresee such a state of thingsas this. Everything is arranged, and there is no time to lose. If youknew all that I know, you would see the necessity of leaving this citybefore to-morrow. "

"I cannot go with you, " she repeated in tones of the deepestdistress, --"I _cannot_ go with you, for I promised my dear father thenight before he died. "

He looked at her for an instant, and then, drawing her close to him, he said: "It shall be just as you wish, darling. I will bring aclergyman to the house of my friend, and we will be married before yousail. "

Rosa, without venturing to look up, said, in a faltering tone: "Icannot bear to bring degradation upon you, Gerald. It seems wrong totake advantage of your generous forgetfulness of yourself. When youfirst told me you loved me, you did not know I was an octoroon, anda--slave. "

"I knew your mother was a quadroon, " he replied; "and as for the rest, no circumstance can degrade _you_, my Rose Royal. "

"But if your plan should not succeed, how ashamed you would feel tohave us seized!" said she. 

"It _will_ succeed, dearest. But even if it should not, you shallnever be the property of any man but myself. "

"_Property_!"! she exclaimed in the proud Gonsalez tone, striving towithdraw herself from his embrace. 

He hastened to say: "Forgive me, Rosabella. I am so intoxicated withhappiness that I cannot be careful of my words. I merely meant toexpress the joyful feeling that you would be surely mine, whollymine. "

While they were talking thus, Floracita had glided out of the room tocarry the tidings to Madame. The pressure of misfortune had been soheavy upon her, that, now it was lifted a little, her elastic spiritrebounded with a sudden spring, and she felt happier than she had everthought of being since her father died. In the lightness of her heartshe began to sing, "_Petit blanc, mon bon frère_!" but she stopped atthe first line, for she recollected how her father had checked her inthe midst of that frisky little song; and now that she knew they wereoctoroons, she partly comprehended why it had been disagreeable tohim. But the gayety that died out of her voice passed into her steps. She went hopping and jumping up to Madame, exclaiming: "What do youthink is going to happen now? Rosabella is going to be married rightoff. What a pity she can't be dressed like a bride! She would look sohandsome in white satin and pearls, and a great lace veil! But hereare the flowers Florimond brought so opportunely. I will put theorange-buds in her hair, and she shall have a bouquet in her hand. "

"She will look handsome in anything, " rejoined Madame. "But tell meabout it, little one. "

After receiving Flora's answers to a few brief questions, shestationed herself within sight of the outer door, that she might askFitzgerald for more minute directions concerning what they were to do. He very soon made his appearance, again disguised as the Signor. 

After a hurried consultation, Madame said: "I do hope nothing willhappen to prevent our getting off safely. Rosabella has so muchSpanish pride, I verily believe she would stab herself rather than goon the auction-stand. "

"Heavens and earth! don't speak of that!" exclaimed he, impetuously. "Do you suppose I would allow my beautiful rose to be trampled byswine. If we fail, I will buy them if it costs half my fortune. But weshall _not_ fail. Don't let the girls go out of the door till you hearthe signal. "

"No danger of that, " she replied. "Their father always kept them likewax flowers under a glass cover. They are as timid as hares. " Beforeshe finished the words, he was gone. 

Rosabella remained where he had left her, with her head bowed on thetable. Floracita was nestling by her side, pouring forth her girlishcongratulations. Madame came in, saying, in her cheerly way: "So youare going to be married to night! Bless my soul, how the world whirlsround!"

"Isn't God _very_ good to us?" asked Rosa, looking up. "How noble andkind Mr. Fitzgerald is, to wish to marry me now that everything is sochanged!"

"_You_ are not changed, darling, " she replied; "except that I thinkyou are a little better, and that seemed unnecessary. But you must bethinking, my children, whether everything is in readiness. "

"He told us we were not to go till evening, and it isn't dark yet, "said Floracita. "Couldn't we go into Papasito's garden one littleminute, and take one sip from the fountain, and just one little walkround the orange-grove?"

"It wouldn't be safe, my dear. There's no telling who may be lurkingabout. Mr. Fitzgerald charged me not to let you go out of doors. But you can go to my chamber, and take a last look of the house andgarden. "

They went up stairs, and stood, with their arms around each other, gazing at their once happy home. "How many times we have walked inthat little grove, hand in hand with Mamita and Papasito! and now theyare both gone, " sighed Rosa. 

"Ah, yes, " said Flora; "and now we are afraid to go there for aminute. How strangely everything has changed! We don't hear Mamita'sSpanish and papa's English any more. We have nobody to talk _ollapodrida_ to now. It's all French with Madame, and all Italian with theSignor. "

"But what kind souls they are, to do so much for us!" responded Rosa. "If such good friends hadn't been raised up for us in these dreadfuldays, what _should_ we have done?"

Here Madame came hurrying in to say, "Mr. Duroy and the boys havecome. We must change dresses before the whistler goes by. "

The disguises were quickly assumed; and the metamorphosis made Rosaboth blush and smile, while her volatile sister laughed outright. Butshe checked herself immediately, saying: "I am a wicked little wretchto laugh, for you and your friends may get into trouble by doing allthis for us. What shall you tell them about us when you get back fromNassau?"

"I don't intend to tell them much of anything, " replied Madame. "Imay, perhaps, give them a hint that one of your father's old friendsinvited you to come to the North, and that I did not consider it mybusiness to hinder you. "

"O fie, Madame!" said Floracita; "what a talent you have forarranging the truth with variations!"

Madame tried to return a small volley of French pleasantry; but theeffort was obviously a forced one. The pulses of her heart werethrobbing with anxiety and fear; and they all began to feel suspenseincreasing to agony, when at last the whistled tones of _Ça ira_ wereheard. 

"Now don't act as if you were afraid, " whispered Madame, as she puther hand on the latch of the door. "Go out naturally. Remember I am mycousin, and you are the boys. "

They passed through the garden into the street, feeling as if somerough hand might at any instant seize them. But all was still, savethe sound of voices in the distance. When they came in sight of thecarriage, the driver began to bum carelessly to himself, "Who goesthere? Stranger, quickly tell!"

"A friend. Good night, "--sang the disguised Madame, in the samewell-known tune of challenge and reply. The carriage door wasinstantly opened, they entered, and the horses started at a briskpace. At the house where the driver stopped, they were received asexpected guests. Their disguises were quickly exchanged for dressesfrom their carpet-bags, which had been conveyed out in Madame's boxes, and smuggled into the carriage by their invisible protector. Flora, who was intent upon having things seem a little like a wedding, madea garland of orange-buds for her sister's hair, and threw over herbraids a white gauze scarf. The marriage ceremony was performed athalf past ten; and at midnight Madame was alone with _her protégées_in the cabin of the ship Victoria, dashing through the dark wavesunder a star-bright sky. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Mr. Fitzgerald lingered on the wharf till the vessel containing histreasure was no longer visible. Then he returned to the carriage, and was driven to his hotel. Notwithstanding a day of very unusualexcitement and fatigue, when he retired to rest he felt no inclinationto sleep. Rosabella floated before him as he had first seen her, aradiant vision of beauty surrounded by flowers. He recalled the shypride and maidenly modesty with which she had met his ardent glancesand impassioned words. He thought of the meek and saddened expressionof her face, as he had seen it in these last hurried interviews, andit seemed to him she had never appeared so lovely. He remembered witha shudder what Madame Guirlande had said about the auction-stand. Hewas familiar with such scenes, for he had seen women offered forsale, and had himself bid for them in competition with rude, indecentcrowds. It was revolting to his soul to associate the image of Rosawith such base surroundings; but it seemed as if some fiend persistedin holding the painful picture before him. He seemed to see hergraceful figure gazed at by a brutal crowd, while the auctioneerassured them that she was warranted to be an entirely new andperfectly sound article, --a moss rosebud from a private royalgarden, --a diamond fit for a king's crown. And men, whose upturnedfaces were like greedy satyrs, were calling upon her to open her rubylips and show her pearls. He turned restlessly on his pillow with amuttered oath. Then he smiled as he thought to himself that, by savingher from such degradation, he had acquired complete control of herdestiny. From the first moment he heard of her reverses, he had feltthat her misfortunes were his triumph. Madly in love as he had beenfor more than a year, his own pride, and still more the dreaded scornof proud relatives, had prevented him from offering marriage; whilethe watchful guardianship of her father, and her dutiful respect tohis wishes, rendered any less honorable alliance hopeless. But now hewas her sole protector; and though he had satisfied her scruples bymarriage, he could hide her away and keep his own secret; while she, in the fulness of her grateful love, would doubtless be satisfiedwith any arrangement he chose to make. But there still remained somedifficulties in his way. He was unwilling to leave his own luxurioushome and exile himself in the British West Indies; and if he shouldbring the girls to Georgia, he foresaw that disastrous consequencesmight ensue, if his participation in their elopement should ever bediscovered, or even suspected. "It would have been far more convenientto have bought them outright, even at a high price, " thought he; "butafter the Signor repeated to me that disgusting talk of Bruteman's, there could be no mistake that he had _his_ eye fixed upon them; andit would have been ruinous to enter into competition with such awealthy _roué_ as he is. He values money no more than pebble-stones, when he is in pursuit of such game. But though I have removed themfrom his grasp for the present, I can feel no security if I bring themback to this country. I must obtain a legal ownership of them; but howshall I manage it?" Revolving many plans in his mind, he at last fellasleep. 

His first waking thought was to attend a meeting of the creditors atnoon, and hear what they had to say. He found ten or twelve personspresent, some of gentlemanly appearance, others hard-lookingcharacters. Among them, and in singular contrast with theirworld-stamped faces, was the ingenuous countenance of FlorimondBlumenthal. Three hundred dollars of his salary were due to him, andhe hoped to secure some portion of the debt for the benefit of theorphans. A few individuals, who knew Mr. Fitzgerald, said, "What, areyou among the creditors?"

"I am not a creditor, " he replied, "but I am here to represent theclaims of Mr. Whitwell of Savannah, who, being unable to be present inperson, requested me to lay his accounts before you. "

He sat listening to the tedious details of Mr. Royal's liabilities, and the appraisement of his property, with an expression of listlessindifference; often moving his fingers to a tune, or making the motionof whistling, without the rudeness of emitting a sound. 

Young Blumenthal, on the contrary, manifested the absorbed attentionof one who loved his benefactor, and was familiar with the details ofhis affairs. No notice was taken of him, however, for his claim wassmall, and he was too young to be a power in the commercial world. Hemodestly refrained from making any remarks; and having given in hisaccount, he rose to take his hat, when his attention was arrested byhearing Mr. Bruteman say: "We have not yet mentioned the most valuableproperty Mr. Royal left. I allude to his daughters. "

Blumenthal sank into his chair again, and every vestige of colorleft his usually blooming countenance; but though Fitzgerald was ontenter-hooks to know whether the escape was discovered, he betrayed nosign of interest. 

Mr. Bruteman went on to say, "We appraised them at six thousanddollars. "

"Much less than they would bring at auction, " observed Mr. Chandler, "as you would all agree, gentlemen, if you had seen them; for they arefancy articles, A No. 1. "

"Is it certain the young ladies are slaves?" inquired Blumenthal, witha degree of agitation that attracted attention toward him. 

"It _is_ certain, " replied Mr. Bruteman. "Their mother was a slave, and was never manumitted. "

"Couldn't a subscription be raised, or an appeal be made to some courtin their behalf?" asked the young man, with constrained calmnessin his tones, while the expression of his face betrayed his inwardsuffering. "They are elegant, accomplished young ladies, and theirgood father brought them up with the greatest indulgence. "

"Perhaps you are in love with one or both of them, " rejoined Mr. Bruteman. "If so, you must buy them at auction, if you can. The law isinexorable. It requires that all the property of an insolvent debtorshould be disposed of at public sale. "

"I am very slightly acquainted with the young ladies, " said theagitated youth; "but their father was my benefactor when I was a poordestitute orphan, and I would sacrifice my life to save _his_ orphansfrom such a dreadful calamity. I know little about the requirements ofthe law, gentlemen, but I implore you to tell me if there isn't _some_way to prevent this. If it can be done by money, I will serve anygentleman gratuitously any number of years he requires, if he willadvance the necessary sum. "

"We are not here to talk sentiment, my lad, " rejoined Mr. Bruteman. "We are here to transact business. "

"I respect this youth for the feeling he has manifested toward hisbenefactor's children, " said a gentleman named Ammidon. "If we _could_enter into some mutual agreement to relinquish this portion of theproperty, I for one should be extremely glad. I should be willing tolose much more than my share, for the sake of bringing about such anarrangement. And, really, the sale of such girls as these are said tobe is not very creditable to the country. If any foreign travellershappen to be looking on, they will make great capital out of such astory. At all events, the Abolitionists will be sure to get it intotheir papers, and all Europe will be ringing changes upon it. "

"Let 'em ring!" fiercely exclaimed Mr. Chandler. "I don't care a damnabout the Abolitionists, nor Europe neither. I reckon we can manageour own affairs in this free country. "

"I should judge by your remarks that you were an Abolitionistyourself, Mr. Ammidon, " said Mr. Bruteman. "I am surprised to heara Southerner speak as if the opinions of rascally abolition-amalgamationists were of the slightest consequence. I considersuch sentiments unworthy any Southern _gentleman_, sir. "

Mr. Ammidon flushed, and answered quickly, "I allow no man to call inquestion my being a gentleman, sir. "

"If you consider yourself insulted, you know your remedy, " rejoinedMr. Bruteman. "I give you your choice of place and weapons. "

Mr. Fitzgerald consulted his watch, and two or three others followedhis example. 

"I see, " said Mr. Ammidon, "that gentlemen are desirous to adjourn. "

"It is time that we did so, " rejoined Mr. Bruteman. "Officers havebeen sent for these slaves of Mr. Royal, and they are probably nowlodged in jail. At our next meeting we will decide upon the time ofsale. "

Young Blumenthal rose and attempted to go out; but a blindness cameover him, and he staggered against the wall. 

"I reckon that youngster's an Abolitionist, " muttered Mr. Chandler. "At any rate, he seems to think there's a difference in niggers, --andall such ought to have notice to quit. "

Mr. Ammidon called for water, with which he sprinkled the young man'sface, and two or three others assisted to help him into a carriage. 

Another meeting was held the next day, which Mr. Fitzgerald did notattend, foreseeing that it would be a stormy one. The result of it wasshown in the arrest and imprisonment of Signor Papanti, and a vigilantsearch for Madame Guirlande. Her cousin, Mr. Duroy, declared that hehad been requested to take care of her apartments for a few weeks, asshe was obliged to go to New York on business; that she took her younglady boarders with her, and that was all he knew. Despatches weresent in hot haste to the New York and Boston police, describing thefugitives, declaring them to be thieves, and demanding that theyshould be sent forthwith to New Orleans for trial. The policeman whohad been employed to watch Madame's house, and who had been induced toturn his back for a while by some mysterious process best known toMr. Fitzgerald, was severely cross-examined and liberally pelted withoaths. In the course of the investigations, it came out that FlorimondBlumenthal had visited the house on the day of the elopement, and thattoward dusk he had been seen lingering about the premises, watchingthe windows. The story got abroad that he had been an accomplice inhelping off two valuable slaves. The consequence was that he receiveda written intimation that, if he valued his neck, he had better quitNew Orleans within twenty-four hours, signed Judge Lynch. 

Mr. Fitzgerald appeared to take no share in the excitement. When hemet any of the creditors, he would sometimes ask, carelessly, "Anynews yet about those slaves of Royal's?" He took occasion to remark totwo or three of them, that, Signor Papanti being an old friend of his, he had been to the prison to see him; that he was convinced he had noidea where those girls had gone; he was only their music-teacher, andsuch an impetuous, peppery man, that they never would have thought oftrusting him with any important secret. Having thus paved the way, hecame out with a distinct proposition at the next meeting. "I feel agreat deal of sympathy for Signor Papanti, " said he. "I have beenacquainted with him a good while, and have taken lessons of him, bothin music and Italian; and I like the old gentleman. He is getting illin prison, and he can never tell you any more than he has told you. Doubtless he knew that Madame intended to convey those girls to theNorth if she possibly could; but I confess I should have despised himif he had turned informer against the daughters of his friend, who hadbeen his own favorite pupils. If you will gratify me by releasing him, I will make you an offer for those girls, and take my chance of everfinding them. "

"What sum do you propose to offer?" inquired the creditors. 

"I will pay one thousand dollars if you accede to my terms. "

"Say two thousand, and we will take the subject under consideration, "they replied. 

"In that case I must increase my demands, " said he. "I have reasonto suspect that my friend the Signor would like to make a match withMadame Guirlande. If you will allow her to come back to her businessand remain undisturbed, and will make me a sale of these girls, Idon't care if I do say two thousand. "

"He has told you where they are!" exclaimed Mr. Bruteman, abruptly;"and let me tell you, if you know where they are, you are not actingthe part of a gentleman. "

"He has not told me, I assure you, nor has he given me the slightestintimation. It is my firm belief that he does not know. But I amrather fond of gambling, and this is such a desperate throw, that itwill be all the more exciting. I never tried my luck at buying slavesrunning, and I have rather a fancy for experimenting in that gameof chance. And I confess my curiosity has been so excited by thewonderful accounts I have heard of those nonpareil girls, that Ishould find the pursuit of them a stimulating occupation. If I shouldnot succeed, I should at least have the satisfaction of having done agood turn to my old Italian friend. "

They asked more time to reflect upon it, and to hear from New Yorkand Boston. With inward maledictions on their slowness, he departed, resolving in his own mind that nothing should keep him much longerfrom Nassau, come what would. 

As he went out, Mr. Chandler remarked: "It's very much like him. He'salways ready to gamble in anything. "

"After all, I have my suspicion that he's got a clew to the mysterysomehow, and that he expects to find those handsome wenches, " said Mr. Bruteman. "I'd give a good deal to baffle him. "

"It seems pretty certain that _we_ cannot obtain any clew, " rejoinedMr. Ammidon, "and we have already expended considerable in the effort. If he can be induced to offer two thousand five hundred, I think wehad better accept it. "

After a week's absence in Savannah and its vicinity, making variousarrangements for the reception of the sisters, Mr. Fitzgerald returnedto New Orleans, and took an early opportunity to inform the creditorsthat he should remain a very short time. He made no allusion to hisproposed bargain, and when they alluded to it he affected greatindifference. 

"I should be willing to give you five hundred dollars to release mymusical friend, " said he. "But as for those daughters of Mr. Royal, itseems to me, upon reflection, to be rather a quixotic undertaking togo in pursuit of them. You know it's a difficult job to catch a slaveafter he gets to the North, if he's as black as the ace of spades; andall Yankeedom would be up in arms at any attempt to seize such whiteladies. Of course, I could obtain them in no other way than bycourting them and gaining their goodwill. "

Mr. Bruteman and Mr. Chandler made some remarks unfit for repetition, but which were greeted with shouts of laughter. After much dodgingand doubling on the financial question, Fitzgerald agreed to pay twothousand five hundred dollars, if all his demands were complied with. The papers were drawn and signed with all due formality. He claspedthem in his pocket-book, and walked off with an elastic step, saying, "Now for Nassau!"

CHAPTER VII. 

The scenery of the South was in the full glory of June, when Mr. Fitzgerald, Rosa, and Floracita were floating up the Savannah River ina boat manned by negroes, who ever and anon waked the stillness ofthe woods with snatches of wild melody. They landed on a sequesteredisland which ocean and river held in their arms. Leaving the servantsto take care of the luggage, they strolled along over a carpet ofwild-flowers, through winding bridle-paths, where glances of brightwater here and there gleamed through the dark pines that were singingtheir sleepy chorus, with its lulling sound of the sea, and fillingthe air with their aromatic breath. Before long, they saw agay-colored turban moving among the green foliage, and the sisters atonce exclaimed, "Tulipa!"

"Dear Gerald, you didn't tell us Tulee was here, " said Rosa. 

"I wanted to give you a pleasant surprise, " he replied. 

She thanked him with a glance more expressive than words. Tulipa, meanwhile, was waving a white towel with joyful energy, and whenshe came up to them, she half smothered them with hugs and kisses, exclaiming: "The Lord bless ye, Missy Rosy! The Lord bless ye, MissyFlory! It does Tulee's eyes good to see ye agin. " She eagerly led theway through flowering thickets to a small lawn, in the midst of whichwas a pretty white cottage. 

It was evident at a glance that she, as well as the master of theestablishment, had done her utmost to make the interior of thedwelling resemble their old home as much as possible. Rosa's piano wasthere, and on it were a number of books which their father hadgiven them. As Floracita pointed to the ottomans their mother hadembroidered, and the boxes and table she had painted, she said: "Ourgood friend the Signor sent those. He promised to buy them. "

"He could not buy them, poor man!" answered Fitzgerald, "for he was inprison at the time of the auction; but he did not forget to enjoin itupon me to buy them. "

A pleasant hour was spent in joyful surprises over pretty noveltiesand cherished souvenirs. Rosa was full of quiet happiness, andFloracita expressed her satisfaction in lively little gambols. The sunwas going down when they refreshed themselves with the repast Tulipahad provided. Unwilling to invite the merciless mosquitoes, they sat, while the gloaming settled into darkness, playing and singing melodiesassociated with other times. 

Floracita felt sorry when the hour of separation for the night came. Everything seemed so fearfully still, except the monotonous wash ofthe waves on the sea-shore! And as far as she could see the landscapeby the light of a bright little moon-sickle, there was nothing buta thick screen of trees and shrubbery. She groped her way to hersleeping-apartment, expecting to find Tulee there. She had been there, and had left a little glimmering taper behind a screen, which threw afantastic shadow on the ceiling, like a face with a monstrous nose. Itaffected the excitable child like some kind of supernatural presence. She crept to the window, and through the veil of the mosquito-bar shedimly saw the same thick wall of greenery. Presently she espied astrange-looking long face peering out from its recesses. On theirvoyage home from Nassau, Gerald had sometimes read aloud to themfrom "The Midsummer Night's Dream. " Could it be that there were suchcreatures in the woods as Shakespeare described? A closet adjoiningher room had been assigned to Tulee. She opened the door and said, "Tulee, are you there? Why don't you come?" There was no answer. Againshe gave a timid look at the window. The long face moved, and amost unearthly sound was heard. Thoroughly frightened, she ran out, calling, "Tulee! Tulee! In the darkness, she ran against her faithfulattendant, and the sudden contact terrified her still more. 

"It's only Tulee. What is the matter with my little one?" said thenegress. As she spoke, the fearful sound was heard again. 

"O Tulee, what is that?" she exclaimed, all of a tremble. 

"That is only Jack, " she replied. 

"Who's Jack?" quickly asked the nervous little maiden. 

"Why, the jackass, my puppet, " answered Tulee. "Massa Gerald boughthim for you and Missy Rosy to ride. In hot weather there's so manysnakes about in the woods, he don't want ye to walk. "

"What does he make that horrid noise for?" asked Flora, somewhatpacified. 

"Because he was born with music in him, like the rest of ye, " answeredTulee, laughing. 

She assisted her darling to undress, arranged her pillows, and kissedher cheek just as she had kissed it ever since the rosy little mouthhad learned to speak her name. Then she sat by the bedside talkingover things that had happened since they parted. 

"So you were put up at auction and sold!" exclaimed Flora. "PoorTulee! how dreadfully I should have felt to see you there! But Geraldbought you; and I suppose you like to belong to _him_. "

"Ise nothin' to complain of Massa Gerald, " she answered; "but I'd likebetter to belong to myself. "

"So you'd like to be free, would you?" asked Flora. 

"To be sure I would, " said Tulee. "Yo like it yerself, don't ye, little missy?"

Then, suddenly recollecting what a narrow escape her young lady hadhad from the auction-stand, she hastened with intuitive delicacy tochange the subject. But the same thought had occurred to Flora; andshe fell asleep, thinking how Tulee's wishes could be gratified. 

When morning floated upward out of the arms of night, in robe ofbrightest saffron, the aspect of everything was changed. Floracitasprang out of bed early, eager to explore the surroundings of theirnew abode. The little lawn looked very beautiful, sprinkled allover with a variety of wild-flowers, in whose small cups dewdropsglistened, prismatic as opals. The shrubbery was no longer a dismalmass of darkness, but showed all manner of shadings of glossy greenleaves, which the moisture of the night had ornamented with shimmeringedges of crystal beads. She found the phantom of the night beforebrowsing among flowers behind the cottage, and very kindly disposed tomake her acquaintance. As he had a thistle blossom sticking out of hismouth, she forthwith named him Thistle. She soon returned to thehouse with her apron full of vines, and blossoms, and prettily tintedleaves. "See, Tulee, " said she, "what a many flowers! I'm goingto make haste and dress the table, before Gerald and Rosa come tobreakfast. " They took graceful shape under her nimble fingers, and, feeling happy in her work, she began to hum, "How brightly breaks the morning!"

"Whisper low!" sang Gerald, stealing up behind her, and making herstart by singing into her very ear; while Rosa exclaimed, "What afairy-land you have made here, with all these flowers, _pichoncitamia_"

The day passed pleasantly enough, with some ambling along thebridle-paths on Thistle's back, some reading and sleeping, and a gooddeal of music. The next day, black Tom came with a barouche, and theytook a drive round the lovely island. The cotton-fields were allabloom on Gerald's plantation, and his stuccoed villa, with spaciousveranda and high porch, gleamed out in whiteness among a magnificentgrowth of trees, and a garden gorgeous with efflorescence. The onlydrawback to the pleasure was, that Gerald charged them to wear thickveils, and never to raise them when any person was in sight. They madeno complaint, because he told them that he should be deeply involvedin trouble if his participation in their escape should be discovered;but, happy as Rosa was in reciprocated love, this necessity ofconcealment was a skeleton ever sitting at her feast; and Floracita, who had no romantic compensation for it, chafed under the restraint. It was dusk when they returned to the cottage, and the thickets werealive with fire-flies, as if Queen Mab and all her train were outdancing in spangles. 

A few days after was Rosa's birthday, and Floracita busied herselfin adorning the rooms with flowery festoons. After breakfast, Geraldplaced a small parcel in the hand of each of the sisters. Rosa'scontained her mother's diamond ring, and Flora's was her mother's goldwatch, in the back of which was set a small locket-miniature ofher father. Their gratitude took the form of tears, and thepleasure-loving young man, who had more taste for gayety thansentiment, sought to dispel it by lively music. When he saw the smilescoming again, he bowed playfully, and said: "This day is yours, dearRosa. Whatsoever you wish for, you shall have, if it is attainable. "

"I do wish for one thing, " she replied promptly. "Floracita has foundout that Tulee would like to be free. I want you to gratify her wish. "

"Tulee is yours, " rejoined he. "I bought her to attend upon you. "

"She will attend upon me all the same after she is free, " respondedRosa; "and we should all be happier. "

"I will do it, " he replied. "But I hope you won't propose to make _me_free, for I am happier to be your slave. "

The papers were brought a few days after, and Tulee felt a great dealricher, though there was no outward change in her condition. 

As the heat increased, mosquitoes in the woods and sand-flies on thebeach rendered the shelter of the house desirable most of thetime. But though Fitzgerald had usually spent the summer months intravelling, he seemed perfectly contented to sing and doze and trifleaway his time by Rosa's side, week after week. Floracita did not findit entertaining to be a third person with a couple of lovers. She hadbeen used to being a person of consequence in her little world; andthough they were very kind to her, they often forgot that she waspresent, and never seemed to miss her when she was away. She had leda very secluded life from her earliest childhood, but she had neverbefore been so entirely out of sight of houses and people. During thefew weeks she had passed in Nassau, she had learned to do shell-workwith a class of young girls; and it being the first time she hadenjoyed such companionship, she found it peculiarly agreeable. Shelonged to hear their small talk again; she longed to have Rosa toherself, as in the old times; she longed for her father's caresses, for Madame Guirlande's brave cheerfulness, for the Signor's pepperyoutbursts, which she found very amusing; and sometimes she thoughthow pleasant it would be to hear Florimond say that her name was theprettiest in the world. She often took out a pressed geranium blossom, under which was written "Souvenir de Florimond "; and she thought_his_ name was very pretty too. She sang Moore's Melodies a greatdeal; and when she warbled, "Sweet vale of Avoca! how calm could I rest In thy bosom of shade, with the friend I love best!"

she sighed, and thought to herself, "Ah! if I only _had_ a friendto love best!" She almost learned "Lalla Rookh" by heart; and shepictured herself as the Persian princess listening to a minstrel inOriental costume, but with a very German face. It was not that thechild was in love, but her heart was untenanted; and as memorieswalked through it, it sounded empty. 

Tulee, who was very observing where her affections were concerned, suspected that she was comparing her own situation with that of Rosa. One day, when she found her in dreamy revery, she patted her silkycurls, and said: "Does she feel as if she was laid by, like a fifthwheel to a coach? Never mind! My little one will have a husbandherself one of these days. "

Without looking up, she answered, very pensively: "Do you think I evershall, Tulee? I don't see how I can, for I never see anybody. "

Tulipa took the little head between her black hands, and, raisingthe pretty face toward her, replied: "Yes, sure, little missy. Do yes'pose ye had them handsome eyes for nothin' but to look at the moon?But come, now, with me, and feed Thistle. I'm going to give him apailful of water. Thistle knows us as well as if he was a Christian. "

Jack Thistle was a great resource for Tulee in her isolation, andscarcely less so for Flora. She often fed him from her hand, decoratedhim with garlands, talked to him, and ambled about with him in thewoods and on the sea-shore. The visits of black Tom also introduced alittle variety into their life. He went back and forth from Savannahto procure such articles as were needed at the cottage, and he alwayshad a budget of gossip for Tulee. Tom's Chloe was an expertironer; and as Mr. Fitzgerald was not so well pleased with Tulee'sperformances of that kind, baskets of clothes were often sent toChloe, who was ingenious in finding excuses for bringing them backherself. She was a great singer of Methodist hymns and negro songs, and had wonderful religious experiences to tell. To listen to her andTom was the greatest treat Tulee had; but as she particularly pridedherself on speaking like white people, she often remarked that shecouldn't understand half their "lingo. " Floracita soon learned it toperfection, and excited many a laugh by her imitations. 

Tulee once obtained Rosa's permission to ride back with Tom, and spenda couple of hours at his cabin near "the Grat Hus, " as he called hismaster's villa. But when Mr. Fitzgerald heard of it, he interdictedsuch visits in the future. He wished to have as little communicationas possible between the plantation and the lonely cottage; and if hehad overheard some of the confidences between Chloe and Tulee, he probably would have been confirmed in the wisdom of such aprohibition. But Tom was a factotum that could not be dispensed with. They relied upon him for provisions, letters, and newspapers. 

Three or four weeks after their arrival he brought a box containing along letter from Madame Guirlande, and the various articles she hadsaved for the orphans from the wreck of their early home. Not longafterward another letter came, announcing the marriage of Madame andthe Signor. Answering these letters and preparing bridal presents fortheir old friends gave them busy days. Gerald sometimes ordered newmusic and new novels from New York, and their arrival caused greatexcitement. Floracita's natural taste for drawing had been cultivatedby private lessons from a French lady, and she now used the prettyaccomplishment to make likenesses of Thistle with and withoutgarlands, of Tulee in her bright turban, and of Madame Guirlande'sparrot, inscribed, "_Bon jour, jolie Manon_!"

One day Rosa said: "As soon as the heat abates, so that we can use ourneedles without rusting, we will do a good deal of embroidery, andgive it to Madame. She sells such articles, you know; and we can makebeautiful things of those flosses and chenilles the good soul savedfor us. "

"I like that idea, " replied Flora. "I've been wanting to do somethingto show our gratitude. "

There was wisdom as well as kindness in the plan, though they neverthought of the wisdom. Hours were whiled away by the occupation, whichnot only kept their needles from rusting, but also their affectionsand artistic faculties. 

As the tide of time flowed on, varied only by these little eddies andripples, Gerald, though always very loving with Rosa, became somewhatless exclusive. His attentions were more equally divided between thesisters. He often occupied himself with Floracita's work, and wouldpick out the shades of silk for her, as well as for Rosa. He morefrequently called upon her to sing a solo, as well as to join induets and trios. When the weather became cooler, it was a favoriterecreation with him to lounge at his ease, while Rosa played, andFloracita's fairy figure floated through the evolutions of somegraceful dance. Sometimes he would laugh, and say: "Am I not a luckydog? I don't envy the Grand Bashaw his Circassian beauties. He'd givehis biggest diamond for such a dancer as Floracita; and what is hisFlower of the World compared to my Rosamunda?"

Floracita, whose warm heart always met affection as swiftly as onedrop of quicksilver runs to another, became almost as much attached tohim as she was to Rosa. "How kind Gerald is to me!" she would say toTulee. "Papa used to wish we had a brother; but I didn't care for onethen, because he was just as good for a playmate. But now it _is_pleasant to have a brother. "

To Rosa, also, it was gratifying to have his love for her overflowupon what was dearest to her; and she would give him one of hersweetest smiles when he called her sister "Mignonne" or "Querida. "To both of them the lonely island came to seem like a happy home. Floracita was not so wildly frolicsome as she was before thosestunning blows fell upon her young life; but the natural buoyancy ofher spirits began to return. She was always amusing them with "quipsand cranks. " If she was out of doors, her return to the house would besignalized by imitations of all sorts of birds or musical instruments;and often, when Gerald invited her to "trip it on the light, fantastictoe, " she would entertain him with one of the negroes' clumsy, shuffling dances. Her sentimental songs fell into disuse, and werereplaced by livelier tunes. Instead of longing to rest in the "sweetvale of Avoca, " she was heard musically chasing "Figaro here! Figarothere! Figaro everywhere!"

Seven months passed without other material changes than the changingseasons. When the flowers faded, and the leafless cypress-trees werehung with their pretty pendulous seed-vessels, Gerald began to makelonger visits to Savannah. He was, however, rarely gone more than aweek; and, though Rosa's songs grew plaintive in his absence, herspirits rose at once when he came to tell how homesick he had been. Asfor Floracita, she felt compensated for the increased stillness by theprivilege of having Rosa all to herself. 

One day in January, when he had been gone from home several days, sheinvited Rosa to a walk, and, finding her desirous to finish a letterto Madame Guirlande, she threw on her straw hat, and went out halfdancing, as she was wont to do. The fresh air was exhilarating, thebirds were singing, and the woods were already beautified with everyshade of glossy green, enlivened by vivid buds and leaflets of reddishbrown. She gathered here and there a pretty sprig, sometimesplacing them in her hair, sometimes in her little black silk apron, coquettishly decorated with cherry-colored ribbons. She stopped beforea luxuriant wild myrtle, pulling at the branches, while she sang, "When the little hollow drum beats to bed, When the little fifer hangs his head, When is mute the Moorish flute--"

Her song was suddenly interrupted by a clasp round the waist, and awarm kiss on the lips. 

"O Gerald, you've come back!" she exclaimed. "How glad Rosa will be!"

"And nobody else will be glad, I suppose?" rejoined he. "Won't yougive me back my kiss, when I've been gone a whole week?"

"Certainly, _mon bon frère_, " she replied; and as he inclined his facetoward her, she imprinted a slight kiss on his cheek. 

"That's not giving me back _my_ kiss, " said he. "I kissed your mouth, and you must kiss mine. "

"I will if you wish it, " she replied, suiting the action to theword. "But you needn't hold me so tight, " she added, as she triedto extricate herself. Finding he did not release her, she looked upwonderingly in his face, then lowered her eyes, blushing crimson. Noone had ever looked at her so before. 

"Come, don't be coy, _ma petite_, " said he. 

She slipped from him with sudden agility, and said somewhat sharply:"Gerald, I don't want to be always called _petite_; and I don't wantto be treated as if I were a child. I am no longer a child. I amfifteen. I am a young lady. "

"So you are, and a very charming one, " rejoined he, giving her aplayful tap on the cheek as he spoke. 

"I am going to tell Rosa you have come, " said she; and she started onthe run. 

When they were all together in the cottage she tried not to seemconstrained; but she succeeded so ill that Rosa would have noticed itif she had not been so absorbed in her own happiness. Gerald was allaffection to her, and full of playful raillery with Flora, --which, however, failed to animate her as usual. 

From that time a change came over the little maiden, and increased asthe days passed on. She spent much of her time in her own room; andwhen Rosa inquired why she deserted them so, she excused herselfby saying she wanted to do a great deal of shell-work for MadameGuirlande, and that she needed so many boxes they would be in the wayin the sitting-room. Her passion for that work grew wonderfully, andmight be accounted for by the fascination of perfect success; for hercoronets and garlands and bouquets and baskets were arranged with somuch lightness and elegance, and the different-colored shells were sotastefully combined, that they looked less like manufactured articlesthan like flowers that grew in the gardens of the Nereids. 

Tulee wondered why her vivacious little pet had all of a sudden becomeso sedentary in her habits, --why she never took her customary ramblesexcept when Mr. Fitzgerald was gone, and even then never without hersister. The conjecture she formed was not very far amiss, for Chloe'sgossip had made her better acquainted with the character of her masterthan were the other inmates of the cottage; but the extraordinaryindustry was a mystery to her. One evening, when she found Floracitaalone in her room at dusk, leaning her head on her hand and gazing outof the window dreamily, she put her hand on the silky head and said, "Is my little one homesick?"

"I have no home to be sick for, " she replied, sadly. 

"Is she lovesick then?"

"I have no lover, " she replied, in the same desponding tone. 

"What is it, then, my pet? Tell Tulee. "

"I wish I could go to Madame Guirlande, " responded Flora. "She was sokind to us in our first troubles. "

"It would do you good to make her a visit, " said Tulee, "and I shouldthink you might manage to do it somehow. "

"No. Gerald said, a good while ago, that it would be dangerous for usever to go to New Orleans. "

"Does he expect to keep you here always?" asked Tulee. "He might justas well keep you in a prison, little bird. "

"O, what's the use of talking, Tulee!" exclaimed she, impatiently. "Ihave no friends to go to, and I _must_ stay here. " But, reproachingherself for rejecting the sympathy so tenderly offered, she rose andkissed the black cheek as she added, "Good Tulee! kind Tulee! I _am_ alittle homesick; but I shall feel better in the morning. "

The next afternoon Gerald and Rosa invited her to join them in a driveround the island. She declined, saying the box that was soon to besent to Madame was not quite full, and she wanted to finish some morearticles to put in it. But she felt a longing for the fresh air, andthe intense blue glory of the sky made the house seem prison-like. Assoon as they were gone, she took down her straw hat and passed out, swinging it by the strings. She stopped on the lawn to gather someflame-colored buds from a Pyrus Japonica, and, fastening them in theribbons as she went, she walked toward her old familiar haunts in thewoods. 

It was early in February, but the warm sunshine brought out adelicious aroma from the firs, and golden garlands of the wildjasmine, fragrant as heliotrope, were winding round the evergreenthickets, and swinging in flowery festoons from the trees. Melancholyas she felt when she started from the cottage, her elastic nature wasincapable of resisting the glory of the sky, the beauty of the earth, the music of the birds, and the invigorating breath of the ocean, intensified as they all were by a joyful sense of security andfreedom, growing out of the constraint that had lately been put uponher movements. She tripped along faster, carolling as she went anold-fashioned song that her father used to be often humming:--

 "Begone, dull care! I prithee begone from me! Begone, dull care! Thou and I shall never agree!"

The walk changed to hopping and dancing, as she warbled varioussnatches from ballets and operas, settling at last upon the quaintlittle melody, "Once on a time there was a king, " and running itthrough successive variations. 

A very gentle and refined voice, from behind a clump of evergreens, said, "Is this Cinderella coming from the ball?"

She looked up with quick surprise, and recognized a lady she hadseveral times seen in Nassau. 

"And it is really you, Señorita Gonsalez!" said the lady. "I thoughtI knew your voice. But I little dreamed of meeting you here. Ihave thought of you many times since I parted from you at MadameConquilla's store of shell-work. I am delighted to see you again. "

"And I am glad to see you again, Mrs. Delano, " replied Flora; "and Iam very much pleased that you remember me. "

"How could I help remembering you?" asked the lady. "You were afavorite with me from the first time I saw you, and I should like verymuch to renew our acquaintance. Where do you live, my dear?"

Covered with crimson confusion, Flora stammered out: "I don't liveanywhere, I'm only staying here. Perhaps I shall meet you again in thewoods or on the beach. I hope I shall. "

"Excuse me, " said the lady. "I have no wish to intrude upon yourprivacy. But if you would like to call upon me at Mr. Welby'splantation, where I shall be for three or four weeks, I shall alwaysbe glad to receive you. "

"Thank you, " replied Flora, still struggling with embarrassment. "Ishould like to come very much, but I don't have a great deal of timefor visiting. "

"It's not common to have such a pressure of cares and duties at yourage, " responded the lady, smiling. "My carriage is waiting on thebeach. Trusting you will find a few minutes to spare for me, I willnot say adieu, but _au revoir_. "

As she turned away, she thought to herself: "What a fascinating child!What a charmingly unsophisticated way she took to tell me she wouldrather not have me call on her! I observed there seemed to be somemystery about her when she was in Nassau. What can it be? Nothingwrong, I hope. "

Floracita descended to the beach and gazed after the carriage aslong as she could see it. Her thoughts were so occupied with thisunexpected interview, that she took no notice of the golden dropswhich the declining sun was showering on an endless procession ofpearl-crested waves; nor did she cast one of her customary lovingglances at the western sky, where masses of violet clouds, with edgesof resplendent gold, enclosed lakes of translucent beryl, in whichlittle rose-colored islands were floating. She retraced her steps tothe woods, almost crying. "How strange my answers must appear to her!"murmured she. "How I do wish I could go about openly, like otherpeople! I am so tired of all this concealment!" She neither jumped, nor danced, nor sung, on her way homeward. She seemed to be revolvingsomething in her mind very busily. 

After tea, as she and Rosa were sitting alone in the twilight, hersister, observing that she was unusually silent, said, "What are youthinking of, Mignonne?"

"I am thinking of the time we passed in Nassau, " replied she, "and ofthat Yankee lady who seemed to take such a fancy to me when she cameto Madame Conquilla's to look at the shell-work. 

"I remember your talking about her, " rejoined Rosa. "You thought herbeautiful. "

"Yes, " said Floracita, "and it was a peculiar sort of beauty. Shewasn't the least like you or Mamita. Everything about her was violet. Her large gray eyes sometimes had a violet light in them. Her hair wasnot exactly flaxen, it looked like ashes of violets. She always worefragrant violets. Her ribbons and dresses were of some shade ofviolet; and her breastpin was an amethyst set with pearls. Somethingin her ways, too, made me think of a violet. I think she knew it, andthat was the reason she always wore that color. How delicate she was!She must have been very beautiful when she was young. "

"You used to call her the Java sparrow, " said Rosa. 

"Yes, she made me think of my little Java sparrow, with palefawn-colored feathers, and little gleams of violet on the neck, "responded Flora. 

"That lady seems to have made a great impression on your imagination, "said Rosa; and Floracita explained that it was because she had neverseen anything like her. She did not mention that she had seen thatlady on the island. The open-hearted child was learning to bereticent. 

A few minutes afterward, Rosa exclaimed, "There's Gerald coming!"Her sister watched her as she ran out to meet him, and sighed, "PoorRosa!"

CHAPTER VIII. 

A week later, when Gerald had gone to Savannah and Rosa was taking herdaily siesta, Floracita filled Thistle's panniers with several littlepasteboard boxes, and, without saying anything to Tulee, mounted androde off in a direction she had never taken, except in the barouche. She was in search of the Welby plantation. 

Mrs. Delano, who was busy with her crochet-needle near the openwindow, was surprised to see a light little figure seated on a donkeyriding up the avenue. As soon as Floracita dismounted, she recognizedher, and descended the steps of the piazza to welcome her. 

"So you have found the Welby plantation, " said she. "I thought youwouldn't have much difficulty, for there are only two plantations onthe island, this and Mr. Fitzgerald's. I don't know that there are anyother _dwellings_ except the huts of the negroes. " She spoke the lastrather in a tone of inquiry; but Flora merely answered that she hadonce passed the Welby plantation in a barouche. 

As the lady led the way into the parlor, she said, "What is that youhave in your hand, my dear?"

"You used to admire Madame Conquilla's shell-work, " replied Flora, "and I have brought you some of mine, to see whether you think Isucceed tolerably in my imitations. " As she spoke, she took out asmall basket and poised it on her finger. 

"Why, that is perfectly beautiful!" said Mrs. Delano. "I don't knowhow you could contrive to give it such an air of lightness and grace. I used to think shell-work heavy, and rather vulgar, till I saw thosebeautiful productions at Nassau. But you excel your teacher, my dearMiss Gonsalez. I should think the sea-fairies made this. "

Four or five other articles were brought forth from the boxes andexamined with similar commendation. Then they fell into a pleasantchat about their reminiscences of Nassau; and diverged from thatto speak of the loveliness of their lonely little island, and theincreasing beauty of the season. After a while, Flora looked at herwatch, and said, "I must not stay long, for I didn't tell anybody Iwas going away. "

Mrs. Delano, who caught a glimpse of the medallion inserted in theback, said: "That is a peculiar little watch. Have you the hair ofsome friend set in it?"

"No, " replied Flora. "It is the likeness of my father. " She slippedthe slight chain from her neck, and placed the watch in the lady'shand. Her face flushed as she looked at it, but the habitual palenesssoon returned. 

"You were introduced to me as a Spanish young lady, " said she, "butthis face is not Spanish. What was your father's name?"

"Mr. Alfred Royal of New Orleans, " answered Flora. 

"But _your_ name is Gonsalez, " said she. 

Flora blushed crimson with the consciousness of having betrayed theincognito assumed at Nassau. "Gonsalez was my mother's name, " shereplied, gazing on the floor while she spoke. 

Mrs. Delano looked at her for an instant, then, drawing her gentlytoward her, she pressed her to her side, and said with a sigh, "Ah, Flora, I wish you were my daughter. "

"O, how I wish I was!" exclaimed the young girl, looking up with asudden glow; but a shadow immediately clouded her expressive face, as she added, "But you wouldn't want me for a daughter, if you kneweverything about me. "

The lady was obviously troubled. "You seem to be surrounded bymysteries, my little friend, " responded she. "I will not ask you forany confidence you are unwilling to bestow. But I am a good dealolder than you, and I know the world better than you do. If anythingtroubles you, or if you are doing anything wrong, perhaps if you wereto tell me, I could help you out of it. "

"O, no, I'm not doing anything wrong, " replied Floracita, eagerly. "Inever did anything wrong in my life. " Seeing a slight smile hoveringabout the lady's lips, she made haste to add: "I didn't mean exactlythat. I mean I never did anything _very_ wrong. I'm cross sometimes, and I have told some _fibititas_; but then I couldn't seem to help it, things were in such a tangle. It comes more natural to me to tell thetruth. "

"That I can readily believe, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. "But I am nottrying to entrap your ingenuousness into a betrayal of your secrets. Only remember one thing; if you ever do want to open your heart to anyone, remember that I am your true friend, and that you can trust me. "

"O, thank you! thank you!" exclaimed Flora, seizing her hand andkissing it fervently. 

"But tell me one thing, my little friend, " continued Mrs. Delano. "Isthere anything I can do for you now?"

"I came to ask you to do something for me, " replied Flora; "but youhave been so kind to me, that it has made me almost forget my errand. I have very particular reasons for wanting to earn some money. Youused to admire the shell-work in Nassau so much, that I thought, ifyou liked mine, you might be willing to buy it, and that perhaps youmight have friends who would buy some. I have tried every way to thinkhow I could manage, to sell my work. "

"I will gladly buy all you have, " rejoined the lady, "and I shouldlike to have you make me some more; especially of these garlands ofrice-shells, trembling so lightly on almost invisible silver wire. "

"I will make some immediately, " replied Flora. "But I must go, dearMrs. Delano. I wish I could stay longer, but I cannot. "

"When will you come again?" asked the lady. 

"I can't tell, " responded Flora, "for I have to manage to come here. "

"That seems strange, " said Mrs. Delano. 

"I know it seems strange, " answered the young girl, with a kind ofdespairing impatience in her tone. "But please don't ask me, foreverything seems to come right out to you; and I don't know what Iought to say, indeed I don't. "

"I want you to come again as soon as you can, " said Mrs. Delano, slipping a gold eagle into her hand. "And now go, my dear, before youtell me more than you wish to. "

"Not more than I wish, " rejoined Floracita; "but more than I ought. I_wish_ to tell you everything. "

In a childish way she put up her lips for a kiss, and the lady drewher to her heart and caressed her tenderly. 

When Flora had descended the steps of the piazza, she turned andlooked up. Mrs. Delano was leaning against one of the pillars, watching her departure. Vines of gossamer lightness were waving roundher, and her pearly complexion and violet-tinted dress looked lovelyamong those aerial arabesques of delicate green. The picture impressedFlora all the more because it was such a contrast to the warm andgorgeous styles of beauty to which she had been accustomed. She smiledand kissed her hand in token of farewell; the lady returned thesalutation, but she thought the expression of her face was sad, andthe fear that this new friend distrusted her on account of unexplainedmysteries haunted her on her way homeward. 

Mrs. Delano looked after her till she and her donkey disappeared amongthe trees in the distance. "What a strange mystery is this!" murmuredshe. "Alfred Royal's child, and yet she bears her mother's name. Andwhy does she conceal from me where she lives? Surely, she cannotbe consciously doing anything wrong, for I never saw such perfectartlessness of look and manner. " The problem occupied her thoughts fordays after, without her arriving at any satisfactory conjecture. 

Flora, on her part, was troubled concerning the distrust whichshe felt must be excited by her mysterious position, and she wascontinually revolving plans to clear herself from suspicion inthe eyes of her new friend. It would have been an inexpressibleconsolation if she could have told her troubles to her elder sister, from whom she had never concealed anything till within the last fewweeks. But, alas! by the fault of another, a barrier had arisenbetween them, which proved an obstruction at every turn of their dailyintercourse; for while she had been compelled to despise and dislikeGerald, Rosa was always eulogizing his noble and loving nature, andwas extremely particular to have his slightest wishes obeyed. Apartfrom any secret reasons for wishing to obtain money, Floracita waswell aware that it would not do to confess her visit to Mrs. Delano;for Gerald had not only forbidden their making any acquaintances, but he had also charged them not to ride or walk in the direction ofeither of the plantations unless he was with them. 

Day after day, as Flora sat at work upon the garlands she hadpromised, she was on the watch to elude his vigilance; but more than aweek passed without her finding any safe opportunity. At last Geraldproposed to gratify Rosa's often-expressed wish, by taking a sail toone of the neighboring islands. They intended to make a picnic of it, and return by moonlight. Rosa was full of pleasant anticipations, which, however, were greatly damped when her sister expressed adecided preference for staying at home. Rosa entreated, and Geraldbecame angry, but she persisted in her refusal. She said she wanted touse up all her shells, and all her flosses and chenilles. Gerald sworethat he hated the sight of them, and that he would throw them allinto the sea if she went on wearing her beautiful eyes out over them. Without looking up from her work, she coolly answered, "Why need youconcern yourself about _my_ eyes, when you have a wife with suchbeautiful eyes?"'

Black Tom and Chloe and the boat were in waiting, and after a flurriedscene they departed reluctantly without her. 

"I never saw any one so changed as she is, " said Rosa. "She used tobe so fond of excursions, and now she wants to work from morning tillnight. "

"She's a perverse, self-willed, capricious little puss. She's been toomuch indulged. She needs to be brought under discipline, " said Gerald, angrily whipping off a blossom with his rattan as they walked towardthe boat. 

As soon as they were fairly off, Flora started on a second visit tothe Welby plantation. Tulee noticed all this in silence, and shook herhead, as if thoughts were brooding there unsafe for utterance. 

Mrs. Delano was bending over her writing-desk finishing a letter, whenshe perceived a wave of fragrance, and, looking up, she saw Flora onthe threshold of the open door, with her arms full of flowers. 

"Excuse me for interrupting you, " said she, dropping one of her littlequick courtesies, which seemed half frolic, half politeness. "Thewoods are charming to-day. The trees are hung with curtains ofjasmine, embroidered all over with golden flowers. You love perfumesso well, I couldn't help stopping by the way to load Thistle with anarmful of them. "

"Thank you, dear, " replied Mrs. Delano. "I rode out yesterdayafternoon, and I thought I had never seen anything so beautiful as theflowery woods and the gorgeous sunset. After being accustomed to thesplendor of these Southern skies, the Northern atmosphere will seemcold and dull. "

"Shall you go to the North soon?" inquired Flora, anxiously. 

"I shall leave here in ten or twelve days, " she replied; "but I maywait a short time in Savannah, till March has gone; for that is ablustering, disagreeable month in New England, though it brings youroses and perfume. I came to Savannah to spend the winter with myfriends, Mr. And Mrs. Welby; but I have always taken a great fancy tothis island, and when they were suddenly called away to Arkansas bythe illness of a son, I asked their permission to come here for a fewweeks and watch the beautiful opening of the spring. I find myselfmuch inclined to solitude since I lost a darling daughter, who diedtwo years ago. If she had lived, she would have been about your age. "

"I am _so_ sorry you are going away, " said Flora. "It seems as if Ihad always known you. I don't know what I shall do without you. Butwhen you go back among your friends, I suppose you will forget allabout poor little me. "

"No, my dear little friend, I shall never forget you, " she replied;"and when I come again, I hope I shall find you here. "

"I felt troubled when I went away the other day, " said Flora. "Ithought you seemed to look sadly after me, and I was afraid youthought I had done something wicked, because I said you wouldn't wishI were your daughter if you knew everything about me. So I have cometo tell you my secrets, as far as I can without betraying otherpeople's. I am afraid you won't care anything more about me after Ihave told you; but I can't help it if you don't. Even that would bebetter than to have you suspect me of being bad. "

Mrs. Delano drew an ottoman toward her, and said, "Come and sit here, dear, and tell me all about it, the same as if I were your mother. "

Floracita complied; and resting one elbow on her knee, and leaningher cheek upon the hand, she looked up timidly and wistfully into thefriendly face that was smiling serenely over her. After a moment'spause, she said abruptly: "I don't know how to begin, so I won't beginat all, but tell it right out. You see, dear Mrs. Delano, I am acolored girl. "

The lady's smile came nearer to a laugh than was usual with her. Shetouched the pretty dimpled cheek with her jewelled finger, as shereplied: "O, you mischievous little kitten! I thought you were reallygoing to tell me something about your troubles. But I see you arehoaxing me. I remember when you were at Madame Conquilla's you alwaysseemed to be full of fun, and the young ladies there said you were agreat rogue. "

"But this is not fun; indeed it is not, " rejoined Flora. "I _am_ acolored girl. "

She spoke so earnestly that the lady began to doubt the evidence ofher own eyes. "But you told me that Mr. Alfred Royal was your father, "said she. 

"So he was my father, " replied Flora; "and the kindest father thatever was. Rosa and I were brought up like little princesses, and wenever knew that we were colored. My mother was the daughter of a richSpanish gentleman named Gonsalez. She was educated in Paris, and waselegant and accomplished. She was handsomer than Rosa; and if you wereto see Rosa, you would say nobody _could_ be handsomer than she is. She was good, too. My father was always saying she was the dearest andbest wife in the world. You don't know how he mourned when she died. He couldn't bear to have anything moved that she had touched. But_cher papa_ died very suddenly; and first they told us that we werevery poor, and must earn our living; and then they told us that ourmother was a slave, and so, according to law, we were slaves too. Theywould have sold us at auction, if a gentleman who knew us when papawas alive hadn't smuggled us away privately to Nassau. He had beenvery much in love with Rosa for a good while; and he married her, andI live with them. But he keeps us very much hidden; because, he says, he should get into lawsuits and duels and all sorts of troubles withpapa's creditors if they should find out that he helped us off. Andthat was the reason I was called Señorita Gonsalez in Nassau, thoughmy real name is Flora Royal. "

She went on to recount the kindness of Madame Guirlande, and theexciting particulars of their escape; to all of which Mrs. Delanolistened with absorbed attention. As they sat thus, they made abeautiful picture. The lady, mature in years, but scarcely showing thetouch of time, was almost as fair as an Albiness, with serene lips, and a soft moonlight expression in her eyes. Every attitude and everymotion indicated quietude and refinement. The young girl, on thecontrary, even when reclining, seemed like impetuosity in repose fora moment, but just ready to spring. Her large dark eyes laughed andflashed and wept by turns, and her warmly tinted face glowed like thesunlight, in its setting of glossy black hair. The lady looked downupon her with undisguised admiration while she recounted theiradventures in lively dramatic style, throwing in imitations of thewhistling of _Ça ira_, and the tones of the coachman as he sang, "Whogoes there?"

"But you have not told me, " said Mrs. Delano, "who the gentleman wasthat married your sister. Ah, I see you hesitate. No matter. Only tellme one thing, --is he kind to you?"

Flora turned red and pale, and red again. 

"Let that pass, too, " said the lady. "I asked because I wished to knowif I could help you in any way. I see you have brought some more boxesof shell-work, and by and by we will examine them. But first I want totell you that I also have a secret, and I will confide it to you thatyou may feel assured I shall love you always. Flora, dear, when yourfather and I were young, we were in love with each other, and Ipromised to be his wife. "

"So you might have been my Mamita!" exclaimed Floracita, impetuously. 

"No, not _your_ Mamita, dear, " replied Mrs. Delano, smiling. "Youcall me the Java sparrow, and Java sparrows never hatch gay littlehumming-birds or tuneful mocking-birds. I might tell you a long storyabout myself, dear; but the sun is declining, and you ought not to beout after dusk. My father was angry about our love, because Alfred wasthen only a clerk with a small salary. They carried me off to Europe, and for two years I could hear nothing from Alfred. Then they toldme he was married; and after a while they persuaded me to marry Mr. Delano. I ought not to have married him, because my heart was not init. He died and left me with a large fortune and the little daughterI told you of. I have felt very much alone since my darling was takenfrom me. That void in my heart renders young girls very interesting tome. Your looks and ways attracted me when I first met you; and whenyou told me Alfred Royal was your father, I longed to clasp you to myheart. And now you know, my dear child, that you have a friend everready to listen to any troubles you may choose to confide, anddesirous to remove them if she can. "

She rose to open the boxes of shell-work; but Flora sprung up, andthrew herself into her arms, saying, "My Papasito sent you to me, --Iknow he did. "

After a few moments spent in silent emotion, Mrs. Delano again spokeof the approaching twilight, and with mutual caresses they bade eachother adieu. 

Four or five days later, Floracita made her appearance at the Welbyplantation in a state of great excitement. She was in a nervoustremor, and her eyelids were swollen as if with much weeping. Mrs. Delano hastened to enfold her in her arms, saying: "What is it, mychild? Tell your new Mamita what it is that troubles you so. "

"O, _may_ I call you Mamita?" asked Flora, looking up with anexpression of grateful love that warmed all the fibres of her friend'sheart. "O, I do so need a Mamita! I am very wretched; and if you don'thelp me, I don't know what I _shall_ do!"

"Certainly, I will help you, if possible, when you have told me yourtrouble, " replied Mrs. Delano. 

"Yes, I will tell, " said Flora, sighing. "Mr. Fitzgerald is thegentleman who married my sister; but we don't live at his plantation. We live in a small cottage hidden away in the woods. You never sawanybody so much in love as he was with Rosa. When we first came here, he was never willing to have her out of his sight a moment. And Rosaloves him so! But for these eight or ten weeks past he has been makinglove to me; though he is just as affectionate as ever with Rosa. Whenshe is playing to him, and I am singing beside her, he keeps throwingkisses to me behind her back. It makes me feel so ashamed that I can'tlook my sister in the face. I have tried to--keep out of his way. WhenI am in the house I stick to Rosa like a burr; and I have given upriding or walking, except when he is away. But there's no tellingwhen he _is_ away. He went away yesterday, and said he was going toSavannah to be gone a week; but this morning, when I went into thewoods behind the cottage to feed Thistle, he was lurking there. Heseized me, and held his hand over my mouth, and said I _should_ hearhim. Then he told me that Rosa and I were his slaves; that he boughtus of papa's creditors, and could sell us any day. And he says he willcarry me off to Savannah and sell me if I don't treat him better. Hewould not let me go till I promised to meet him in Cypress Groveat dusk to-night. I have been trying to earn money to go to MadameGuirlande, and get her to send me somewhere where I could givedancing-lessons, or singing-lessons, without being in danger of beingtaken up for a slave. But I don't know how to get to New Orleansalone; and if I am his slave, I am afraid he will come there withofficers to take me. So, dear new Mamita, I have come to you, to seeif you can't help me to get some money and go somewhere. "

Mrs. Delano pressed her gently to her heart, and responded in tones oftenderest pity: "Get some money and go somewhere, you poor child! Doyou think I shall let dear Alfred's little daughter go wanderingalone about the world? No, darling, you shall live with me, and be mydaughter. "

"And don't you care about my being colored and a slave?" askedFloracita, humbly. 

"Let us never speak of that, " replied her friend. "The wholetransaction is so odious and wicked that I can't bear to think of it. "

"I do feel so grateful to you, my dear new Mamita, that I don't knowwhat to say. But it tears my heart in two to leave Rosa. We have neverbeen separated for a day since I was born. And she is so good, and sheloves me so! And Tulee, too. I didn't dare to try to speak to her. Iknew I should break down. All the way coming here I was frightenedfor fear Gerald would overtake me and carry me off. And I cried so, thinking about Rosa and Tulee, not knowing when I should see themagain, that I couldn't see; and if Thistle hadn't known the wayhimself, I shouldn't have got here. Poor Thistle! It seemed as if myheart would break when I threw the bridle on his neck and left him togo back alone; I didn't dare to hug, him but once, I was so afraid. O, I am so glad that you will let me stay here!"

"I have been thinking it will not be prudent for you to stay here, my child, " replied Mrs. Delano. "Search will be made for you in themorning, and you had better be out of the way before that. There aresome dresses belonging to Mrs. Welby's daughter in a closet up stairs. I will borrow one of them for you to wear. The boat from Beaufort toSavannah will stop here in an hour to take some freight. We will go toSavannah. My colored laundress there has a chamber above her wash-roomwhere you will be better concealed than in more genteel lodgings. Iwill come back here to arrange things, and in a few days I will returnto you and take you to my Northern home. "

The necessary arrangements were soon made; and when Flora wastransformed into Miss Welby, she smiled very faintly as she remarked, "How queer it seems to be always running away. "

"This is the last time, my child, " replied Mrs. Delano. "I will keepmy little bird carefully under my wings. "

When Flora was in the boat, hand in hand with her new friend, and noone visible whom she had ever seen before, her excitement began tosubside, but sadness increased. In her terror the poor child hadscarcely thought of anything except the necessity of escapingsomewhere. But when she saw her island home receding from her, shebegan to realize the importance of the step she was taking. She fixedher gaze on that part where the lonely cottage was embowered, andshe had a longing to see even a little whiff of smoke from Tulee'skitchen. But there was no sign of life save a large turkey-buzzard, like a black vulture, sailing gracefully over the tree-tops. Thebeloved sister, the faithful servant, the brother from whom she hadonce hoped so much, the patient animal that had borne her through somany pleasant paths, the flowery woods, and the resounding sea, hadall vanished from her as suddenly as did her father and the brighthome of her childhood. 

The scenes through which they were passing were beautiful as Paradise, and all nature seemed alive and jubilant. The white blossoms ofwild-plum-trees twinkled among dark evergreens, a vegetable imitationof starlight. Wide-spreading oaks and superb magnolias were lighted upwith sudden flashes of color, as scarlet grosbeaks flitted from treeto tree. Sparrows were chirping, doves cooing, and mocking-birdswhistling, now running up the scale, then down the scale, with aninfinity of variations between. The outbursts of the birds were thesame as in seasons that were gone, but the listener was changed. Rarely before had her quick musical ear failed to notice how theywould repeat the same note with greater or less emphasis, then flatit, then sharp it, varying their performances with all manner ofunexpected changes. But now she was merely vaguely conscious offamiliar sounds, which brought before her that last merry day in herfather's house, when Rosabella laughed so much to hear her puzzle thebirds with her musical vagaries. Memory held up her magic mirror, inwhich she saw pictured processions of the vanished years. Thus thelonely child, with her loving, lingering looks upon the past, wasfloated toward an unknown future with the new friend a kind Providencehad sent her. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Rosa was surprised at the long absence of her sister; and when the sunshowed only a narrow golden edge above the horizon, she began to feelanxious. She went to the kitchen and said, "Tulee, have you seenanything of Floracita lately? She went away while I was sleeping. "

"No, missy, " she replied. "The last I see of her was in her room, withthe embroidery-frame before her. She was looking out of the window, asshe did sometimes, as if she was looking nowhere. She jumped up andhugged and kissed me, and called me 'Dear Tulee, good Tulee. ' Thelittle darling was always mighty loving. When I went there again, herneedle was sticking in her work, and her thimble was on the frame, butshe was gone. I don't know when she went away. Thistle's come backalone; but he does that sometimes when little missy goes ramblinground. "

There was no uneasiness expressed in her tones, but, being moredisquieted than she wished to acknowledge, she went forth to searchthe neighboring wood-paths and the sea-shore. When she returned, Rosaran out with the eager inquiry, "Is she anywhere in sight?" In replyto the negative answer, she said: "I don't know what to make of it. Have you ever seen anybody with Floracita since we came here?"

"Nobody but Massa Gerald, " replied Tulee. 

"I wonder whether she was discontented here, " said Rosa. "I don't seewhy she should be, for we all loved her dearly; and Gerald was as kindto her as if she had been his own sister. But she hasn't seemed likeherself lately; and this forenoon she hugged and kissed me ever somany times, and cried. When I asked her what was the matter, she saidshe was thinking of the pleasant times when _Papasito querido_ wasalive. Do you think she was unhappy?"

"She told me once she was homesick for Madame Guirlande, " repliedTulee. 

"Did she? Perhaps she was making so many things for Madame because shemeant to go there. But she couldn't find her way alone, and she knewit would be very dangerous for either of us to go to New Orleans. "

Tulee made no reply. She seated herself on a wooden bench by the opendoor, swinging her body back and forth in an agitated way, ever andanon jumping up and looking round in all directions. The veil oftwilight descended upon the earth, and darkness followed. The twoinmates of the cottage felt very miserable and helpless, as they satthere listening to every sound. For a while nothing was heard but thedash of the waves, and the occasional hooting of an owl. The moon roseup above the pines, and flooded earth and sea with silvery splendor. 

"I want to go to the plantation and call Tom, " said Rosa; "and thereis such bright moonshine we might go, but I am afraid Gerald would bedispleased. "

Tulee at once volunteered to bring out Thistle, and to walk beside hermistress. 

Both started at the sound of footsteps. They were not light enough forFloracita, but they thought it might be some one bringing news. Itproved to be the master of the house. 

"Why, Gerald, how glad I am! I thought you were in Savannah, "exclaimed Rosa. "Have you seen anything of Floracita?"

"No. Isn't she here?" inquired he, in such a tone of surprise, thatTulee's suspicions were shaken. 

Rosa repeated the story of her disappearance, and concluded by saying, "She told Tulee she was homesick to go to Madame. "

"She surely wouldn't dare to do that, " he replied. 

"Massa Gerald, " said Tulee, and she watched him closely while shespoke, "there's something I didn't tell Missy Rosy, 'cause I wasfeared it would worry her. I found this little glove of Missy Flory's, with a bunch of sea-weed, down on the beach; and there was marks ofher feet all round. "

Rosa uttered a cry. "O heavens!" she exclaimed, "I saw an alligator afew days ago. "

An expression of horror passed over his face. "I've cautioned her notto fish so much for shells and sea-mosses, " said he; "but she wasalways so self-willed. "

"_Don't_ say anything against the little darling!" implored Rosa. "Perhaps we shall never see her again. "

He spoke a few soothing words, and then took his hat, saying, "I amgoing to the sea-shore. "

"Take good care of yourself, dear Gerald!" cried Rosa. 

"No danger 'bout that, " muttered Tulee, as she walked out of hearing. "There's things with handsomer mouths than alligators that may be moredangerous. Poor little bird! I wonder where he has put her. "

His feelings as he roamed on the beach were not to be envied. His mindwas divided between the thoughts that she had committed suicide, or had been drowned accidentally. That she had escaped from hispersecutions by flight he could not believe; for he knew she wasentirely unused to taking care of herself, and felt sure she had noone to help her. He returned to say that the tide had washed away thefootprints, and that he found no vestige of the lost one. 

At dawn he started for the plantation, whence, after fruitlessinquiries, he rode to the Welby estate. Mrs. Delano had requestedthe household servants not to mention having seen a small young ladythere, and they had nothing to communicate. 

He resolved to start for New Orleans as soon as possible. After afortnight's absence he returned, bringing grieved and sympathizingletters from the Signor and Madame; and on the minds of all, exceptTulee, the conviction settled that Floracita was drowned. Hopelingered long in her mind. "Wherever the little pet may be, she'llsurely contrive to let us know, " thought she. "She ain't like the poorslaves when _they_'re carried off. She can write. " Her mistresstalked with her every day about the lost darling; but of course suchsuspicions were not to be mentioned to her. Gerald, who dislikedeverything mournful, avoided the subject entirely; and Rosabella, looking upon him only with the eyes of love, considered it a sign ofdeep feeling, and respected it accordingly. 

But, blinded as she was, she gradually became aware that he did notseem exactly like the same man who first won her girlish love. Herefforts to please him were not always successful. He was sometimesmoody and fretful. He swore at the slightest annoyance, and oftenflew into paroxysms of anger with Tom and Tulee. He was more and moreabsent from the cottage, and made few professions of regret for suchfrequent separations. Some weeks after Flora's disappearance, heannounced his intention to travel in the North during the summermonths. Rosabella looked up in his face with a pleading expression, but pride prevented her from asking whether she might accompany him. She waited in hopes he would propose it; but as he did not even thinkof it, he failed to interpret the look of disappointment in herexpressive eyes, as she turned from him with a sigh. 

"Tom will come with the carriage once a week, " said he; "and either heor Joe will be here every night. "

"Thank you, " she replied. 

But the tone was so sad that he took her hand with the tenderness offormer times, and said, "You are sorry to part with me, Bella Rosa?"

"How can I be otherwise than sorry, " she asked, "when I am all alonein the world without you? Dear Gerald, are we always to live thus?Will you never acknowledge me as your wife?"

"How can I do it, " rejoined he, "without putting myself in the powerof those cursed creditors? It is no fault of mine that your mother wasa slave. "

"We should be secure from them in Europe, " she replied. "Why couldn'twe live abroad?"

"Do you suppose my rich uncle would leave me a cent if he found out Ihad married the daughter of a quadroon?" rejoined he. "I have met withlosses lately, and I can't afford to offend my uncle. I am sorry, dear, that you are dissatisfied with the home I have provided foryou. "

"I am not dissatisfied with my home, " said she. "I have no desire tomix with the world, but it is necessary for you, and these separationsare dreadful. "

His answer was: "I will write often, dearest, and I will send youquantities of new music. I shall always be looking forward to thedelight of hearing it when I return. You must take good care of yourhealth, for my sake. You must go ambling about with Thistle everyday. "

The suggestion brought up associations that overcame her at once. "Ohow Floracita loved Thistle!" she exclaimed. "And it really seems asif the poor beast misses her. I am afraid we neglected her too much, Gerald. We were so taken up with our own happiness, that we didn'tthink of her so much as we ought to have done. "

"I am sure I tried to gratify all her wishes, " responded he. "I havenothing to reproach myself with, and certainly you were always adevoted sister. This is a morbid state of feeling, and you must try todrive it off. You said a little while ago that you wanted to see howthe plantation was looking, and what flowers had come out in thegarden. Shall I take you there in the barouche to-morrow?"

She gladly assented, and a few affectionate words soon restored herconfidence in his love. 

When the carriage was brought to the entrance of the wood the nextday, she went to meet it with a smiling face and a springing step. Ashe was about to hand her in, he said abruptly, "You have forgottenyour veil. "

Tulee was summoned to bring it. As Rosa arranged it round her head, she remarked, "One would think you were ashamed of me, Gerald. "

The words were almost whispered, but the tone sounded more like areproach than anything she had ever uttered. With ready gallantry heresponded aloud, "I think so much of my treasure that I want to keepit all to myself. "

He was very affectionate during their drive; and this, combined withthe genial air, the lovely scenery, and the exhilaration of swiftmotion, restored her to a greater sense of happiness than she had feltsince her darling sister vanished so suddenly. 

The plantation was in gala dress. The veranda was almost covered withthe large, white, golden-eyed stars of the Cherokee rose, gleaming outfrom its dark, lustrous foliage. The lawn was a sheet of green velvetembroidered with flowers. Magnolias and oaks of magnificent growthornamented the extensive grounds. In the rear was a cluster of negrohuts. Black picaninnies were rolling about in the grass, minglingtheir laughter with the songs of the birds. The winding paths of thegarden were lined with flowering shrubs, and the sea sparkled in thedistance. Wherever the eye glanced, all was sunshine, bloom, andverdure. 

For the first time, he invited her to enter the mansion. Her firstmovement was toward the piano. As she opened it, and swept her handacross the keys, he said: "It is sadly out of tune. It has beenneglected because its owner had pleasanter music elsewhere. "

"But the tones are very fine, " rejoined she. "What a pity it shouldn'tbe used!" As she glanced out of the window on the blooming garden andspacious lawn, she said: "How pleasant it would be if we could livehere! It is so delightful to look out on such an extensive openspace. "

"Perhaps we will some time or other, my love, " responded he. 

She smiled, and touched the keys, while she sang snatches of familiarsongs. The servants who brought in refreshments wondered at herbeauty, and clear, ringing voice. Many dark faces clustered roundthe crack of the door to obtain a peep; and as they went away theyexchanged nudges and winks with each other. Tom and Chloe hadconfidentially whispered to some of them the existence of such a lady, and that Tulee said Massa married her in the West Indies; and theypredicted that she would be the future mistress of Magnolia Lawn. Others gave it as their opinion, that Massa would never hide her ashe did if she was to be the Missis. But all agreed that she was abeautiful, grand lady, and they paid her homage accordingly. Hercheeks would have burned to scarlet flame if she had heard all theircomments and conjectures; but unconscious of blame or shame, she gaveherself up to the enjoyment of those bright hours. 

A new access of tenderness seemed to have come over Fitzgerald; partlybecause happiness rendered her beauty more radiant, and partly becausesecret thoughts that were revolving in his mind brought some twingesof remorse. He had never seemed more enamored, not even during thefirst week in Nassau, when he came to claim her as his bride. Far downin the garden was an umbrageous walk, terminating in a vine-coveredbower. They remained there a long time, intertwined in each other'sarms, talking over the memories of their dawning consciousness oflove, and singing together the melodies in which their voices hadfirst mingled. 

Their road home was through woods and groves festooned with vines, some hanging in massive coils, others light and aerial enough forfairy swings; then over the smooth beach, where wave after wave leapedup and tossed its white foam-garland on the shore. The sun was sinkingin a golden sea, and higher toward the zenith little gossamer cloudsblushingly dissolved in the brilliant azure, and united again, as ifthe fragrance of roses had floated into form. 

When they reached the cottage, Rosa passed through the silent littleparlor with swimming eyes, murmuring to herself: "Poor littleFloracita! how the sea made me think of her. I ought not to have beenso happy. "

But memory wrote the record of that halcyon day in illuminatedmanuscript, all glowing with purple and gold, with angel faces peepingthrough a graceful network of flowers. 

CHAPTER X. 

Rosabella had never experienced such loneliness as in the monthsthat followed. All music was saddened by far-off echoes of pastaccompaniments. Embroidery lost its interest with no one to praise thework, or to be consulted in the choice of colors and patterns. Thebooks Gerald occasionally sent were of a light character, and thoughthey served to while away a listless hour, there was nothing in themto strengthen or refresh the soul. The isolation was the more painfulbecause there was everything around her to remind her of the lost andthe absent. Flora's unfinished embroidery still remained in the frame, with the needle in the last stitch of a blue forget-me-not. Over themirror was a cluster of blush-roses she had made. On the wall was aspray of sea-moss she had pressed and surrounded with a garland ofsmall shells. By the door was a vine she had transplanted from thewoods; and under a tree opposite was a turf seat where she used tosit sketching the cottage, and Tulee, and Thistle, and baskets ofwild-flowers she had gathered. The sight of these things continuallybrought up visions of the loving and beautiful child, who for so manyyears had slept nestling in her arms, and made the days tuneful withher songs. Then there was Gerald's silent flute, and the silkencushion she had embroidered for him, on which she had so often seenhim reposing, and thought him handsome as a sleeping Adonis. A letterfrom him made her cheerful for days; but they did not come often, and were generally brief. Tom came with the carriage once a week, according to his master's orders; but she found solitary drives solittle refreshing to body or mind that she was often glad to availherself of Tulee's company. 

So the summer wore away, and September came to produce a new aspect ofbeauty in the landscape, by tinging the fading flowers and witheringleaves with various shades of brown and crimson, purple and orange. One day, early in the month, when Tom came with the carriage, she toldhim to drive to Magnolia Lawn. She had long been wishing to revisitthe scene where she had been so happy on that bright spring day; butshe had always said to herself, "I will wait till Gerald comes. " Nowshe had grown so weary with hope deferred, that she felt as if shecould wait no longer. 

As she rode along she thought of improvements in the walks that shewould suggest to Gerald, if they ever went there to live, as he hadintimated they might. The servants received her with their usualrespectful manner and wondering looks; but when she turned back toask some question, she saw them whispering together with an unusualappearance of excitement. Her cheeks glowed with a consciousness thather anomalous position was well calculated to excite their curiosity;and she turned away, thinking how different it had been with hermother, --how sheltered and protected she had always been. Sheremembered how very rarely her father left home, and how he alwayshastened to return. She stood awhile on the veranda, thinking sadly, "If Gerald loves me as Papasito loved Mamita, how can he be contentedto leave me so much?" With a deep sigh she turned and entered thehouse through an open window. The sigh changed at once to a brightsmile. The parlor had undergone a wondrous transformation since shelast saw it. The woodwork had been freshly painted, and the walls werecovered with silvery-flowered paper. Over curtains of embroidered lacehung a drapery of apple-green damask, ornamented with deep white-silkfringe and heavy tassels. "How kind of Gerald!" murmured she. "He hasdone this because I expressed a wish to live here. How ungrateful Iwas to doubt him in my thoughts!"

She passed into the chamber, where she found a white French bedstead, on which were painted bouquets of roses. It was enveloped in roseatelace drapery, caught up at the centre in festoons on the silver arrowof a pretty little Cupid. From silver arrows over the windows therefell the same soft, roseate folds. Her whole face was illuminated withhappiness as she thought to herself: "Ah! I know why everything has atinge of _roses_. How kind of him to prepare such a beautiful surprisefor me!"

She traversed the garden walks, and lingered long in the sequesteredbower. On the floor was a bunch of dried violets which he hadplaced in her belt on that happy day. She took them up, kissed themfervently, and placed them near her heart. That heart was lighter thanit had been for months. "At last he is going to acknowledge me as hiswife, " thought she. "How happy I shall be when there is no longer anyneed of secrecy!"

The servants heard her singing as she traversed the garden, andgathered in groups to listen; but they scattered as they saw herapproach the house. 

"She's a mighty fine lady, " said Dinah, the cook. 

"Mighty fine lady, " repeated Tom; "an' I tell yer she's married toMassa, an' she's gwine to be de Missis. "

Venus, the chambermaid, who would have passed very well for a bronzeimage of the sea-born goddess, tossed her head as she replied: "Dunnobout dat ar. Massa does a heap o' courtin' to we far sex. "

"How yer know dat ar?" exclaimed Dinah. "Whar d' yer git demyear-rings?" And then there was a general titter. 

Rosabella, all unconscious in her purity, came up to Tom while thegrin was still upon his face, and in her polite way asked him to havethe goodness to bring the carriage. It was with great difficulty thatshe could refrain from outbursts of song as she rode homeward; butGerald had particularly requested her not to sing in the carriage, lest her voice should attract the attention of some one who chanced tobe visiting the island. 

Her first words when she entered the cottage were: "O Tulee, I am _so_happy! Gerald has fitted up Magnolia Lawn beautifully, because I toldhim I wished we could live there. He said, that day we were there, that he would try to make some arrangement with Papasito's creditors, and I do believe he has, and that I shall not have to hide muchlonger. He has been fitting up the house as if it were for a queen. Isn't he kind?"

Tulee, who listened rather distrustfully to praises bestowed on themaster, replied that nobody could do anything too good for Missy Rosy. 

"Ah, Tulee, you have always done your best to spoil me, " said she, laying her hand affectionately on the shoulder of her petted servant, while a smile like sunshine mantled her face. "But do get me somethingto eat. The ride has made me hungry. "

"Ise glad to hear that, Missy Rosy. I begun to think 't want no use tocook nice tidbits for ye, if ye jist turned 'em over wi' yer fork, andate one or two mouthfuls, without knowing what ye was eatin'. "

"I've been pining for Gerald, Tulee; and I've been afraid sometimesthat he didn't love me as he used to do. But now that he has madesuch preparations for us to live at Magnolia Lawn, I am as happy as aqueen. "

She went off singing, and as Tulee looked after her she murmured toherself: "And what a handsome queen she'd make! Gold ain't nonetoo good for her to walk on. But is it the truth he told her aboutsettling with the creditors? There's never no telling anything bywhat _he_ says. Do hear her singing now! It sounds as lively as MissyFlory. Ah! that was a strange business. I wonder whether the littledarling _is_ dead. "

While she was preparing supper, with such cogitations passing throughher mind, Rosa began to dash off a letter, as follows:--

"DEARLY BELOVED, --I am so happy that I cannot wait a minute withouttelling you about it. I have done a naughty thing, but, as it is thefirst time I ever disobeyed you, I hope you will forgive me. You toldme never to go to the plantation without you. But I waited and waited, and you didn't come; and we were so happy there, that lovely day, thatI longed to go again. I knew it would be very lonesome without you;but I thought it would be some comfort to see again the places wherewe walked together, and sang together, and called each other allmanner of foolish fond names. Do you remember how many variations yourung upon my name, --Rosabella, Rosalinda, Rosamunda, Rosa Regina? Howyou did pelt me with roses! Do you remember how happy we were in thegarden bower? How we sang together the old-fashioned canzonet, 'Lovein thine eyes forever plays'? And how the mocking-bird imitated yourguitar, while you were singing the Don Giovanni serenade?

"I was thinking this all over, as I rode alone over the same groundwe traversed on that happy day. But it was so different without thelove-light of your eyes and the pressure of your dear hand, that Ifelt the tears gathering, and had all manner of sad thoughts. I fearedyou didn't care for me as you used to do, and were finding it easyto live without me. But when I entered the parlor that overlooks thebeautiful lawn, all my doubts vanished. You had encouraged me to hopethat it might be our future home; but I little dreamed it was to beso soon, and that you were preparing such a charming surprise for me. Don't be vexed with me, dearest, for finding out your secret. It mademe _so_ happy! It made the world seem like Paradise. Ah! I _knew_ whyeverything was so _rose_-colored. It was so like _you_ to think ofthat! Then everything is so elegant! You knew your Rosamunda's tastefor elegance. 

"But Tulee summons me to supper. Dear, good, faithful Tulee! What acomfort she has been to me in this lonesome time!"

 * * * * *

"Now I have come back to the pretty little writing-desk you gave me, and I will finish my letter. I feel as if I wanted to write to youforever, if I can't have you to talk to. You can't imagine howlonesome I have been. The new music you sent me was charming; butwhatever I practised or improvised took a solemn and plaintivecharacter, like the moaning of the sea and the whispering of thepines. One's own voice sounds so solitary when there is no other voiceto lean upon, and no appreciating ear to listen for the coming chords. I have even found it a relief to play and sing to Tulee, who is alwaysan admiring listener, if not a very discriminating one; and as forTom, it seems as if the eyes would fly out of his head when I playto him. I have tried to take exercise every day, as you advised;but while the hot weather lasted, I was afraid of snakes, and themosquitoes and sand-flies were tormenting. Now it is cooler I rambleabout more, but my loneliness goes everywhere with me. Everything isso still here, that it sometimes makes me afraid. The moonlight looksawfully solemn on the dark pines. You remember that dead pine-tree?The wind has broken it, and there it stands in front of the evergreengrove, with two arms spread out, and a knot like a head with a haton it, and a streamer of moss hanging from it. It looks so white andstrange in the moonlight, that it seems as if Floracita's spirit werebeckoning to me. 

"But I didn't mean to write about sad things. I don't feel sad now;I was only telling you how lonely and nervous I _had_ been, thatyou might imagine how much good it has done me to see such kindarrangements at Magnolia Lawn. Forgive me for going there, contraryto your orders. I did so long for a little variety! I couldn't havedreamed you were planning such a pleasant surprise for me. Sha'n't webe happy there, calling one another all the old foolish pet names?Dear, good Gerald, I shall never again have any ungrateful doubts ofyour love. 

"_Adios, luz de mes ojos_. Come soon to

"Your grateful and loving

"ROSA. "

That evening the plash of the waves no longer seemed like a requiemover her lost sister; the moonlight gave poetic beauty to the pines;and even the blasted tree, with its waving streamer of moss, seemedonly another picturesque feature in the landscape; so truly doesNature give us back a reflection of our souls. 

She waked from a refreshing sleep with a consciousness of happinessunknown for a long time. When Tom came to say he was going toSavannah, she commissioned him to go to the store where her dresseswere usually ordered, and buy some fine French merino. She gave himvery minute directions, accompanied with a bird-of-paradise pattern. "That is Gerald's favorite color, " she said to herself. "I willembroider it with white floss-silk, and tie it with white silk cordand tassels. The first time we breakfast together at Magnolia Lawn Iwill wear it, fastened at the throat with that pretty little knot ofsilver filigree he gave me on my birthday. Then I shall look as bridalas the home he is preparing for me. "

The embroidery of this dress furnished pleasant occupation for manydays. When it was half finished, she tried it on before the mirror, and smiled to see how becoming was the effect. She queried whetherGerald would like one or two of Madame Guirlande's pale amber-coloredartificial nasturtiums in her hair. She placed them coquettishly bythe side of her head for a moment, and laid them down, saying toherself: "No; too much dress for the morning. He will like better theplain braids of my hair with the curls falling over them. " As she sat, hour after hour, embroidering the dress which was expected to producesuch a sensation, Tulee's heart was gladdened by hearing her singalmost continually. "Bless her dear heart!" exclaimed she; "thatsounds like the old times. "

But when a fortnight passed without an answer to her letter, theshowers of melody subsided. Shadows of old doubts began to creep overthe inward sunshine; though she tried to drive them away by recallingGerald's promise to try to secure her safety by making a compromisewith her father's creditors. And were not the new arrangements atMagnolia Lawn a sign that he had accomplished his generous purpose?She was asking herself that question for the hundredth time, as shesat looking out on the twilight landscape, when she heard a well-knownvoice approaching, singing, "C'est l'amour, l'amour, l'amour, qui faitle monde à la ronde"; and a moment after she was folded in Gerald'sarms, and he was calling her endearing names in a polyglot oflanguages, which he had learned from her and Floracita. 

"So you are not very angry with me for going there and finding outyour secret, " inquired she. 

"I _was_ angry, " he replied; "but while I was coming to you all myanger melted away. "

"And you do love me as well as ever, " said she. "I thought perhaps somany handsome ladies would fall in love with you, that I should not beyour Rosa _munda_ any more. "

"I have met many handsome ladies, " responded he, "but never one worthyto bear the train of my Rosa Regina. "

Thus the evening passed in conversation more agreeable to them thanthe wittiest or the wisest would have been. But it has been well said, "the words of lovers are like the rich wines of the South, --they aredelicious in their native soil, but will not bear transportation. "

The next morning he announced the necessity of returning to the Northto complete some business, and said he must, in the mean time, spendsome hours at the plantation. "And Rosa dear, " added he, "I shallreally be angry with you if you go there again unless I am with you. "

She shook her finger at him, and said, with one of her most expressivesmiles: "Ah, I see through you! You are planning some more pleasantsurprises for me. How happy we shall be there! As for that rich uncleof yours, if you will only let me see him, I will do my best to makehim love me, and perhaps I shall succeed. "

"It would be wonderful if you did not, you charming enchantress, "responded he. He folded her closely, and looked into the depths of herbeautiful eyes with intensity, not unmingled with sadness. 

A moment after he was waving his hat from the shrubbery; and so hepassed away out of her sight. His sudden reappearance, his lavishfondness, his quick departure, and the strange earnestness of hisfarewell look, were remembered like the flitting visions of a dream. 

CHAPTER XI. 

In less than three weeks after that tender parting, an elegantbarouche stopped in front of Magnolia Lawn, and Mr. Fitzgeraldassisted a very pretty blonde young lady to alight from it. Asshe entered the parlor, wavering gleams of sunset lighted up thepearl-colored paper, softened by lace-shadows from the windows. Thelady glanced round the apartment with a happy smile, and, turning tothe window, said: "What a beautiful lawn! What superb trees!"

"Does it equal your expectations, dear?" he asked. "You had formedsuch romantic ideas of the place, I feared you might be disappointed. "

"I suppose that was the reason you tried to persuade me to spend ourhoneymoon in Savannah, " rejoined she. "But we should be so bored withvisitors. Here, it seems like the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Evehad it all to themselves, before the serpent went there to makemischief. I had heard father and mother tell so much about MagnoliaLawn that I was eager to see it. "

"They visited it in spring, when it really does look like Paradise, "replied he. "It has its beauties now; but this is not the favorableseason for seeing it; and after we have been here a few days, I thinkwe had better return to Savannah, and come again when the lawn iscarpeted with flowers. "

"I see your mind is bent upon not staying here, " answered she; "and Isuppose it _would_ be rather tiresome to have no other company thanyour stupid little Lily Bell. "

She spoke with a pouting affectation of reproach, and he exclaimed, "Lily, darling!" as he passed his arm round her slender waist, and, putting aside a shower of pale yellowish ringlets, gazed fondly intothe blue eyes that were upturned to his. 

They were interrupted by the entrance of Venus, who came to ask theirorders. "Tell them to serve supper at seven, and then come and showyour mistress to her dressing-room, " he said. As she retired, headded: "Now she'll have something to tell of. She'll be proud enoughof being the first to get a full sight of the new Missis; and it _is_a sight worth talking about. "

With a gratified smile, she glanced at the pier-glass which reflectedher graceful little figure, and, taking his arm, she walked slowlyround the room, praising the tasteful arrangements. "Everything hassuch a bridal look!" she said. 

"Of course, " replied he; "when I have such a fair Lily Bell for abride, I wish to have her bower pearly and lily-like. But here isVenus come to show you to your dressing-room. I hope you will like thearrangements up stairs also. "

She kissed her hand to him as she left the room, and he returned thesalute. When she had gone, he paced slowly up and down for a fewmoments. As he passed the piano, he touched the keys in a ramblingway. The tones he brought out were a few notes of an air he andRosabella had sung in that same room a few months before. He turnedabruptly from the instrument, and looked out from the window in thedirection of the lonely cottage, Nothing was visible but trees and aline of the ocean beyond. But the chambers of his soul were filledwith visions of Rosa. He thought of the delightful day they had spenttogether, looking upon these same scenes; of their songs and caressesin the bower; of her letter, so full of love and glad surprise at thebridal arrangements she supposed he had made for her, "I really hopeLily won't insist upon staying here long, " thought he; "for it israther an embarrassing position for me. "

He seated himself at the piano and swept his hand up and down thekeys, as if trying to drown his thoughts in a tempest of sound. But, do what he would, the thoughts spoke loudest; and after a while heleaned his head forward on the piano, lost in revery. 

A soft little hand touched his head, and a feminine voice inquired, "What are you thinking of, Gerald?"

"Of you, my pearl, " he replied, rising hastily, and stooping toimprint a kiss on the forehead of his bride. 

"And pray what were you thinking about _me_?" she asked. 

"That you are the greatest beauty in the world, and that I love youbetter than man ever loved woman, " rejoined he. And so the game ofcourtship went on, till it was interrupted by a summons to supper. 

When they returned some time later, the curtains were drawn andcandles lighted. "You have not yet tried the piano, " said he, as heplaced the music-stool. 

She seated herself, and, after running up and down the keys, andsaying she liked the tone of the instrument, she began to play andsing "Robin Adair. " She had a sweet, thin voice, and her style ofplaying indicated rather one who had learned music, than one whosesoul lived in its element. Fitzgerald thought of the last singing hehad heard at that piano; and without asking for another song, he beganto sing to her accompaniment, "Drink to me only with thine eyes. " Hehad scarcely finished the line, "Leave a kiss within the cup, andI'll not ask for wine, " when clear, liquid tones rose on the air, apparently from the veranda; and the words they carried on their wingswere these:--

 "Down in the meadow, 'mong the clover, I walked with Nelly by my side. Now all those happy days are over, Farewell, my dark Virginia bride. Nelly was a lady; Last night she died. Toll the bell for lovely Nell, My dark Virginia bride. "

The bride listened intensely, her fingers resting lightly on the keys, and when the sounds--died away she started up, exclaiming, "What avoice! I never heard anything like it. "

She moved eagerly toward the veranda, but was suddenly arrested by herhusband. "No, no, darling, " said he. "You mustn't expose yourself tothe night air. "

"Then do go out yourself and bring her in, " urged she. "I must hearmore of that voice. Who is she?"

"One of the darkies, I suppose, " rejoined he. "You know they all havemusical gifts. "

"Not such gifts as that, I imagine, " she replied. "Do go out and bringher in. "

She was about to draw the curtain aside to look out, when he nervouslycalled her attention to another window. "See here!" he exclaimed. "Mypeople are gathering to welcome their new missis. In answer to Tom'srequest, I told him I would introduce you to them to-night. But youare tired, and I am afraid you will take cold in the evening air; sowe will postpone the ceremony until to-morrow. "

"O, no, " she replied, "I would prefer to go now. How their black faceswill shine when they see the glass beads and gay handkerchiefs I havebrought for them! Besides, I want to find out who that singer is. It'sstrange you don't take more interest in such a voice as that, whenyou are so full of music. Will you have the goodness to ring for myshawl?"

With a decision almost peremptory in its tone, he said, "No; I hadrather you would _not_ go out. " Seeing that his manner excited somesurprise, he patted her head and added: "Mind your husband now, that'sa good child. Amuse yourself at the piano while I go out. "

She pouted a little, but finished by saying coaxingly, "Come backsoon, dear. " She attempted to follow him far enough to look out on theveranda, but he gently put her back, and, kissing his hand to her, departed. She raised a corner of the curtain and peeped out to catchthe last glimpse of his figure. The moon was rising, and she could seethat he walked slowly, peering into spots of dense shadow or thicketsof shrubbery, as if looking for some one. But all was motionless andstill, save the sound of a banjo from the group of servants. "How Iwish I could hear that voice again!" she thought to herself. "It'svery singular Gerald should appear so indifferent to it. What can bethe meaning of it?"

She pondered for a few minutes, and then she tried to play; but notfinding it entertaining without an auditor, she soon rose, and, drawing aside one of the curtains, looked out upon the lovely night. The grand old trees cast broad shadows on the lawn, and the shrubberyof the garden gleamed in the soft moonlight. She felt solitarywithout any one to speak to, and, being accustomed to have her whimsgratified, she was rather impatient under the prohibition laid uponher. She rung the bell and requested Venus to bring her shawl. Theobsequious dressing-maid laid it lightly on her shoulders, and holdingout a white nubia of zephyr worsted, she said, "P'r'aps missis wouldlike to war dis ere. " She stood watching while her mistress twined thegossamer fabric round her head with careless grace. She opened thedoor for her to pass out on the veranda, and as she looked after hershe muttered to herself, "She's a pooty missis; but not such a gran'hansom lady as turrer. " A laugh shone through her dark face as sheadded, "'T would be curus ef she should fine turrer missis out dar. "As she passed through the parlor she glanced at the large mirror, which dimly reflected her dusky charms, and said with a smile: "Massaknows what's hansome. He's good judge ob we far sex. "

The remark was inaudible to the bride, who walked up and down theveranda, ever and anon glancing at the garden walks, to see if Geraldwere in sight. She had a little plan of hiding among the vines whenshe saw him coming, and peeping out suddenly as he approached. Shethought to herself she should look so pretty in the moonlight, that hewould forget to chide her. And certainly she was a pleasant vision. Her fairy figure, enveloped in soft white folds of muslin, herdelicate complexion shaded by curls so fair that they seemed a portionof the fleecy nubia, were so perfectly in unison with the mildradiance of the evening, that she seemed like an embodied portion ofthe moonlight. Gerald absented himself so long that her little planof surprising him had time to cool. She paused more frequently inher promenade, and looked longer at the distant sparkle of the sea. Turning to resume her walk, after one of these brief moments ofcontemplation, she happened to glance at the lattice-work of theveranda, and through one of its openings saw a large, dark eyewatching her. She started to run into the house, but upon secondthought she called out, "Gerald, you rogue, why didn't you speak tolet me know you were there?" She darted toward the lattice, but theeye disappeared. She tried to follow, but saw only a tall shadowgliding away behind the corner of the house. She pursued, but foundonly a tremulous reflection of vines in the moonlight. She kept onround the house, and into the garden, frequently calling out, "Gerald!Gerald!" "Hark! hark!" she murmured to herself, as some far-off tonesof "Toll the bell" floated through the air. The ghostly moonlight, the strange, lonely place, and the sad, mysterious sounds made her alittle afraid. In a more agitated tone, she called Gerald again. Inobedience to her summons, she saw him coming toward her in thegarden walk. Forgetful of her momentary fear, she sprang toward him, exclaiming: "Are you a wizard? How did you get there, when two minutesago you were peeping at me through the veranda lattice?"

"I haven't been there, " he replied; "but why are you out here, Lily, when I particularly requested you to stay in the house till I came?"

"O, you were so long coming, that I grew tired of being alone. Themoonlight looked so inviting that I went out on the veranda to watchfor you; and when I saw you looking at me through the lattice, I ranafter you, and couldn't find you. "

"I haven't been near the lattice, " he replied. "If you saw somebodylooking at you, I presume it was one of the servants peeping at thenew missis. "

"None of your tricks!" rejoined she, snapping her fingers at himplayfully. "It was _your_ eye that I saw. If it weren't for making youvain, I would ask you whether your handsome eyes could be mistaken forthe eyes of one of your negroes. But I want you to go with me to thatbower down there. "

"Not to-night, dearest, " said he. "I will go with you to-morrow. "

"Now is just the time, " persisted she. "Bowers never look so prettyas by moonlight. I don't think you are very gallant to your bride torefuse her such a little favor. "

Thus urged, he yielded, though reluctantly, to her whim. As sheentered the bower, and turned to speak to him, the moonlight fell fullupon her figure. "What a pretty little witch you are!" he exclaimed. "My Lily Bell, my precious pearl, my sylph! You look like a spiritjust floated down from the moon. "

"All moonshine!" replied she, with a smile. 

He kissed the saucy lips, and the vines which had witnessed othercaresses in that same bower, a few months earlier, whispered to eachother, but told no tales. She leaned her head upon his bosom, andlooking out upon the winding walks of the garden, so fair and peacefulin sheen and shadow, she said that her new home was more beautifulthan she had dreamed. "Hark!" said she, raising her head suddenly, andlistening. "I thought I heard a sigh. "

"It was only the wind among the vines, " he replied. "Wandering aboutin the moonlight has made you nervous. "

"I believe I _was_ a little afraid before you came, " said she. "Thateye looking at me through the lattice gave me a start; and while I wasrunning after your shadow, I heard that voice again singing, 'Toll thebell. ' I wonder how you can be so indifferent about such a remarkablevoice, when you are such a lover of music. "

"I presume, as I told you before, that it was one of the darkies, "rejoined he. "I will inquire about it to-morrow. "

"I should sooner believe it to be the voice of an angel from heaven, than a darky, " responded the bride. "I wish I could hear it againbefore I sleep. "

In immediate response to her wish, the full rich voice she had invokedbegan to sing an air from "Norma, " beginning, "O, how his art deceivedthee!"

Fitzgerald started so suddenly, he overturned a seat near them. "Hush!" she whispered, clinging to his arm. Thus they stood insilence, she listening with rapt attention, he embarrassed andangry almost beyond endurance. The enchanting sounds were obviouslyreceding. 

"Let us follow her, and settle the question who she is, " said Lily, trying to pull him forward. But he held her back strongly. 

"No more running about to-night, " he answered almost sternly. Then, immediately checking himself, he added, in a gentler tone: "It isimprudent in you to be out so long in the evening air; and I am reallyvery tired, dear Lily. To-morrow I will try to ascertain which of theservants has been following you round in this strange way. "

"Do you suppose any servant could sing _that_?" she exclaimed. 

"They are nearly all musical, and wonderfully imitative, " answered he. "They can catch almost anything they hear. " He spoke in a nonchalanttone, but she felt his arm tremble as she leaned upon it. He had neverbefore made such an effort to repress rage. 

In tones of tender anxiety, she said: "I am afraid you are very tired, dear. I am sorry I kept you out so long. "

"I am rather weary, " he replied, taking her hand, and holding it inhis. He was so silent as they walked toward the house, that she fearedhe was seriously offended with her. 

As they entered the parlor she said, "I didn't think you cared aboutmy not going out, Gerald, except on account of my taking cold; andwith my shawl and nubia I don't think there was the least danger ofthat. It was such a beautiful night, I wanted to go out to meet you, dear. "

He kissed her mechanically, and replied, "I am not offended, darling. "

"Then, if the blue devils possess you, we will try Saul's method ofdriving them away, " said she. She seated herself at the piano, andasked him whether he would accompany her with voice or flute. He triedthe flute, but played with such uncertainty, that she looked at himwith surprise. Music was the worst remedy she could have tried toquiet the disturbance in his soul; for its voice evoked ghosts of thepast. 

"I am really tired, Lily, " said he; and, affecting a drowsiness he didnot feel, he proposed retiring for the night. 

The chamber was beautiful with the moon shining through itsrose-tinted drapery, and the murmur of the ocean was a soothinglullaby. But it was long before either of them slept; and when theyslumbered, the same voice went singing through their dreams. He was inthe flowery parlor at New Orleans, listening to "The Light of otherDays"; and she was following a veiled shadow through a strange garden, hearing the intermingled tones of "Norma" and "Toll the bell. "

It was late in the morning when she awoke. Gerald was gone, buta bouquet of fragrant flowers lay on the pillow beside her. Herdressing-gown was on a chair by the bedside, and Venus sat at thewindow sewing. 

"Where is Mr. Fitzgerald?" she inquired. 

"He said he war gwine to turrer plantation on business. He leff demflower dar, an' tole me to say he 'd come back soon. "

The fair hair was neatly arranged by the black hands that contrastedso strongly with it. The genteel little figure was enveloped in amorning-dress of delicate blue and white French cambric, and thelittle feet were ensconced in slippers of azure velvet embroideredwith silver. The dainty breakfast, served on French porcelain, wasslowly eaten, and still Gerald returned not. She removed to thechamber window, and, leaning her cheek on her hand, looked out uponthe sun-sparkle of the ocean. Her morning thought was the same withwhich she had passed into slumber the previous night. How strange itwas that Gerald would take no notice of that enchanting voice! Theincident that seemed to her a charming novelty had, she knew not why, cast a shadow over the first evening in their bridal home. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Mr. Fitzgerald had ordered his horse to be saddled at an earlier hourthan Tom had ever known him to ride, except on a hunting excursion, and in his own mind he concluded that his master would be asleep atthe hour he had indicated. Before he stretched himself on the floorfor the night, he expressed this opinion to the cook by saying, "Yerknow, Dinah, white folks is allers mighty wide awake de night aforedey gits up. "

To his surprise, however, Mr. Fitzgerald made his appearance at thestable just as he was beginning to comb the horse. "You lazy blackrascal, " he exclaimed, "didn't I order you to have the horse ready bythis time?"

"Yes, Massa, " replied Tom, sheering out of the way of the upraisedwhip; "but it peers like Massa's watch be leetle bit faster dan de sundis ere mornin'. "

The horse was speedily ready, and Tom looked after his master as heleaped into the saddle and dashed off in the direction of the lonelycottage. There was a grin on his face as he muttered, "Reckon Missisdon't know whar yer gwine. " He walked toward the house, whistling, "Nelly was a lady. "

"Dat ar war gwine roun' an' roun' de hus las' night, jes like asperit. 'Twar dat ar Spanish lady, " said Dinah. 

"She sings splendiferous, " rejoined Tom, "an' Massa liked it more dande berry bes bottle ob wine. " He ended by humming, "Now all dem happydays am ober. "

"Better not let Massa hear yer sing dat ar, " said Dinah. "He make yersing nudder song. "

"She's mighty gran' lady, an' a bery perlite missis, an' Ise sorry furher, " replied Tom. 

Mr. Fitzgerald had no sense of refreshment in his morning ride. Heurged his horse along impatiently, with brow contracted and lipsfirmly compressed. He was rehearsing in his mind the severe reprimandhe intended to bestow upon Rosa. He expected to be met with tears andreproaches, to which he would show himself hard till she made contriteapologies for her most unexpected and provoking proceedings. It washis purpose to pardon her at last, for he was far enough from wishingto lose her; and she had always been so gentle and submissive, that heentertained no doubt the scene would end with a loving willingness toaccept his explanations, and believe in his renewed professions. "Sheloves me to distraction, and she is entirely in my power, " thought he. "It will be strange indeed if I cannot mould her as I will. "

Arrived at the cottage, he found Tulee washing on a bench outside thekitchen. "Good morning, Tulee, " said he. "Is your mistress up yet?"

"Missy Rosy ha'n't been asleep, " she answered in a very cold tone, without looking up from her work. 

He entered the house, and softly opened the door of Rosa's sleepingapartment. She was walking slowly, with arms crossed, lookingdownward, as if plunged in thought. Her extreme pallor disarmed him, and there was no hardness in his tone when he said, "Rosabella!"

She started, for she had supposed the intruder was Tulee. With headproudly erect, nostrils dilated, and eyes that flashed fire, sheexclaimed, "How dare you come here?"

This reception was so entirely unexpected, that it disconcerted him;and instead of the severe reproof he had contemplated, he said, in anexpostulating tone: "Rosa, I always thought you the soul of honor. When we parted, you promised not to go to the plantation unless I waswith you. Is this the way you keep your word?"

"_You_ talk of honor and promises!" she exclaimed. 

The sneer conveyed in the tones stung him to the quick. But he made aneffort to conceal his chagrin, and said, with apparent calmness: "Youmust admit it was an unaccountable freak to start for the plantationin the evening, and go wandering round the grounds in that mysteriousway. What could have induced you to take such a step?"

"I accidentally overheard Tom telling Tulee that you were to bringhome a bride from the North yesterday. I could not believe it of you, and I was too proud to question him. But after reflecting upon it, Ichose to go and see for myself. And when I _had_ seen for myself, Iwished to remind you of that past which you seemed to have forgotten. "

"Curse on Tom!" he exclaimed. "He shall smart for this mischief. "

"Don't be so unmanly as to punish a poor servant for mentioning apiece of news that interested the whole plantation, and which must ofcourse be a matter of notoriety, " she replied very quietly. "Both heand Tulee were delicate enough to conceal it from me. "

Fitzgerald felt embarrassed by her perfect self-possession. After aslight pause, during which she kept her face averted from him, hesaid: "I confess that appearances are against me, and that you havereason to feel offended. But if you knew just how I was situated, youwould, perhaps, judge me less harshly. I have met with heavy losseslately, and I was in danger of becoming bankrupt unless I could keepup my credit by a wealthy marriage. The father of this young lady isrich, and she fell in love with me. I have married her; but I tell youtruly, dear Rosa, that I love you more than I ever loved any otherwoman. "

"You say she loved you, and yet you could deceive her so, " shereplied. "You could conceal from her that you already had a wife. WhenI watched her as she walked on the veranda I was tempted to revealmyself, and disclose your baseness. "

Fitzgerald's eyes flashed with sudden anger, as he vociferated, "Rosa, if you ever dare to set up any such claim--"

"If I _dare_!" she exclaimed, interrupting him in a tone of prouddefiance, that thrilled through all his nerves. 

Alarmed by the strength of character which he had never dreamed shepossessed, he said: "In your present state of mind, there is notelling what you may dare to do. It becomes necessary for you tounderstand your true position. You are not my wife. The man whomarried us had no legal authority to perform the ceremony. "

"O steeped in falsehood to the lips!" exclaimed she. "And _you_ arethe idol I have worshipped!"

He looked at her with astonishment not unmingled with admiration. "Rosa, I could not have believed you had such a temper, " rejoined he. "But why will you persist in making yourself and me unhappy? As longas my wife is ignorant of my love for you, no harm is done. If youwould only listen to reason, we might still be happy. I could manageto visit you often. You would find me as affectionate as ever; and Iwill provide amply for you. "

"_Provide_ for me?" she repeated slowly, looking him calmly andloftily in the face. "What have you ever seen in me, Mr. Fitzgerald, that has led you to suppose I would consent to sell myself?"

His susceptible temperament could not withstand the regal beauty ofher proud attitude and indignant look. "O Rosa, " said he, "there is nowoman on earth to be compared with you. If you only knew how I idolizeyou at this moment, after all the cruel words you have uttered, yousurely would relent. Why will you not be reasonable, dearest? Why notconsent to live with me as your mother lived with your father?"

"Don't wrong the memory of my mother, " responded she hastily. "Shewas too pure and noble to be dishonored by your cruel laws. She wouldnever have entered into any such base and degrading arrangement asyou propose. She couldn't have lived under the perpetual shame ofdeceiving another wife. She couldn't have loved my father, if he haddeceived her as you have deceived me. She trusted him entirely, and inreturn he gave her his undivided affection. "

"And I give you undivided affection, " he replied. "By all the starsof heaven, I swear that you are now, as you always have been, my RosaRegina, my Rosa _munda_. "

"Do not exhaust your oaths, " rejoined she, with a contemptuous curl ofthe lip. "Keep some of them for your Lily Bell, your precious pearl, your moonlight sylph. "

Thinking the retort implied a shade of jealousy, he felt encouragedto persevere. "You may thank your own imprudence for having overheardwords so offensive to you, " responded he. "But Rosa, dearest, youcannot, with all your efforts, drive from you the pleasant memories ofour love. You surely do not hate me?"

"No, Mr. Fitzgerald; you have fallen below hatred. I despise you. "

His brow contracted, and his lips tightened. "I cannot endure thistreatment, " said he, in tones of suppressed rage. "You tempt me toofar. You compel me to humble your pride. Since I cannot persuade youto listen to expostulations and entreaties, I must inform you that mypower over you is complete. You are my slave. I bought you of yourfather's creditors before I went to Nassau. I can sell you any day Ichoose; and, by Jove, I will, if--"

The sudden change that came over her arrested him. She pressed onehand hard upon her heart, and gasped for breath. He sank at once onhis knees, crying, "O, forgive me, Rosa! I was beside myself. "

But she gave no sign of hearing him; and seeing her reel backward intoa chair, with pale lips and closing eyes, he hastened to summon Tulee. Such remorse came over him that he longed to wait for her returningconsciousness. But he remembered that his long absence must excitesurprise in the mind of his bride, and might, perhaps, connect itselfwith the mysterious singer of the preceding evening. Goaded bycontending feelings, he hurried through the footpaths whence he had sooften kissed his hand to Rosa in fond farewell, and hastily mountedhis horse without one backward glance. 

Before he came in sight of the plantation, the perturbation of hismind had subsided, and he began to think himself a much-injuredindividual. "Plague on the caprices of women!" thought he. "All thiscomes of Lily's taking the silly, romantic whim of coming here tospend the honeymoon. And Rosa, foolish girl, what airs she assumes! Iwanted to deal generously by her; but she rejected all my offers ashaughtily as if she had been queen of Spain and all the Americas. There's a devilish deal more of the Spanish blood in her than Ithought for. Pride becomes her wonderfully; but it won't hold outforever. She'll find that she can't live without me. I can wait. "

Feeling the need of some safety-valve to let off his vexation, heselected poor Tom for that purpose. When the obsequious servant cameto lead away the horse, his master gave him a sharp cut of the whip, saying, "I'll teach you to tell tales again, you black rascal!"But having a dainty aversion to the sight of pain, he summoned theoverseer, and consigned him to his tender mercies. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

If Flora could have known all this, the sisters would have soon beenlocked in each other's arms; but while she supposed that Rosastill regarded Mr. Fitzgerald with perfect love and confidence, noexplanation of her flight could be given. She did indeed need to beoften reminded by Mrs. Delano that it would be the most unkind thingtoward her sister, as well as hazardous to herself, to attempt anycommunication. Notwithstanding the tenderest care for her comfortand happiness, she could not help being sometimes oppressed withhomesickness. Her Boston home was tasteful and elegant, but everythingseemed foreign and strange. She longed for Rosa and Tulee, and Madameand the Signor. She missed what she called the _olla-podrida_ phrasesto which she had always been accustomed; and in her desire to behavewith propriety, there was an unwonted sense of constraint. Whencallers came, she felt like a colt making its first acquaintancewith harness. She endeavored to conceal such feelings from her kindbenefactress; but sometimes, if she was surprised in tears, shewould say apologetically, "I love you dearly, Mamita Lila; but it isdreadful to be so far away from anybody that ever knew anything aboutthe old times. "

"But you forget that I do know something about them, darling, " repliedMrs. Delano. "I am never so happy as when you are telling me aboutyour father. Perhaps by and by, when you have become enough used toyour new home to feel as mischievous as you are prone to be, you willtake a fancy to sing to me, 'O, there's nothing half so sweet in lifeas love's _old_ dream. '"

It was beautiful to see how girlish the sensible and serious ladybecame in her efforts to be companionable to her young _protégée_. Dayafter day, her intimate friends found her playing battledoor or theGraces, or practising pretty French romanzas, flowery rondeaux, orlively dances. She was surprised at herself; for she had not supposedit possible for her ever to take an interest in such things after herdaughter died. But, like all going out of self, these efforts broughttheir recompense. 

She always introduced the little stranger as "Miss Flora Delano, myadopted daughter. " To those who were curious to inquire further, shesaid: "She is an orphan, in whom I became much interested in the WestIndies. As we were both very much alone in the world, I thought thewisest thing we could do would be to cheer each other's loneliness. "No allusion was ever made to her former name, for that might haveled to inconvenient questions concerning her father's marriage; and, moreover, the lady had no wish to resuscitate the little piece ofromance in her own private history, now remembered by few. 

It was contrary to Mrs. Delano's usual caution and deliberation toadopt a stranger so hastily; and had she been questioned beforehand, she would have pronounced it impossible for her to enter into such arelation with one allied to the colored race, and herself a slave. Buta strange combination of circumstances had all at once placed her inthis most unexpected position. She never for one moment regrettedthe step she had taken; but the consciousness of having a secret toconceal, especially a secret at war with the conventional rules ofsociety, was distasteful to her, and felt as some diminution ofdignity. She did not believe in the genuineness of Rosa's marriage, though she deemed it best not to impart such doubts to Flora. If Mr. Fitzgerald should marry another, she foresaw that it would be her dutyto assist in the reunion of the sisters, both of whom were slaves. She often thought to herself, "In what a singular complication I havebecome involved! So strange for me, who have such an aversion to allsorts of intrigues and mysteries. " With these reflections were mingledanxieties concerning Flora's future. Of course, it would not be wellfor her to be deprived of youthful companionship; and if she mixedwith society, her handsome person, her musical talent, and hergraceful dancing would be sure to attract admirers. And then, would itbe right to conceal her antecedents? And if they should be explainedor accidentally discovered, after her young affections were engaged, what disappointment and sadness might follow!

But Flora's future was in a fair way to take care of itself. One dayshe came flying into the parlor with her face all aglow. "O MamitaLila, " exclaimed she, "I have had such a pleasant surprise! I went toMr. Goldwin's store to do your errand, and who should I find there butFlorimond Blumenthal!"

"And, pray, who is Florimond Blumenthal?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"O, haven't I told you? I thought I had told you all about everybodyand everything. He was a poor orphan, that papa took for anerrand-boy. He sent him to school, and afterward he was his clerk. Hecame to our house often when I was a little girl; but after he grewtall, papa used to send an old negro man to do our errands. So Ididn't see him any more till _cher papa_ died. He was very kind to usthen. He was the one that brought those beautiful baskets I told youof. Isn't it funny? They drove him away from New Orleans because theysaid he was an Abolitionist, and that he helped us to escape, when hedidn't know anything at all about it. He said he heard we had gone tothe North. And he went looking all round in New York, and then he cameto Boston, hoping to see us or hear from us some day; but he had aboutdone expecting it when I walked into the store. You never saw anybodyso red as he was, when he held out his hand and said, in such asurprised way, 'Miss Royal, is it you?' Just out of mischief, I toldhim very demurely that my name was Delano. Then he became very formalall at once, and said, 'Does this silk suit you, Mrs. Delano?' Thatmade me laugh, and blush too. I told him I wasn't married, but a kindlady in Summer Street had adopted me and given me her name. Some othercustomers came up to the counter, and so I had to come away. "

"Did you ask him not to mention your former name?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"No, I hadn't time to think of that, " replied Flora; "but I _will_ askhim. "

"Don't go to the store on purpose to see him, dear. Young ladiesshould be careful about such things, " suggested her maternal friend. 

Two hours afterward, as they returned from a carriage-drive, Flora hadjust drawn off her gloves, when she began to rap on the window, andinstantly darted into the street. Mrs. Delano, looking out, saw her onthe opposite sidewalk, in earnest conversation with a young gentleman. When she returned, she said to her: "You shouldn't rap on the windowsto young gentlemen, my child. It hasn't a good appearance. "

"I didn't rap to young gentlemen, " replied Flora. "It was onlyFlorimond. I wanted to tell him not to mention my name. He asked meabout my sister, and I told him she was alive and well, and I couldn'ttell him any more at present. Florimond won't mention anything Irequest him not to, --I know he won't. "

Mrs. Delano smiled to herself at Flora's quick, off-hand way of doingthings. "But after all, " thought she, "it is perhaps better settledso, than it would have been with more ceremony. " Then speaking aloud, she said, "Your friend has a very blooming name. "

"His name was Franz, " rejoined Flora; "but Mamita called himFlorimond, because he had such pink cheeks; and he liked Mamita somuch, that he always writes his name Franz Florimond. We always had somany flowery names mixed up with our _olla-podrida_ talk. _Your_ nameis flowery too. I used to say Mamita would have called you Lady Viola;but violet colors and lilac colors are cousins, and they both suityour complexion and your name, Mamita Lila. "

After dinner, she began to play and sing with more gayety than shehad manifested for many a day. While her friend played, she practisedseveral new dances with great spirit; and after she had kissedgood-night, she went twirling through the door, as if music werehanding her out. 

Mrs. Delano sat awhile in revery. She was thinking what a splendidmarriage her adopted daughter might make, if it were not for thatstain upon her birth. She was checked by the thought: "How I havefallen into the world's ways, which seemed to me so mean and heartlesswhen I was young! Was _I_ happy in the splendid marriage they made for_me_? From what Flora lets out occasionally, I judge her father feltpainfully the anomalous position of his handsome daughters. Alas! ifI had not been so weak as to give him up, all this miserableentanglement might have been prevented. So one wrong produces anotherwrong; and thus frightfully may we affect the destiny of others, whileblindly following the lead of selfishness. But the past, with all itsweaknesses and sins, has gone beyond recall; and I must try to write abetter record on the present. "

As she passed to her sleeping-room, she softly entered the adjoiningchamber, and, shading the lamp with her hand, she stood for a momentlooking at Flora. Though it was but a few minutes since she wasdarting round like a humming-bird, she was now sleeping as sweetly asa babe. She made an extremely pretty picture in her slumber, with thelong dark eyelashes resting on her youthful cheek, and a shower ofdark curls falling over her arm. "No wonder Alfred loved her sodearly, " thought she. "If his spirit can see us, he must bless mefor saving his innocent child. " Filled with this solemn and tenderthought, she knelt by the bedside, and prayed for blessing andguidance in the task she had undertaken. 

The unexpected finding of a link connected with old times had asalutary effect on Flora's spirits. In the morning, she said that shehad had pleasant dreams about Rosabella and Tulee, and that she didn'tmean to be homesick any more. "It's very ungrateful, " added she, "whenmy dear, good Mamita Lila does so much to make me happy. "

"To help you keep your good resolution, I propose that we go to theAthenaeum, " said Mrs. Delano, smiling. Flora had never been in agallery of paintings, and she was as much pleased as a little childwith a new picture-book. Her enthusiasm attracted attention, andvisitors smiled to see her clap her hands, and to hear her littleshouts of pleasure or of fun. Ladies said to each other, "It's plainthat this lively little _adoptée_ of Mrs. Delano's has never been muchin good society. " And gentlemen answered, "It is equally obvious thatshe has never kept vulgar company. "

Mrs. Delano's nice ideas of conventional propriety were a littledisturbed, and she was slightly annoyed by the attention theyattracted. But she said to herself, "If I am always checking thechild, I shall spoil the naturalness which makes her so charming. " Soshe quietly went on explaining the pictures, and giving an account ofthe artists. 

The next day it rained; and Mrs. Delano read aloud "The Lady of theLake, " stopping now and then to explain its connection with Scottishhistory, or to tell what scenes Rossini had introduced in _La Donnadel Lago_, which she had heard performed in Paris. The scenes of theopera were eagerly imbibed, but the historical lessons rolled offher memory, like water from a duck's back. It continued to rain anddrizzle for three days; and Flora, who was very atmospheric, beganto yield to the dismal influence of the weather. Her watchful friendnoticed the shadow of homesickness coming over the sunlight of hereyes, and proposed that they should go to a concert. Flora objected, saying that music would make her think so much of Rosabella, she wasafraid she should cry in public. But when the programme was produced, she saw nothing associated with her sister, and said, "I will go ifyou wish it, Mamita Lila, because I like to do everything you wish. "She felt very indifferent about going; but when Mr. Wood came forward, singing, "The sea, the sea, the open sea!" in tones so strong and fullthat they seemed the voice of the sea itself, she was half besideherself with delight. She kept time with her head and hands, with adegree of animation that made the people round her smile. She, quiteunconscious of observation, swayed to the music, and ever and anonnodded her approbation to a fair-faced young gentleman, who seemed tobe enjoying the concert very highly, though not to such a degree as tobe oblivious of the audience. 

Mrs. Delano was partly amused and partly annoyed. She took Flora'shand, and by a gentle pressure, now and then, sought to remind herthat they were in public; but she understood it as an indication ofmusical sympathy, and went on all the same. 

When they entered the carriage to return home, she drew a long breath, and exclaimed, O Mamita, how I have enjoyed the concert!"

"I am very glad of it, " replied her friend. "I suppose that was Mr. Blumenthal to whom you nodded several times, and who followed you tothe carriage. But, my dear, it isn't the custom for young ladies tokeep nodding to young gentlemen in public places. "

"Isn't it? I didn't think anything about it, " rejoined Flora. "ButFlorimond isn't a gentleman. He's an old acquaintance. Don't you findit very tiresome, Mamita, to be always remembering what is the custom?I'm sure _I_ shall never learn. "

When she went singing up stairs that night, Mrs. Delano smiled toherself as she said, "What _am_ I to do with this mercurial youngcreature? What an overturn she makes in all my serious pursuits andquiet ways! But there is something singularly refreshing about theartless little darling. "

Warm weather was coming, and Mrs. Delano began to make arrangementsfor passing the summer at Newport; but her plans were suddenlychanged. One morning Flora wished to purchase some colored crayons tofinish a drawing she had begun. As she was going out, her friend saidto her, "The sun shines so brightly, you had better wear your veil. "

"O, I've been muffled up so much, I do detest veils, " replied Flora, half laughingly and half impatiently. "I like to have a whole worldfull of air to breathe in. But if you wish it, Mamita Lila, I willwear it. "

It seemed scarcely ten minutes after, when the door-bell was rung withenergy, and Flora came in nervously agitated. 

"O Mamita!" exclaimed she, "I am so glad you advised me to wear aveil. I met Mr. Fitzgerald in this very street. I don't think he sawme, for my veil was close, and as soon as I saw him coming I held myhead down. He can't take me here in Boston, and carry me off, can he?"

"He shall not carry you off, darling; but you must not go in thestreet, except in the carriage with me. We will sit up stairs, alittle away from the windows; and if I read aloud, you won't forgetyourself and sing at your embroidery or drawing, as you are apt to do. It's not likely he will remain in the city many days, and I will tryto ascertain his movements. "

Before they had settled to their occupations, a ring at the door madeFlora start, and quickened the pulses of her less excitable friend. Itproved to be only a box of flowers from the country. But Mrs. Delano, uneasy in the presence of an undefined danger, the nature and extentof which she did not understand, opened her writing-desk and wrote thefollowing note:--

"MR. WILLARD PERCIVAL. 

"Dear Sir, --If you can spare an hour this evening to talk with me on asubject of importance, you will greatly oblige yours, "Very respectfully, "LILA DELANO"

A servant was sent with the note, and directed to admit no gentlemanduring the day or evening, without first bringing up his name. 

While they were lingering at the tea-table, the door-bell rang, andFlora, with a look of alarm, started to run up stairs. "Wait a moment, till the name is brought in, " said her friend. "If I admit thevisitor, I should like to have you follow me to the parlor, and remainthere ten or fifteen minutes. You can then go to your room, and whenyou are there, dear, be careful not to sing loud. Mr. Fitzgerald shallnot take you from me; but if he were to find out you were here, itmight give rise to talk that would be unpleasant. "

The servant announced Mr. Willard Percival; and a few momentsafterward Mrs. Delano introduced her _protégée_. Mr. Percival was toowell bred to stare, but the handsome, foreign-looking little damselevidently surprised him. He congratulated them both upon the relationbetween them, and said he need not wish the young lady happiness inher new home, for he believed Mrs. Delano always created anatmosphere of happiness around her. After a few moments of desultoryconversation, Flora left the room. When she had gone, Mr. Percivalremarked, "That is a very fascinating young person. "

"I thought she would strike you agreeably, " replied Mrs. Delano. "Herbeauty and gracefulness attracted me the first time I saw her; andafterward I was still more taken by her extremely _naïve_ manner. She has been brought up in seclusion as complete as Miranda's on theenchanted island; and there is no resisting the charm of her impulsivenaturalness. But, if you please, I will now explain the note I sentto you this morning. I heard some months ago that you had joined theAnti-Slavery Society. "

"And did you send for me hoping to convert me from the error of myways?" inquired he, smiling. 

"On the contrary, I sent for you to consult concerning a slave in whomI am interested. "

"_You_, Mrs. Delano!" he exclaimed, in a tone of great surprise. 

"You may well think it strange, " she replied, "knowing, as you do, how bitterly both my father and my husband were opposed to theanti-slavery agitation, and how entirely apart my own life has beenfrom anything of that sort. But while I was at the South this winter, I heard of a case which greatly interested my feelings. A wealthyAmerican merchant in New Orleans became strongly attached to abeautiful quadroon, who was both the daughter and the slave of aSpanish planter. Her father became involved in some pecuniary trouble, and sold his daughter to the American merchant, knowing that they weremutually attached. Her bondage was merely nominal, for the tie ofaffection remained constant between them as long as she lived; and hewould have married her if such marriages had been legal in Louisiana. By some unaccountable carelessness, he neglected to manumit her. Sheleft two handsome and accomplished daughters, who always supposedtheir mother to be a Spanish lady, and the wedded wife of theirfather. But he died insolvent, and, to their great dismay, they foundthemselves claimed as slaves under the Southern law, that 'the childfollows the condition of the mother. ' A Southern gentleman, who was inlove with the eldest, married her privately, and smuggled them bothaway to Nassau. After a while he went there to meet them, havingpreviously succeeded in buying them of the creditors. But his conducttoward the younger was so base, that she absconded. The question Iwish to ask of you is, whether, if he should find her in the FreeStates, he could claim her as his slave, and have his claim allowed bylaw. "

"Not if he sent them to Nassau, " replied Mr. Percival. "British soilhas the enviable distinction of making free whosoever touches it. "

"But he afterward brought them back to an island between Georgia andSouth Carolina, " said Mrs. Delano. "The eldest proved a most lovingand faithful wife, and to this day has no suspicion of his designswith regard to her sister. "

"If he married her before he went to Nassau, the ceremony is notbinding, " rejoined Mr. Percival; "for no marriage with a slave islegal in the Southern States. "

"I was ignorant of that law, " said Mrs. Delano, "being very littleinformed on the subject of slavery. But I suspected trickery of somesort in the transaction, because he proved himself so unprincipledwith regard to the sister. "

"And where is the sister?" inquired Mr. Percival. 

"I trust to your honor as a gentleman to keep the secret from everymortal, " answered Mrs. Delano. "You have seen her this evening. "

"Is it possible, " he exclaimed, "that you mean to say she is youradopted daughter?"

"I did mean to say that, " she replied. "I have placed great confidencein you; for you can easily imagine it would be extremely disagreeableto me, as well as to her, to become objects of public notoriety. "

"Your confidence is a sacred deposit, " answered he. "I have long beenaware that the most romantic stories in the country have grown out ofthe institution of slavery; but this seems stranger than fiction. Withall my knowledge of the subject, I find it hard to realize that sucha young lady as that has been in danger of being sold on theauction-block in this republic. It makes one desirous to conceal thathe is an American. "

"My principal reason for wishing to consult you, " said Mrs. Delano, "is, that Mr. Fitzgerald, the purchaser of these girls, is now in thecity, and Flora met him this morning. Luckily, she was closely veiled, and he did not recognize her. I think it is impossible he can haveobtained any clew to my connivance at her escape, and yet I feel alittle uneasy. I am so ignorant of the laws on this subject, that Idon't know what he has the power to do if he discovers her. Can heclaim her here in Boston?"

"He could claim her and bring her before the United States Court, "replied Mr. Percival; "but I doubt whether he _would_ do it. To claimsuch a girl as _that_ for a slave, would excite general sympathyand indignation, and put too much ammunition into the hands of usAbolitionists. Besides, no court in the Free States could helpdeciding that, if he sent her to Nassau, she became free. If he shoulddiscover her whereabouts, I shouldn't wonder if attempts were made tokidnap her; for men of his character are very unscrupulous, and thereare plenty of caitiffs in Boston ready to do any bidding of theirSouthern masters. If she were conveyed to the South, though the courts_ought_ to decide she was free, it is doubtful whether they _would_ doit; for, like Achilles, they scorn the idea that laws were made forsuch as they. "

"If I were certain that Mr. Fitzgerald knew of her being here, orthat he even suspected it, " said Mrs. Delano, "I would at oncetake measures to settle the question by private purchase; but thepresumption is that he and the sister suppose Flora to be dead, andher escape cannot be made known without betraying the cause of it. Flora has a great dread of disturbing her sister's happiness, and shethinks that, now she is away, all will go well. Another difficulty is, that, while the unfortunate lady believes herself to be his lawfulwife, she is really his slave, and if she should offend him in any wayhe could sell her. It troubles me that I cannot discover any mode ofascertaining whether he deserts her or not. He keeps her hidden in thewoods in that lonely island, where her existence is unknown, except toa few of his negro slaves. The only white friends she seems to have inthe world are her music teacher and French teacher in New Orleans. Mr. Fitzgerald has impressed it upon their minds that the creditors of herfather will prosecute him, and challenge him, if they discover that hefirst conveyed the girls away and then bought them at reduced prices. Therefore, if I should send an agent to New Orleans at any time toobtain tidings of the sister, those cautious friends would doubtlessconsider it a trap of the creditors, and would be very secretive. "

"It is a tangled skein to unravel, " rejoined Mr. Percival. "I donot see how anything can be done for the sister, under presentcircumstances. "

"I feel undecided what course to pursue with regard to my adopteddaughter, " said Mrs. Delano. "Entire seclusion is neither cheerful norsalutary at her age. But her person and manners attract attention andexcite curiosity. I am extremely desirous to keep her history secret, but I already find it difficult to answer questions without resortingto falsehood, which is a practice exceedingly abhorrent to me, and avery bad education for her. After this meeting with Mr. Fitzgerald, I cannot take her to any public place without a constant feeling ofuneasiness. The fact is, I am so unused to intrigues and mysteries, and I find it so hard to realize that a young girl like her _can_ bein such a position, that I am bewildered, and need time to settle mythoughts upon a rational basis. "

"Such a responsibility is so new to you, so entirely foreign to yourhabits, that it must necessarily be perplexing, " replied her visitor. "I would advise you to go abroad for a while. Mrs. Percival and Iintend to sail for Europe soon, and if you will join us we shallconsider ourselves fortunate. "

"I accept the offer thankfully, " said the lady. "It will help me outof a present difficulty in the very way I was wishing for. "

When the arrangement was explained to Flora, with a caution not to goin the streets, or show herself at the windows meanwhile, she made noobjection. But she showed her dimples with a broad smile, as she said, "It is written in the book of fate, Mamita Lila, 'Always hiding orrunning away. '"

CHAPTER XIV. 

Alfred R. King, when summoned home to Boston by the illness of hismother, had, by advice of physicians, immediately accompanied her tothe South of France, and afterward to Egypt. Finding little benefitfrom change of climate, and longing for familiar scenes and faces, she urged her son to return to New England, after a brief sojourn inItaly. She was destined never again to see the home for which sheyearned. The worn-out garment of her soul was laid away under aflowery mound in Florence, and her son returned alone. During the twoyears thus occupied, communication with the United States had beenmuch interrupted, and his thoughts had been so absorbed by his dyingmother, that the memory of that bright evening in New Orleans recurredless frequently than it would otherwise have done. Still, the veiledpicture remained in his soul, making the beauty of all other womenseem dim. As he recrossed the Atlantic, lonely and sad, a radiantvision of those two sisters sometimes came before his imagination withthe distinctness of actual presence. As he sat silently watching thewhite streak of foam in the wake of the vessel, he could see, as ina mirror, all the details of that flowery parlor; he could hear thecontinuous flow of the fountain in the garden, and the melodious tonesof "Buena Notte, amato bene. "

Arrived in Boston, his first inquiry of the merchants was whether theyhad heard anything of Mr. Royal. He received the news of his deathwith a whirl of emotions. How he longed for tidings concerning thedaughters! But questions would of course be unavailing, since theirexistence was entirely unknown at the North. That Mr. Royal had diedinsolvent, and his property had been disposed of at auction, filledhim with alarm. It instantly occurred to him how much power suchcircumstances would place in the hands of Mr. Fitzgerald. The thoughtpassed through his mind, "Would he marry Rosabella?" And he seemed tohear a repetition of the light, careless tones, "Of course not, --shewas a quadroon. " His uneasiness was too strong to be restrained, andthe second day after his arrival he started for New Orleans. 

He found the store of his old friend occupied by strangers, who couldonly repeat what he had already heard. He rode out to the house wherehe had passed that never-to-be-forgotten evening. There all waspainfully changed. The purchasers had refurnished the house withtasteless gewgaws, and the spirit of gracefulness had vanished. Theirunmodulated voices grated on his ear, in contrast with the liquidsoftness of Rosabella's tones, and the merry, musical tinkling ofFloracita's prattle. All they could tell him was, that they heard thequadroons who used to be kept there by the gentleman that owned thehouse had gone to the North somewhere. A pang shot through his soul ashe asked himself whether they remembered his offer of assistance, andhad gone in search of him. He turned and looked back upon the house, as he had done that farewell morning, when he assured them that hewould be a brother in time of need. He could hardly believe that allthe life and love and beauty which animated that home had vanishedinto utter darkness. It seemed stranger than the changes of a dream. 

Very sad at heart, he returned to the city and sought out a merchantwith whom his father had been accustomed to transact business. "Mr. Talbot, " said he, "I have come to New Orleans to inquire concerningthe affairs of the late Mr. Alfred Royal, who was a particular friendof my father. I have been surprised to hear that he died insolvent;for I supposed him to be wealthy. "

"He was generally so considered, " rejoined Mr. Talbot. "But he wasbrought down by successive failures, and some unlucky investments, aswe merchants often are, you know. "

"Were you acquainted with him, " asked Alfred. 

"I knew very little of him, except in the way of business, " repliedthe merchant. "He was disinclined to society, and therefore somepeople considered him eccentric; but he had the reputation of being akind-hearted, honorable man. "

"I think he never married, " said Alfred, in a tone of hesitatinginquiry, which he hoped might lead to the subject he had at heart. 

But it only elicited the brief reply, "He was a bachelor. "

"Did you ever hear of any family not legitimated by law?" inquired theyoung man. 

"There was a rumor about his living somewhere out of the city with ahandsome quadroon, " answered the merchant. "But such arrangements areso common here, they excite no curiosity. "

"Can you think of any one who had intimate relations with him, of whomI could learn something about that connection?"

"No, I cannot. As I tell you, he never mixed with society, and peopleknew very little about him. Ha! there's a gentleman going by now, whomay be able to give you some information. Hallo, Signor Papanti!"

The Italian, who was thus hailed, halted in his quick walk, and, beingbeckoned to by Mr. Talbot, crossed the street and entered the store. 

"I think you brought a bill against the estate of the late Mr. AlfredRoyal for lessons given to some quadroon girls. Did you not?" inquiredthe merchant. 

Having received an answer in the affirmative, he said: "This isMr. King, a young gentleman from the North, who wishes to obtaininformation on that subject. Perhaps you can give it to him. "

"I remember the young gentleman, " replied the Signor. "Mr. Royal didintroduce me to him at his store. "

The two gentlemen thus introduced bade Mr. Talbot good morning, andwalked away together, when Mr. King said, "My father and Mr. Royalwere as brothers, and that is the reason I feel interested to knowwhat has become of his daughters. "

The Italian replied, "I will tell _you_, sir, because Mr. Royal toldme you were an excellent man, and the son of his old friend. "

Rapid questions and answers soon brought out the principal features ofthe sisters' strange history. When it came to the fact of their beingclaimed as slaves, Mr. King started. "Is such a thing possible in thiscountry?" he exclaimed. "Girls so elegant and accomplished as theywere!"

"Quite possible, sir, " responded the Signor. "I have known severalsimilar instances in this city. But in this case I was surprised, because I never knew their mother was a slave. She was a singularlyhandsome and ladylike woman. "

"How was it possible that Mr. Royal neglected to manumit her?"inquired the young man. 

"I suppose he never thought of her otherwise than as his wife, andnever dreamed of being otherwise than rich, " rejoined the Signor. "Besides, you know how often death does overtake men with their dutieshalf fulfilled. He did manumit his daughters a few months before hisdecease; but it was decided that he was then too deeply in debt tohave a right to dispose of any portion of his property. "

"Property!" echoed the indignant young man. "Such a term applied towomen makes me an Abolitionist. "

"Please not to speak that word aloud, " responded the Italian. "I wasin prison several weeks on the charge of helping off those interestingpupils of mine, and I don't know what might have become of me, if Mr. Fitzgerald had not helped me by money and influence. I have my ownopinions about slavery, but I had rather go out of New Orleans beforeI express them. "

"A free country indeed!" exclaimed the young man, "where one cannotsafely express his indignation against such enormities. But tell mehow the girls were rescued from such a dreadful fate; for by theassurance you gave me at the outset that they needed no assistance, Iinfer that they were rescued. "

He listened with as much composure as he could to the account of Mr. Fitzgerald's agency in their escape, his marriage, Rosabella's devotedlove for him, and her happy home on a Paradisian island. The Signorsummed it up by saying, "I believe her happiness has been entirelywithout alloy, except the sad fate of her sister, of which we heard afew weeks ago. "

"What has happened to her?" inquired Alfred, with eager interest. 

"She went to the sea-shore to gather mosses, and never returned, "replied the Signor. "It is supposed she slipped into the water and wasdrowned, or that she was seized by an alligator. "

"O horrid!" exclaimed Alfred. "Poor Floracita! What a bright, beaminglittle beauty she was! But an alligator's mouth was a better fate thanslavery. "

"Again touching upon the dangerous topic!" rejoined the Signor. "Ifyou stay here long, I think you and the prison-walls will becomeacquainted. But here is what used to be poor Mr. Royal's happy home, and yonder is where Madame Papanti resides, --the Madame Guirlande Itold you of, who befriended the poor orphans when they had no otherfriend. Her kindness to them, and her courage in managing for them, was what first put it in my head to ask her to be my wife. Come in andhave a _tête-à-tête_ with her, sir. She knew the girls from the timethey were born, and she loved them like a mother. "

Within the house, the young man listened to a more prolonged account, some of the details of which were new, others a repetition. Madamedwelt with evident satisfaction on the fact that Rosa, in the midstof all her peril, refused to accept the protection of Mr. Fitzgerald, unless she were married to him; because she had so promised herfather, the night before he died. 

"That was highly honorable to her, " replied Mr. King; "but marriagewith a slave is not valid in law. "

"So the Signor says, " rejoined Madame. "I was so frightened andhurried, and I was so relieved when a protector offered himself, thatI didn't think to inquire anything about it. Before Mr. Fitzgeraldmade his appearance, we had planned to go to Boston in search of you. "

"Of _me_!" he exclaimed eagerly. "O, how I wish you had, and that Ihad been in Boston to receive you!"

"Well, I don't know that anything better could be done than has beendone, " responded Madame. "The girls were handsome to the perditionof their souls, as we say in France; and they knew no more about theworld than two blind kittens. Their mother came here a stranger, andshe made no acquaintance. Thus they seemed to be left singularly alonewhen their parents were gone. Mr. Fitzgerald was so desperately inlove with Rosabella, and she with him, that they could not have beenkept long apart any way. He has behaved very generously towardthem. By purchasing them, he has taken them out of the power of thecreditors, some of whom were very bad men. He bought Rosa's piano, andseveral other articles to which they were attached on their father'sand mother's account, and conveyed them privately to the new home hehad provided for them. Rosabella always writes of him as the mostdevoted of husbands; and dear little Floracita used to mention him asthe kindest of brothers. So there seems every reason to suppose thatRosa will be as fortunate as her mother was. "

"I hope so, " replied Mr. King. "But I know Mr. Royal had very littleconfidence in Mr. Fitzgerald; and the brief acquaintance I had withhim impressed me with the idea that he was a heartless, insidious man. Moreover, they are his slaves. "

"They don't know that, " rejoined Madame. "He has had the delicacy toconceal it from them. "

"It would have been more delicate to have recorded their manumission, "responded Mr. King. 

"That would necessarily involve change of residence, " remarked theSignor; "for the laws of Georgia forbid the manumission of slaveswithin the State. "

"What blasphemy to call such cruel enactments by the sacred name oflaw!" replied the young man. "As well might the compacts of robbers tosecure their plunder be called law. The walls have no ears or tongues, Signor, " added he, smiling; "so I think you will not be thrust in jailfor having such an imprudent guest. But, as I was saying, I cannothelp having misgivings concerning the future. I want you to keep asharp lookout concerning the welfare of those young ladies, and toinform me from time to time. Wheresoever I may happen to be, I willfurnish you with my address, and I wish you also to let me know whereyou are to be found, if you should change your residence. My fatherand Mr. Royal were like brothers when they were young men, and ifmy father were living he would wish to protect the children of hisfriend. The duty that he would have performed devolves upon me. I willdeposit five thousand dollars with Mr. Talbot, for their use, subjectto your order, should any unhappy emergency occur. I say _their_ use, bearing in mind the possibility that Floracita may reappear, thoughthat seems very unlikely. But, my friends, I wish to bind you, by themost solemn promise, never to mention my name in connection with thistransaction, and never to give any possible clew to it. I wish youalso to conceal my having come here to inquire concerning them. Ifthey ever need assistance, I do not wish them to know or conjecturewho their benefactor is. If you have occasion to call for the money, merely say that an old friend of their father's deposited it for theiruse. "

"I will solemnly pledge myself to secrecy, " answered the Signor; "andthough secrets are not considered very safe with women, I believeMadame may be trusted to any extent, where the welfare of these girlsis concerned. "

"I think you might say rather more than that, my friend, " rejoinedMadame. "But that will do. I promise to do in all respects as theyoung gentleman has requested, though I trust and believe that hisprecautions will prove needless. Mr. Fitzgerald is very wealthy, and Icannot suppose it possible that he would ever allow Rosabella to wantfor anything. "

"That may be, " replied Mr. King. "But storms come up suddenly inthe sunniest skies, as was the case with poor Mr. Royal. If Mr. Fitzgerald's love remains constant, he may fail, or he may die, without making provision for her manumission or support. "

"That is very true, " answered the Signor. "How much forecast youYankees have!"

"I should hardly deserve that compliment, my friends, if I failed tosupply you with the necessary means to carry out my wishes. " He puttwo hundred dollars into the hands of each, saying, "You will keep meinformed on the subject; and if Mrs. Fitzgerald should be ill or introuble, your will go to her. "

They remonstrated, saying it was too much. "Take it then for what you_have_ done, " replied he. 

When he had gone, Madame said, "Do you suppose he does all this onaccount of the friendship of their fathers?"

"He's an uncommon son, if he does, " replied the Signor. "But I'm gladRosabella has such a firm anchor to the windward if a storm shouldcome. "

Mr. King sought Mr. Talbot again, and placed five thousand dollars inhis hands, with the necessary forms and instructions, adding: "Shouldany unforeseen emergency render a larger sum necessary, please toadvance it, and draw on me. I am obliged to sail for Smyrna soon, onbusiness, or I would not trouble you to attend to this. "

Mr. Talbot smiled significantly, as he said, "These young ladies mustbe very charming, to inspire so deep an interest in their welfare. "

The young man, clad in the armor of an honest purpose, did not feelthe point of the arrow, and answered quietly: "They _are_ verycharming. I saw them for a few hours only, and never expect to seethem again. Their father and mine were very intimate friends, and Ifeel it a duty to protect them from misfortune if possible. " When thebusiness was completed, and they had exchanged parting salutations, heturned back to say, "Do you happen to know anything of Mr. Fitzgeraldof Savannah?"

"I never had any acquaintance with him, " replied Mr. Talbot; "buthe has the name of being something of a _roué_, and rather fond ofcards. "

"Can the death of Floracita be apocryphal?" thought Alfred. "Could hebe capable of selling her? No. Surely mortal man could not wrong thatartless child. "

He returned to his lodgings, feeling more fatigued and dispirited thanusual. He had done all that was possible for the welfare of the womanwho had first inspired him with love; but O, what would he not havegiven for such an opportunity as Fitzgerald had! He was obliged toconfess to himself that the utter annihilation of his hope was morebitter than he had supposed it would be. He no longer doubted thathe would have married her if he could, in full view of all herantecedents, and even with his mother's prejudices to encounter. Hecould not, however, help smiling at himself, as he thought: "Yet howvery different she was from what I had previously resolved to choose!How wisely I have talked to young men about preferring character tobeauty! And lo! I found myself magnetized at first sight by merebeauty!"

But manly pride rebelled against the imputation of such weakness. "No, it was not mere outward beauty, " he said to himself. "True, I had noopportunity of becoming acquainted with the qualities of her soul, but her countenance unmistakably expressed sweetness, modesty, anddignity, and the inflexions of her voice were a sure guaranty forrefinement. "

With visions of past and future revolving round him, he fellasleep and dreamed he saw Rosabella alone on a plank, sinking in atempestuous sea. Free as he thought himself from superstition, thedream made an uncomfortable impression on him, though he admitted thatit was the natural sequence of his waking thoughts. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Rosa came out of her swoon in a slow fever accompanied with delirium. Tulee was afraid to leave her long enough to go to the plantation insearch of Tom; and having no medicines at hand, she did the best thingthat could have been done. She continually moistened the parchedtongue with water, and wiped the hot skin with wet cloths. While shewas doing this, tears fell on her dear young mistress, lying thereso broken and helpless, talking incoherently about her father andFloracita, about being a slave and being sold. This continued eight orten days, during which she never seemed to recognize Tulee's presence, or to be conscious where she was. She was never wild or troublesome, but there were frequent restless motions, and signs of being afraidof something. Then such a heavy drowsiness came over her, that itwas difficult to arouse her sufficiently to swallow a spoonful ofnourishment. She slept, and slept, till it seemed as if she wouldsleep forever. "Nature, dear goddess, " was doing the best she couldfor the poor weak body, that had been so racked by the torture of thesoul. 

Three weeks passed before Mr. Fitzgerald again made his appearanceat the lonely cottage. He had often thought of Rosa meanwhile, notwithout uneasiness and some twinges of self-reproach. But consideringthe unlucky beginning of his honeymoon at Magnolia Lawn, he deemed itprudent to be very assiduous in his attentions to his bride. He tookno walks or drives without her, and she seemed satisfied with hisentire devotion; but a veiled singing shadow haunted the chambers ofher soul. When she and her husband were occupied with music, she halfexpected the pauses would be interrupted by another voice; nor washe free from fears that those wandering sounds would come again. Butannoyed as he would have been by the rich tones of that voice onceso dear to him, his self-love was piqued that Rosa took no steps torecall him. He had such faith in his power over her, that he had beendaily hoping for a conciliatory note. Tom had been as attentive to theinvalid as his enslaved condition would admit; but as Tulee said verydecidedly that she didn't want Massa Fitzgerald to show his facethere, he did not volunteer any information. At last, his master saidto him one day, "You've been to the cottage, I suppose, Tom?"

"Yes, Massa. "

"How are they getting on there?"

"Missy Rosy hab bin bery sick, but she done better now. "

"Why didn't you tell me, you black rascal?"

"Massa hab neber ax me, " replied Tom. 

Mr. Fitzgerald found some food for vanity in this news. He presumedthe illness was caused by love for him, which Rosa found herselfunable to conquer. This idea was very pleasant to him; for it was noteasy to relinquish the beautiful young creature who had loved him soexclusively. Making a pretext of business, he mounted his horse androde off; throwing a farewell kiss to his bride as he went. Forgreater security, he travelled a few moments in another direction, andthen sought the sequestered cottage by a circuitous route. Tulee wasvexed at heart when she heard him, as he came through the woods, humming, "_C'est l'amour, l'amour_"; and when he entered the cottage, she wished she was a white man, that she could strike him. But when hesaid, "Tulee, how is your mistress?" she civilly answered, "Better, Massa. "

He passed softly into Rosa's room. She was lying on the bed, in aloose white robe, over which fell the long braids of her dark hair. The warm coloring had entirely faded from her cheeks, leaving onlythat faintest reflection of gold which she inherited from her mother;and the thinness and pallor of her face made her large eyes seemlarger and darker. They were open, but strangely veiled; as if shadowswere resting on the soul, like fogs upon a landscape. When Gerald bentover her, she did not see him, though she seemed to be looking at him. He called her by the tenderest names; he cried out in agony, "O Rosa, speak to me, darling!" She did not hear him. He had never before beenso deeply moved. He groaned aloud, and, covering his face with hishands, he wept. 

When Tulee, hearing the sound, crept in to see whether all was wellwith her mistress, she found him in that posture. She went outsilently, but when she was beyond hearing she muttered to herself, "Ise glad he's got any human feelin'. "

After the lapse of a few moments, he came to her, saying, "O Tulee, doyou think she's going to die? Couldn't a doctor save her?"

"No, Massa, I don't believe she's going to die, " replied Tulee; "butshe'll be very weak for a great while. I don't think all the doctorsin the world could do poor Missy Rosy any good. It's her soul that'ssick, Massa; and nobody but the Great Doctor above can cure that. "

Her words cut him like a knife; but, without any attempt to excuse thewrong he had done, he said: "I am going to Savannah for the winter. Iwill leave Tom and Chloe at the plantation, with instructions to dowhatever you want done. If I am needed, you can send Tom for me. "

The melancholy wreck he had seen saddened him for a day or two; thoseeyes, with their mysterious expression of somnambulism, haunted him, and led him to drown uncomfortable feelings in copious draughts ofwine. But, volatile as he was impressible, the next week saw him thegayest of the gay in parties at Savannah, where his pretty littlebride was quite the fashion. 

At the cottage there was little change, except that Chloe, byher master's permission, became a frequent visitor. She was anaffectionate, useful creature, with good voice and ear, and a littlewild gleam of poetry in her fervid eyes. When she saw Rosa lying thereso still, helpless and unconscious as a new-born babe, she said, solemnly, "De sperit hab done gone somewhar. " She told many stories ofwonderful cures she had performed by prayer; and she would kneel bythe bedside, hour after hour, holding the invalid's hand, praying, "O Lord, fotch back de sperit! Fotch back de sperit! Fotch back desperit!" she would continue to repeat in ascending tones, till theyrose to wild imploring. Tulee, looking on one day, said, "Poor MissyRosy don't hear nothin' ye say, though ye call so loud. "

"De good Lord up dar, He hars, " replied Chloe, reverently pointingupward; and she went on with the vehement repetition. Thesesupplications were often varied with Methodist hymns and negromelodies, of which the most common refrain was, "O glory! glory!glory!" But whether singing or praying, she made it a point to holdthe invalid's hand and look into her eyes. For a long while, thespirit that had gone somewhere showed no signs of returning, inobedience to the persevering summons. But after several weeks hadelapsed, there was a blind groping for Chloe's hand; and when it wasfound, Tulee thought she perceived something like a little flickeringgleam flit over the pale face. Still, neither of the nurses wasrecognized; and no one ever knew what the absent soul was seeing andhearing in that mysterious somewhere whither it had flown. At last, Chloe's patient faith was rewarded by a feeble pressure of her hand. Their watchfulness grew more excited; and never did mother welcome thefirst gleam of intelligence in her babe with more thrilling joy, thanthe first faint, quivering smile on Rosa's lips was welcomed by thoseanxious, faithful friends. The eyes began to resume their naturalexpression. The fog was evidently clearing away from the soul, andthe sunshine was gleaming through. The process of resuscitation wasthenceforth constant, though very slow. It was three months afterthose cruel blows fell upon her loving heart before she spoke andfeebly called them by their names. And not until a month later wasshe able to write a few lines to quiet the anxiety of Madame and theSignor. 

A few days before her last ghostly visit to Magnolia Lawn, shehad written them a very joyful letter, telling them of Gerald'spreparations to acknowledge her as his wife, and make her the mistressof his beautiful home. They received the tidings with great joy, andanswered with hearty congratulations. The Signor was impatientto write to Mr. King; but Madame, who had learned precaution andmanagement by the trials and disappointments of a changing life, thought it best to wait till they could inform him of the actual fact. As Rosa had never been in the habit of writing oftener than once infour or five weeks, they felt no uneasiness until after that time hadelapsed; and even then they said to each other, "She delays writing, as we do, until everything is arranged. " But when seven or eight weekshad passed, Madame wrote again, requesting an immediate answer. Owingto the peculiar position of the sisters, letters to them had alwaysbeen sent under cover to Mr. Fitzgerald; and when this letter arrived, he was naturally curious to ascertain whether Madame was aware of hismarriage. It so happened that it had not been announced in the onlypaper taken by the Signor; and as they lived in a little foreignworld of their own, they remained in ignorance of it. Having read theletter, Mr. Fitzgerald thought, as Rosa was not in a condition to readit, it had better be committed to the flames. But fearing that Madameor the Signor might come to Savannah in search of tidings, and thatsome unlucky accident might bring them to speech of his bride, heconcluded it was best to ward off such a contingency. He accordinglywrote a very studied letter to Madame, telling her that, with herknowledge of the world, he supposed she must be well aware that thedaughter of a quadroon slave could not be legally recognized as thewife of a Southern gentleman; that he still loved Rosa better than anyother woman, but wishing for legal heirs to his hereditary estate, itwas necessary for him to marry. He stated that Rosa was recoveringfrom a slow fever, and had requested him to say that they must notfeel anxious about her; that she had everything for her comfort, hadbeen carefully attended by two good nurses, was daily getting better, and would write in a few weeks; meanwhile, if anything retarded hercomplete recovery, he would again write. 

This letter he thought would meet the present emergency. His plansfor the future were unsettled. He still hoped that Rosa, alone andunprotected as she was, without the legal ownership of herself, andsubdued by sickness and trouble, would finally accede to his terms. 

She, in her unconscious state, was of course ignorant of thiscorrespondence. For some time after she recognized her nurses, shecontinued to be very drowsy, and manifested no curiosity concerningher condition. She was as passive in their hands as an infant, andthey treated her as such. Chloe sung to her, and told her stories, which were generally concerning her own remarkable experiences; forshe was a great seer of visions. Perhaps she owed them to gifts ofimagination, of which culture would have made her a poet; but to herthey seemed to be an objective reality. She often told of seeingJesus, as she walked to and from the plantation. Once she had met himriding upon Thistle, with a golden crown upon his head. One evening hehad run before her all the way, as a very little child, whose shininggarments lighted up all the woods. 

Four months after the swift destruction of her hopes, Rosa, aftertaking some drink from Tulee's hand, looked up in her face, and said, "How long have I been sick, dear Tulee?"

"No matter about that, darling, " she replied, patting her head fondly. "Ye mustn't disturb your mind 'bout that. "

After a little pause, the invalid said, "But tell me how long. "

"Well then, darling, I didn't keep no 'count of the time; but Tom saysit's February now. "

"Yer see, Missy Rosy, " interposed Chloe, "yer sperit hab done gonesomewhar, an' yer didn't know nottin'. But a booful angel, all inwhite, tuk yer by de han' an' toted yer back to Tulee an' Chloe. Datar angel hab grat hansum eyes, an' she tole me she war yer mudder;an' dat she war gwine to be wid yer allers, cause twar de will ob deLord. "

Rosa listened with a serious, pleased expression in her face; for thewords of her simple comforter inspired a vague consciousness of somesupernatural presence surrounding her with invisible protection. 

A few hours after, she asked, with head averted from her attendant, "Has any one been here since I have been ill?"

Anxious to soothe the wounded heart as much as possible, Tuleeanswered: "Massa Gerald come to ask how ye did; and when he went toSavannah, he left Tom and Chloe at the plantation to help me take careof ye. "

She manifested no emotion; and after a brief silence she inquiredfor letters from Madame. Being informed that there were none, sheexpressed a wish to be bolstered up, that she might try to write a fewlines to her old friend. Chloe, in reply, whispered something in herear, which seemed to surprise her. Her cheeks flushed, the firsttime for many a day; but she immediately closed her eyes, and tearsglistened on the long, dark lashes. In obedience to the caution ofher nurses, she deferred any attempt to write till the next week. Sheremained very silent during the day, but they knew that her thoughtswere occupied; for they often saw tears oozing through the closedeyelids. 

Meanwhile, her friends in New Orleans were in a state of greatanxiety. Mr. Fitzgerald had again written in a strain very similar tohis first letter, but from Rosa herself nothing had been received. 

"I don't know what to make of this, " said Madame. "Rosa is not agirl that would consent to a secondary position where her heart wasconcerned. "

"You know how common it is for quadroons to accede to such doublearrangements, " rejoined the Signor. 

"Of course I am well aware of that, " she replied; "but they areeducated, from childhood, to accommodate themselves to theirsubordinate position, as a necessity that cannot be avoided. It wasfar otherwise with Rosa. Moreover, I believe there is too much ofGrandpa Gonsalez in her to submit to anything she deemed dishonorable. I think, my friend, somebody ought to go to Savannah to inquire intothis business. If you should go, I fear you would get into a duel. You know dear Floracita used to call you Signor Pimentero. But Mr. Fitzgerald won't fight _me_, let me say what I will. So I think I hadbetter go. "

"Yes, you had better go. You're a born diplomate, which I am not, "replied the Signor. 

Arrangements were accordingly made for going in a day or two; but theywere arrested by three or four lines from Rosa, stating that she wasgetting well, that she had everything for her comfort, and would writemore fully soon. But what surprised them was that she requested themto address her as Madame Gonsalez, under cover to her mantuamaker inSavannah, whose address was given. 

"That shows plainly enough that she and Fitzgerald have dissolvedpartnership, " said Madame; "but as she does not ask me to come, I willwait for her letter of explanation. " Meanwhile, however, she wrotevery affectionately in reply to the brief missive, urging Rosa to cometo New Orleans, and enclosing fifty dollars, with the statement thatan old friend of her father's had died and left a legacy for hisdaughters. Madame had, as Floracita observed, a talent for arrangingthe truth with variations. 

The March of the Southern spring returned, wreathed with garlands, andits pathway strewn with flowers. She gave warm kisses to the firs andpines as she passed, and they returned her love with fragrant sighs. The garden at Magnolia Lawn had dressed itself with jonquils, hyacinths, and roses, and its bower was a nest of glossy greenery, where mocking-birds were singing their varied tunes, moving theirwhite tail-feathers in time to their music. Mrs. Fitzgerald, who wasnot strong in health, was bent upon returning thither early in theseason, and the servants were busy preparing for her reception. Chloewas rarely spared to go to the hidden cottage, where her attendanceupon Rosa was no longer necessary; but Tom came once a week, as healways had done, to do whatever jobs or errands the inmates required. One day Tulee was surprised to hear her mistress ask him whetherMr. Fitzgerald was at the plantation; and being answered in theaffirmative, she said, "Have the goodness to tell him that Missy Rosywould like to see him soon. "

When Mr. Fitzgerald received the message, he adjusted his necktie atthe mirror, and smiled over his self-complacent thoughts. He had hopesthat the proud beauty was beginning to relent. Having left his wife inSavannah, there was no obstacle in the way of his obeying the summons. As he passed over the cottage lawn, he saw that Rosa was sewing at thewindow. He slackened his pace a little, with the idea that she mightcome out to meet him; but when he entered the parlor, she was stilloccupied with her work. She rose on his entrance, and moved a chairtoward him; and when he said, half timidly, "How do you do now, dearRosa?" she quietly replied, "Much better, I thank you. I have sent foryou, Mr. Fitzgerald, to ask a favor. "

"If it is anything in my power, it shall be granted, " he replied. 

"It is a very easy thing for you to do, " rejoined she, "and veryimportant to me. I want you to give me papers of manumission. "

"Are you so afraid of me?" he asked, coloring as he remembered acertain threat he had uttered. 

"I did not intend the request as any reproach to you, " answered she, mildly; "but simply as a very urgent necessity to myself. As soonas my health will permit, I wish to be doing something for my ownsupport, and, if possible, to repay you what you expended for me andmy sister. "

"Do you take me for a mean Yankee, " exclaimed he indignantly, "thatyou propose such an account of dollars and cents?"

"I expressed my own wishes, not what I supposed you would require, "replied she. "But aside from that, you can surely imagine it must bepainful to have my life haunted by this dreadful spectre of slavery. "

"Rosa, " said he earnestly, "do me the justice to remember that I didnot purchase you as a slave, or consider you a slave. I expended moneywith all my heart to save my best-beloved from misfortune. "

"I believe those were your feelings then, " she replied. "But let thepast be buried. I simply ask you now, as a gentleman who has it in hispower to confer a great favor on an unprotected woman, whether youwill manumit me. "

"Certainly I will, " answered he, much discomposed by her cool businesstone. 

She rose at once, and placed the writing-desk before him. It was thepretty little desk he had given her for a birthday present. 

He put his finger on it, and, looking up in her face, with one of hisold insinuating glances, he said, "Rosa, do you remember what we saidwhen I gave you this?"

Without answering the question, she said, "Will you have the goodnessto write it now?"

"Why in such haste?" inquired he. "I have given you my promise, and doyou suppose I have no sense of honor?"

A retort rose to her lips, but she suppressed it. "None of us can besure of the future, " she replied. "You know what happened when my dearfather died. " Overcome by that tender memory, she covered her eyeswith her hand, and the tears stole through her fingers. 

He attempted to kiss away the tears, but she drew back, and went on tosay: "At that time I learned the bitter significance of the law, 'Thechild shall follow the condition of the mother. ' It was not mainly onmy own account that I sent for you, Mr. Fitzgerald. I wish to securemy child from such a dreadful contingency as well-nigh ruined me andmy sister. " She blushed, and lowered her eyes as she spoke. 

"O Rosa!" he exclaimed. The impulse was strong to fold her to hisheart; but he could not pass the barrier of her modest dignity. 

After an embarrassed pause, she looked up bashfully, and said, "Knowing this, you surely will not refuse to write it now. "

"I must see a lawyer and obtain witnesses, " he replied. 

She sighed heavily. "I don't know what forms are necessary, " said she. "But I beg of you to take such steps as will make me perfectly secureagainst any accidents. And don't delay it, Mr. Fitzgerald. Will yousend the papers next week?"

"I see you have no confidence in me, " replied he, sadly. Then, suddenly dropping on his knees beside her, he exclaimed, "O Rosa, don't call me Mr. Again. Do call me Gerald once more! Do say youforgive me!"

She drew back a little, but answered very gently: "I do forgive you, and I hope your innocent little wife will never regret having lovedyou; for that is a very bitter trial. I sincerely wish you may behappy; and you may rest assured I shall not attempt to interferewith your happiness. But I am not strong enough to talk much. Pleasepromise to send those papers next week. "

He made the promise, with averted head and a voice that was slightlytremulous. 

"I thank you, " she replied; "but I am much fatigued, and will bid yougood morning. " She rose to leave the room, but turned back and added, with solemn earnestness, "I think it will be a consolation on yourdeath-bed if you do not neglect to fulfil Rosa's last request. " Shepassed into the adjoining room, fastened the door, and threw herselfon the couch, utterly exhausted. How strange and spectral this meetingseemed! She heard his retreating footsteps without the slightestdesire to obtain a last glimpse of his figure. How entirely he hadpassed out of her life, he who so lately was _all_ her life!

The next day Rosa wrote as follows to Madame and the Signor:--

"Dearest and best friends, --It would take days to explain to you allthat has happened since I wrote you that long, happy letter; and atpresent I have not strength to write much. When we meet we will talkabout it more fully, though I wish to avoid the miserable particularsas far as possible. The preparations I so foolishly supposed werebeing made for me were for a rich Northern bride, --a pretty, innocent-looking little creature. The marriage with me, it seems, wascounterfeit. When I discovered it, my first impulse was to fly to you. But a strange illness came over me, and I was oblivious of everythingfor four months. My good Tulee and a black woman named Chloe broughtme back to life by their patient nursing. I suppose it was wrong, butwhen I remembered who and what I was, I felt sorry they didn't letme go. I was again seized with a longing to fly to you, who were asfather and mother to me and my darling little sister in the days ofour first misfortune. But I was too weak to move, and I am still farfrom being able to bear the fatigue of such a journey. Moreover, I amfastened here for the present by another consideration. Mr. Fitzgeraldsays he bought us of papa's creditors, and that I am his slave. I haveentreated him, for the sake of our unborn child, to manumit me, and hehas promised to do it. If I could only be safe in New Orleans, it ismy wish to come and live with you, and find some way to support myselfand my child. But I could have no peace, so long as there was theremotest possibility of being claimed as slaves. Mr. Fitzgerald maynot mean that I shall ever come to harm; but he may die withoutproviding against it, as poor papa did. I don't know what forms arenecessary for my safety. I don't understand how it is that there is nolaw to protect a defenceless woman, who has done no wrong. I willwait here a little longer to recruit my strength and have this mattersettled. I wish it were possible for you, my dear, good mother, tocome to me for two or three weeks in June; then perhaps you could takeback with you your poor Rosa and her baby, if their lives should bespared. But if you cannot come, there is an experienced old negresshere, called Granny Nan, who, Tulee says, will take good care of me. I thank you for your sympathizing, loving letter. Who could papa'sfriend be that left me a legacy? I was thankful for the fifty dollars, for it is very unpleasant to me to use any of Mr. Fitzgerald's money, though he tells Tom to supply everything I want. If it were not foryou, dear friends, I don't think I should have courage to try to live. But something sustains me wonderfully through these dreadful trials. Sometimes I think poor Chloe's prayers bring me help from above; forthe good soul is always praying for me. 

"Adieu. May the good God bless you both. 

"Your loving and grateful

"ROSABELLA. "

 * * * * *

Week passed after week, and the promised papers did not come. Theweary days dragged their slow length along, unsoothed by anythingexcept Tulee's loving care and Madame's cheering letters. The pianowas never opened; for all tones of music were draped in mourning, andits harmonies were a funeral march over buried love. But she enjoyedthe open air and the fragrance of the flowers. Sometimes she walkedslowly about the lawn, and sometimes Tulee set her upon Thistle'sback, and led him round and round through the bridle-paths. But outof the woods that concealed their nest they never ventured, lest theyshould meet Mrs. Fitzgerald. Tulee, who was somewhat proud on hermistress's account, was vexed by this limitation. "I don't see why yeshould hide yerself from her, " said she. "Yese as good as she is; andye've nothin' to be shamed of. "

"It isn't on my own account that I wish to avoid her seeing me, "replied Rosa. "But I pity the innocent young creature. She didn't knowof disturbing my happiness, and I should be sorry to disturb hers. "

As the weeks glided away without bringing any fulfilment ofFitzgerald's promise, anxiety changed to distrust. She twice requestedTom to ask his master for the papers he had spoken of, and receiveda verbal answer that they would be sent as soon as they were ready. There were greater obstacles in the way than she, in her inexperience, was aware of. The laws of Georgia restrained humane impulses byforbidding the manumission of a slave. Consequently, he must eitherincur very undesirable publicity by applying to the legislature for aspecial exception in this case, or she must be manumitted in anotherState. He would gladly have managed a journey without the company ofhis wife, if he could thereby have regained his former influence withRosa; but he was disinclined to take so much trouble to free herentirely from him. When he promised to send the papers, he intended tosatisfy her with a sham certificate, as he had done with a counterfeitmarriage; but he deferred doing it, because he had a vague sense ofsatisfaction in being able to tantalize the superior woman over whomhe felt that he no longer had any other power. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Madame's anxiety was much diminished after she began to receiveletters in Rosa's own handwriting; but, knowing the laws of Georgia, and no longer doubtful concerning Fitzgerald's real character, sheplaced small reliance upon his promise of manumission. "This isanother of his deceptions, " said she to the Signor. "I have beenthinking a good deal about the state of things, and I am convincedthere will be no security in this country for that poor girl. You havebeen saying for some time that you wanted to see your beautiful Italyagain, and I have the same feeling about my beautiful France. We eachof us have a little money laid up; and if we draw upon the fund Mr. King has deposited, we can take Rosabella to Europe and bring her outas a singer. "

"She would have a great career, no doubt, " replied the Signor; "and Iwas going to suggest such a plan to you. But you would have to changeyour name again on my account, Madame; for I was obliged to leaveItaly because I was discovered to be one of the Carbonari; and thoughfifteen years have elapsed, it is possible the watchful authoritieshave not forgotten my name. "

"That's a trifling obstacle, " resumed Madame. "You had better givenotice to your pupils at once that you intend to leave as soon aspresent engagements are fulfilled. I will use up my stock for fancyarticles, and sell off as fast as possible, that we may be ready tostart for Europe as soon as Rosa has sufficient strength. "

This resolution was immediately acted upon; but the fates wereunpropitious to Madame's anticipated visit to the lonely island. A fewdays before her intended departure, the Signor was taken seriouslyill, and remained so for two or three weeks. He fretted and fumed, more on her account than his own, but she, as usual, went through thetrial bravely. She tried to compensate Rosa for the disappointment, as far as she could, by writing frequent letters, cheerful in tone, though prudently cautious concerning details. Fearing that Mr. Fitzgerald's suspicions might be excited by an apparent cessation ofcorrespondence, she continued to write occasionally under cover tohim, in a style adapted to his views, in case he should take a fancyto open the letters. The Signor laughed, and said, "Your talent fordiplomacy is not likely to rust for want of use, Madame. " Even Rosa, sad at heart as she was, could not help smiling sometimes at thetotally different tone of the letters which she received underdifferent covers. 

She had become so accustomed to passive endurance, that no murmurescaped her when she found that her only white friend could not cometo her, as she had expected. Granny Nan boasted of having nursed manygrand white ladies, and her skill in the vocation proved equal to herpretensions. Only her faithful Tulee and the kind old colored mammywere with her when, hovering between life and death, she heard the crythat announced the advent of a human soul. Nature, deranged by bodilyillness and mental trouble, provided no nourishment for the littleone; but this, which under happier circumstances would have been adisappointment, called forth no expressions of regret from the patientsufferer. When Tulee held the babe before her in its first dress, shesmiled faintly, but immediately closed her eyes. As she lay there, dayafter day, with the helpless little creature nestling in her arms, the one consoling reflection was that she had not given birth to adaughter. A chaos of thoughts were revolving through her mind; thetheme of all the variations being how different it was from what itmight have been, if the ideal of her girlhood had not been shatteredso cruelly. Had it not been for that glimmering light in the futurewhich Madame so assiduously presented to her view, courage would haveforsaken her utterly. As it was, she often listened to the dash of thesea with the melancholy feeling that rest might be found beneath itswaves. But she was still very young, the sky was bright, the earth waslovely, and she had a friend who had promised to provide a safe asylumfor her somewhere. She tried to regain her strength, that she mightleave the island, with all its sad reminders of departed happiness. Thinking of this, she rose one day and wandered into the littleparlor to take a sort of farewell look. There was the piano, so longunopened, with a whole epic of love and sorrow in its rememberedtones; the pretty little table her mother had painted; the basket shehad received from her father after his death; Floracita's paintingsand mosses; and innumerable little tokens of Gerald's love. Walkinground slowly and feebly in presence of all those memories, howalone she felt, with none to speak to but Tulee and the old coloredmammy, --she, who had been so tenderly cared for by her parents, soidolized by him to whom she gave her heart! She was still gazingpensively on these souvenirs of the past, when her attention wasarrested by Tom's voice, saying: "Dar's a picaninny at de Grat Hus. How's turrer picaninny?"

The thought rushed upon her, "Ah, that baby had a father to welcome itand fondle it; but _my_ poor babe--" A sensation of faintness came overher; and, holding on by the chairs and tables, she staggered back tothe bed she had left. 

Before the babe was a fortnight old, Tom announced that he was toaccompany his master to New Orleans, whither he had been summoned bybusiness. The occasion was eagerly seized by Rosa to send a letterand some small articles to Madame and the Signor. Tulee gave him veryparticular directions how to find the house, and charged him over andover again to tell them everything. When she cautioned him not to lethis master know that he carried anything, Tom placed his thumb on thetip of his nose, and moved the fingers significantly, saying: "Dis erenigger ha'n't jus' wakum'd up. Bin wake mos' ob de time sense twardaylight. " He foresaw it would be difficult to execute the commissionhe had undertaken; for as a slave he of course had little control overhis own motions. He, however, promised to try; and Tulee told him shehad great confidence in his ingenuity in finding out ways and means. 

"An' I tinks a heap o' ye, Tulee. Ye knows a heap more dan mos'niggers, " was Tom's responsive compliment. In his eyes Tulee was infact a highly accomplished person; for though she could neither readnor write, she had caught the manners and speech of white people, by living almost exclusively with them, and she was, by habit, asfamiliar with French as English, beside having a little smattering ofSpanish. To have his ingenuity praised by her operated as a fillipupon his vanity, and he inwardly resolved to run the risk of aflogging, rather than fail to do her bidding. He was also most loyalin the service of Rosa, whose beauty and kindliness had won his heart, before his sympathy had been called out by her misfortunes. But noneof them foresaw what important consequences would result from hismission. 

The first day he was in New Orleans, he found no hour when he could beabsent without the liability of being called for by his master. Thenext day Mr. Bruteman dined with his master, and Tom was in attendanceupon the table. Their conversation was at first about cotton crops, the prices of negroes, and other business matters, to which Tom paidlittle attention. But a few minutes afterward his ears were wide open. 

"I suppose you came prepared to pay that debt you owe me, " said Mr. Bruteman. 

"I am obliged to ask an extension of your indulgence, " replied Mr. Fitzgerald. "It is not in my power to raise that sum just now. "

"How is that possible, " inquired Mr. Bruteman, "when you have marriedthe daughter of a Boston nabob?"

"The close old Yankee keeps hold of most of his money while he lives, "rejoined his companion; "and Mrs. Fitzgerald has expensive tastes tobe gratified. "

"And do you expect me to wait till the old Yankee dies?" asked Mr. Bruteman. "Gentlemen generally consider themselves bound to be promptin paying debts of honor. "

"I'll pay you as soon as I can. What the devil can you ask more?"exclaimed Fitzgerald. "It seems to me it's not the part of a gentlemanto play the dun so continually. "

They had already drank pretty freely; but Mr. Bruteman took upa bottle, and said, "Let us drink another glass to the speedyreplenishing of your purse. " They poured full bumpers, touchedglasses, and drank the contents. 

There was a little pause, during which Mr. Bruteman sat twirlinghis glass between thumb and finger, with looks directed toward hiscompanion. All at once he said, "Fitzgerald, did you ever find thosehandsome octoroon girls?"

"What octoroon girls?" inquired the other. 

"O, you disremember them, do you?" rejoined he. "I mean how did thatbargain turn out that you made with Royal's creditors? You seemed tohave small chance of finding the girls; unless, indeed, you hid themaway first, for the purpose of buying them for less than half theywould have brought to the creditors, --which, of course, is not to besupposed, because no gentleman would do such a thing. "

Thrown off his guard by too much wine, Fitzgerald vociferated, "Do youmean to insinuate that I am no gentleman?"

Mr. Bruteman smiled, as he answered: "I said such a thing was not tobe supposed. But come, Fitzgerald, let us understand one another. I'drather, a devilish sight, have those girls than the money you owe me. Make them over to me, and I'll cancel the debt. Otherwise, I shall beunder the necessity of laying an attachment on some of your property. "

There was a momentary silence before Mr. Fitzgerald answered, "One ofthem is dead. "

"Which one?" inquired his comrade. 

"Flora, the youngest, was drowned. "

"And that queenly beauty, where is she? I don't know that I ever heardher name. "

"Rosabella Royal, " replied Fitzgerald. "She is living at a convenientdistance from my plantation. "

"Well, I will be generous, " said Bruteman. "If you will make _her_over to me, I will cancel the debt. "

"She is not in strong health at present, " rejoined Fitzgerald. "Shehas a babe about two weeks old. "

"You know you have invited me to visit your island two or threeweeks hence, " replied Bruteman; "and then I shall depend upon you tointroduce me to your fair Rosamond. But we will draw up the papers andsign them now, if you please. "

Some jests unfit for repetition were uttered by the creditor, to whichthe unhappy debtor made no reply. When he called Tom to bring paperand ink, the observing servant noticed that he was very pale, thoughbut a few moments before his face had been flushed. 

That night, he tried to drown recollection in desperate gambling andfrequent draughts of wine. Between one and two o'clock in the morning, his roisterous companions were led off by their servants, and he wasput into bed by Tom, where he immediately dropped into a perfectlysenseless sleep. 

As soon as there was sufficient light, Tom started for the house ofthe Signor; judging that he was safe from his master for three hoursat least. Notwithstanding the earliness of the hour, Madame made herappearance in a very few moments after her servant informed her whowas in waiting, and the Signor soon followed. In the course of thenext hour and a half an incredible amount of talking was done in negro"lingo" and broken English. The impetuous Signor strode up and down, clenching his fists, cursing slavery, and sending Fitzgerald to theDevil in a volley of phrases hard enough in their significance, thoughuttered in soft-flowing Italian. 

"Swearing does no good, my friend, " said Madame; "besides, there isn'ttime for it. Rosabella must be brought away immediately. Bruteman willbe on the alert, you may depend. She slipped through his fingers once, and he won't trust Fitzgerald again. "

The Signor cooled down, and proposed to go for her himself. But thatwas overruled, in a very kind way, by his prudent wife, who arguedthat he was not well enough for such an exciting adventure, or tobe left without her nursing, when his mind would be such a prey touneasiness. It was her proposition to send at once for her cousinDuroy, and have him receive very particular directions from Tom how toreach the island and find the cottage. Tom said he didn't know whetherhe could get away for an hour again, because his master was alwaysvery angry if he was out of the way when called; but if Mr. Duroywould come to the hotel, he would find chances to tell him what to do. And that plan was immediately carried into effect. 

While these things were going on in New Orleans, Mrs. Fitzgerald wastaking frequent drives about the lovely island with her mother, Mrs. Bell; while Rosa was occasionally perambulating her little circuit ofwoods on the back of patient Thistle. One day Mrs. Fitzgerald and hermother received an invitation to the Welby plantation, to meet someNorthern acquaintances who were there; and as Mrs. Fitzgerald'sstrength was not yet fully restored, Mrs. Welby proposed that theyshould remain all night. Chloe, who had lost her own baby, was chosento nurse her master's new-born heir, and was consequently tied soclosely that she could find no chance to go to the cottage, whoseinmates she had a great longing to see. But when master and mistresswere both gone, she thought she might take her freedom for a whilewithout incurring any great risk. The other servants agreed to keepher secret, and Joe the coachman promised to drive her most of theway when he came back with the carriage. Accordingly, she made herappearance at the cottage quite unexpectedly, to the great joy ofTulee. 

When she unwrapped the little black-haired baby from its foldingsof white muslin, Tulee exclaimed: "He looks jus' like hisgood-for-nothing father; and so does Missy Rosy's baby. I'm 'fraid 'twill make poor missy feel bad to see it, for she don't know nothin''bout it. "

"Yes I do, Tulee, " said Rosa, who had heard Chloe's voice, and goneout to greet her. "I heard Tom tell you about it. "

She took up the little hand, scarcely bigger than a bird's claw, andwhile it twined closely about her finger, she looked into its eyes, so like to Gerald's in shape and color. She was hoping that thosehandsome eyes might never be used as his had been, but she gaveno utterance to her thoughts. Her manner toward Chloe was full ofgrateful kindness; and the poor bondwoman had some happy hours, playing free for a while. She laid the infant on its face in her lap, trotting it gently, and patting its back, while she talked over withTulee all the affairs at the "Grat Hus. " And when the babe was asleep, she asked and obtained Rosa's permission to lay him on her bed besidehis little brother. Then poor Chloe's soul took wing and soared aloftamong sun-lighted clouds. As she prayed, and sang her fervent hymns, and told of her visions and revelations, she experienced satisfactionsimilar to that of a troubadour, or palmer from Holy Land, with anadmiring audience listening to his wonderful adventures. 

While she was thus occupied, Tulee came in hastily to say that astranger gentleman was coming toward the house. Such an event in thatlonely place produced general excitement, and some consternation. Rosaat once drew her curtain and bolted the door. But Tulee soon camerapping gently, saying, "It's only I, Missy Rosy. " As the doorpartially opened, she said, "It's a friend Madame has sent ye. " Rosa, stepping forward, recognized Mr. Duroy, the cousin in whose clothesMadame had escaped with them from New Orleans. She was very slightlyacquainted with him, but it was such a comfort to see any one who knewof the old times that she could hardly refrain from throwing herselfon his neck and bursting into tears. As she grasped his hand with aclose pressure, he felt the thinness of her emaciated fingers. Thepaleness of her cheeks, and the saddened expression of her large eyes, excited his compassion. He was too polite to express it in words, but it was signified by the deference of his manner and the extremegentleness of his tones. He talked of Madame's anxious love for her, of the Signor's improving health, of the near completion of their planfor going to Europe, and of their intention to take her with them. Rosa was full of thankfulness, but said she was as yet incapable ofmuch exertion. Mr. Duroy went on to speak of Tom's visit to Madame;and slowly and cautiously he prepared the way for his account of theconversation between Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Bruteman. But careful ashe was, he noticed that her features tightened and her hands wereclenched. When he came to the interchange of writings, she sprung toher feet, and, clutching his arm convulsively, exclaimed, "Did hedo that?" Her eyes were like a flame, and her chest heaved with thequick-coming breath. 

He sought to draw her toward him, saying in soothing tones, "Theyshall not harm you, my poor girl. Trust to me, as if I were yourfather. " But she burst from him impetuously, and walked up and downrapidly; such a sudden access of strength had the body received fromthe frantic soul. 

"Try not to be so much agitated, " said he. "In a very short time youwill be in Europe, and then you will be perfectly safe. "

She paused an instant in her walk, and, with a strange glare in hereyes, she hissed out, "I hate him. "

He laid his hand gently upon her shoulder, and said: "I want very muchthat you should try to be calm. Some negroes are coming with a boatat daybreak, and it is necessary we should all go away with them. Youought to rest as much as possible beforehand. "

"_Rest_!" repeated she with bitter emphasis. And clenching her teethhard, she again said, "I hate him!"

Poor Rosa! It had taken a mountain-weight of wrong so to crush out allher gentleness. 

Mr. Duroy became somewhat alarmed. He hastened to the kitchen andtold Chloe to go directly to Miss Rosa. He then briefly explained hiserrand to Tulee, and told her to prepare for departure as fast aspossible. "But first go to your mistress, " said he; "for I am afraidshe may go crazy. "

The sufferer yielded more readily to Tulee's accustomed influence thanshe had done to that of Mr. Duroy. She allowed herself to be laid uponthe bed; but while her forehead and temples were being bathed, herheart beat violently, and all her pulses were throbbing. It was, however, necessary to leave her with Chloe, who knelt by the bedside, holding her hand, and praying in tones unusually low for her. 

"I'm feared for her, " said Tulee to Mr. Duroy. "I never see Missy Rosylook so wild and strange. "

A short time after, when she looked into the room, Rosa's eyes wereclosed. She whispered to Chloe: "Poor Missy's asleep. You can come andhelp me a little now. "

But Rosa was not in the least drowsy. She had only remained still, toavoid being talked to. As soon as her attendants had withdrawn, sheopened her eyes, and, turning toward the babes, she gazed upon themfor a long time. There they lay side by side, like twin kittens. Butah! thought she, how different is their destiny! One is born to becherished and waited upon all his days, the other is an outcast anda slave. My poor fatherless babe! He wouldn't manumit us. It was notthoughtlessness. He _meant_ to sell us. "He _meant_ to sell us, " sherepeated aloud; and again the wild, hard look came into her eyes. Sucha tempest was raging in her soul, that she felt as if she could killhim if he stood before her. This savage paroxysm of revenge wasfollowed by thoughts of suicide. She was about to rise, but hearingthe approach of Tulee, she closed her eyes and remained still. 

Language is powerless to describe the anguish of that lacerated soul. At last the storm subsided, and she fell into a heavy sleep. 

Meanwhile the two black women were busy with arrangements forthe early flight. Many things had been already prepared with theexpectation of a summons to New Orleans, and not long after midnightall was in readiness. Chloe, after a sound nap on the kitchen floor, rose up with the first peep of light. She and Tulee hugged each other, with farewell kisses and sobs. She knelt by Rosa's bedside to whispera brief prayer, and, giving her one long, lingering look, she took upher baby, and set off for the plantation, wondering at the mysteriousways of Providence. 

They deferred waking Rosa as long as possible, and when they rousedher, she had been so deeply sunk in slumber that she was at firstbewildered. When recollection returned, she looked at her babe. "Where's Chloe?" she asked. 

"Gone back to the plantation, " was the reply. 

"O, I am so sorry!" sighed Rosa. 

"She was feared they would miss her, " rejoined Tulee. "So she wentaway as soon as she could see. But she prayed for ye, Missy Rosy; andshe told me to say poor Chloe would never forget ye. "

"O, I'm _so_ sorry!" repeated Rosa, mournfully. 

She objected to taking the nourishment Tulee offered, saying shewanted to die. But Mr. Duroy reminded her that Madame was longing tosee her, and she yielded to that plea. When Tulee brought the sametravelling-dress in which she had first come to the cottage, sheshrunk from it at first, but seemed to remember immediately that sheought not to give unnecessary trouble to her friends. While she wasputting it on, Tulee said, "I tried to remember to put up everythingye would want, darling. "

"I don't want _any_thing, " she replied listlessly. Then, looking upsuddenly, with that same wild, hard expression, she added, "Don't letme ever see anything that came from _him_!" She spoke so sternly, thatTulee, for the first time in her life, was a little afraid of her. 

The eastern sky was all of a saffron glow, but the golden edge of thesun had not yet appeared above the horizon, when they entered the boatwhich was to convey them to the main-land. Without one glance towardthe beautiful island where she had enjoyed and suffered so much, theunhappy fugitive nestled close to Tulee, and hid her face on hershoulder, as if she had nothing else in the world to cling to. 

 * * * * *

A week later, a carriage stopped before Madame's door, and Tuleerushed in with the baby on her shoulder, exclaiming, "_Nous voici_!"while Mr. Duroy was helping Rosa to alight. Then such huggings andkissings, such showers of French from Madame, and of mingled Frenchand Italian from the Signor, while Tulee stood by, throwing up herhand, and exclaiming, "Bless the Lord! bless the Lord!" The parrotlistened with ear upturned, and a lump of sugar in her claw, thenovertopped all their voices with the cry of "_Bon jour, Rosabella! jesuis enchantée_. "

This produced a general laugh, and there was the faint gleam of asmile on Rosa's face, as she looked up at the cage and said, "_Bonjour, jolie Manon_!" But she soon sank into a chair with an expressionof weariness. 

"You are tired, darling, " said Madame, as she took off her bonnet andtenderly put back the straggling hair. "No wonder, after all you havegone through, my poor child!"

Rosa clasped her round the neck, and murmured, "O my dear friend, I_am_ tired, _so_ tired!"

Madame led her to the settee, and arranged her head comfortably on itspillows. Then, giving her a motherly kiss, she said, "Rest, darling, while Tulee and I look after the boxes. "

When they had all passed into another room, she threw up her hands andexclaimed: "How she's changed! How thin and pale she is! How large hereyes look! But she's beautiful as an angel. "

"I never see Missy Rosy but once when she wasn't beautiful as anangel, " said Tulee; "and that was the night Massa Duroy told her shewas sold to Massa Bruteman. Then she looked as if she had as manydevils as that Mary Magdalene Massa Royal used to read about o'Sundays. "

"No wonder, poor child!" exclaimed Madame. "But I hope the little oneis some comfort to her. "

"She ha'n't taken much notice of him, or anything else, since MassaDuroy told her that news, " rejoined Tulee. 

Madame took the baby and tried to look into its face as well as thelopping motions of its little head would permit. "I shouldn't thinkshe'd have much comfort in looking at it, " said she; "for it's theimage of its father; but the poor little dear ain't to blame forthat. "

An animated conversation followed concerning what had happened sinceTulee went away, --especially the disappearance of Flora. Both hintedat having entertained similar suspicions, but both had come to theconclusion that she could not be alive, or she would have written. 

Rosa, meanwhile, left alone in the little parlor, where she hadlistened so anxiously for the whistling of _Ça ira_, was scarcelyconscious of any other sensation than the luxury of repose, afterextreme fatigue of body and mind. There was, indeed, somethingpleasant in the familiar surroundings. The parrot swung in the samegilded ring in her cage. Madame's table, with its basket of chenilles, stood in the same place, and by it was her enamelled snuffbox. Rosarecognized a few articles that had been purchased at the auction ofher father's furniture;--his arm-chair, and the astral lamp by whichhe used to sit to read his newspaper; a sewing-chair that was hermother's; and one of Flora's embroidered slippers, hung up for awatch-case. With these memories floating before her drowsy eyes, shefell asleep, and slept for a long time. As her slumbers grew lighter, dreams of father, mother, and sister passed through various changes;the last of which was that Flora was puzzling the mocking-birds. Shewaked to the consciousness that some one was whistling in the room. 

"Who is that!" exclaimed she; and the parrot replied with a tempest ofimitations. Madame, hearing the noise, came in, saying: "How stupid Iwas not to cover the cage! She is _so_ noisy! Her memory is wonderful. I don't think she'll ever forget a note of all the _mélange_ dearFloracita took so much pains to teach her. "

She began to call up reminiscences of Flora's incessant mischief; butfinding Rosa in no mood for anything gay, she proceeded to talk overthe difficulties of her position, concluding with the remark: "To-dayand to-night you must rest, my child. But early to-morrow you andthe Signor will start for New York, whence you will take passage toMarseilles, under the name of Signor Balbino and daughter. "

"I wish I could stay here, at least for a little while, " sighed Rosa. 

"It's never wise to wish for what cannot be had, " rejoined Madame. "Itwould cause great trouble and expense to obtain your freedom; and itis doubtful whether we could secure it at all, for Bruteman won't giveyou up if he can avoid it. The voyage will recruit your strength, andit will do you good to be far away from anything that reminds youof old troubles. I have nothing left to do but to dispose of myfurniture, and settle about the lease of this house. You will wait atMarseilles for me. I shall be uneasy till I have the sea between meand the agents of Mr. Bruteman, and I shall hurry to follow after youas soon as possible. "

"And Tulee and the baby?" asked Rosa. 

"Yes, with Tulee and the baby, " replied Madame. "But I shall send themto my cousin's to-morrow, to be out of the way of being seen by theneighbors. He lives off the road, and three miles out. They'll benicely out of the way there. "

It was all accomplished as the energetic Frenchwoman had planned. Rosawas whirled away, without time to think of anything. At parting, sheembraced Tulee, and looked earnestly in the baby's face, while shestroked his shining black hair. "Good by, dear, kind Tulee, " said she. "Take good care of the little one. "

At Philadelphia, her strength broke down, and they were detained threedays. Consequently, when they arrived in New York, they found thatthe Mermaid, in which they expected to take passage, had sailed. TheSignor considered it imprudent to correspond with his wife on thesubject, and concluded to go out of the city and wait for the nextvessel. When they went on board, they found Madame, and explained toher the circumstances. 

"I am glad I didn't know of the delay, " said she; "for I wasfrightened enough as it was. But, luckily, I got off without anybody'scoming to make inquiries. "

"But where are Tulee and the baby? Are they down below?" asked Rosa. 

"No, dear, I didn't bring them. "

"O, how came you to leave them?" said Rosa. "Something will happen tothem. "

"I have provided well for their safety, " rejoined Madame. "The reasonI did it was this. We have no certain home or prospects at present;and I thought we had better be settled somewhere before the baby wasbrought. My cousin is coming to Marseilles in about three months, and he will bring them with him. His wife was glad to give Tulee herboard, meanwhile, for what work she could do. I really think it wasbest, dear. The feeble little thing will be stronger for the voyage bythat time; and you know Tulee will take just as good care of it as ifit were her own. "

"Poor Tulee!" sighed Rosa. "Was she willing to be left?"

"She didn't know when I came away, " replied Madame. 

Rosa heaved an audible groan, as she said: "I am so sorry you didthis, Madame! If anything should happen to them, it would be a weighton my mind as long as I live. "

"I did what I thought was for the best, " answered Madame. "I was insuch a hurry to get away, on your account, that, if I hadn't all mywits about me, I hope you will excuse me. But I think myself I madethe best arrangement. "

Rosa, perceiving a slight indication of pique in her tone, hastened tokiss her, and call her her best and dearest friend. But in her heartshe mourned over what she considered, for the first time in her life, a great mistake in the management of Madame. 

 * * * * *

After Tom's return from New Orleans, he continued to go to the cottageas usual, and so long as no questions were asked, he said nothing; butwhen his master inquired how they were getting on there, he answeredthat Missy Rosy was better. When a fortnight had elapsed, he thoughtthe fugitives must be out of harm's way, and he feared Mr. Brutemanmight be coming soon to claim his purchase. Accordingly he one dayinformed his master, with a great appearance of astonishment andalarm, that the cottage was shut up, and all the inmates gone. 

Fitzgerald's first feeling was joy; for he was glad to be relievedfrom the picture of Rosa's horror and despair, which had oppressed himlike the nightmare. But he foresaw that Bruteman would suspect him ofhaving forewarned her, though he had solemnly pledged himself notto do so. He immediately wrote him the tidings, with expressions ofsurprise and regret. The answer he received led to a duel, in which hereceived a wound in the shoulder, that his wife always supposed wasoccasioned by a fall from his horse. 

When Mr. Bruteman ascertained that Madame and the Signor had leftthe country, he at once conjectured that the fugitive was with them. Having heard that Mr. Duroy was a relative, he waited upon him, at hisplace of business, and was informed that Rosabella Royal had sailedfor France, with his cousin, in the ship Mermaid. Not long after, itwas stated in the ship news that the Mermaid had foundered at sea, andall on board were lost. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

While Rosabella had been passing through these dark experiences, Florawas becoming more and more accustomed to her new situation. Shestrove bravely to conceal the homesickness which she could not alwaysconquer; but several times, in the course of their travels, Mrs. Delano noticed moisture gathering on her long black eyelashes when shesaw the stars and stripes floating from the mast of a vessel. Once, when a rose was given her, she wept outright; but she soon wiped hereyes, and apologized by saying: "I wonder whether a _Pensée-Vivace_makes Rosa feel as I do when I see a rose? But what an ungratefulchild I am, when I have such a dear, kind, new Mamita!" And a lovingsmile again lighted up her swimming eyes, --those beautiful April eyesof tears and sunshine, that made rainbows in the heart. 

Mrs. Delano wisely kept her occupied with a succession of teachers anddaily excursions. Having a natural genius for music and drawing, she made rapid progress in both during a residence of six months inEngland, six months in France, and three months in Switzerland. And asMr. And Mrs. Percival were usually with them, she picked up, inher quick way, a good degree of culture from the daily tone ofconversation. The one drawback to the pleasure of new acquisitions wasthat she could not share them with Rosa. 

One day, when she was saying this, Mrs. Delano replied: "We will go toItaly for a short time, and then we will return to live in Boston. Ihave talked the matter over a good deal with Mr. Percival, and I thinkI should know how to guard against any contingency that may occur. Andas you are so anxious about your sister, I have been revolving plansfor taking you back to the island, to see whether we can ascertainwhat is going on in that mysterious cottage. "

From that time there was a very perceptible increase of cheerfulnessin Flora's spirits. The romance of such an adventure hit her youthfulfancy, while the idea of getting even a sly peep at Rosa filled herwith delight. She imagined all sorts of plans to accomplish thisobject, and often held discussions upon the propriety of admittingTulee to their confidence. 

Her vivacity redoubled when they entered Italy. She was herselfcomposed of the same materials of which Italy was made; and withoutbeing aware of the spiritual relationship, she at once felt at homethere. She was charmed with the gay, impulsive people, the brightcostumes, the impassioned music, and the flowing language. The clear, intense blue of the noonday sky, and the sun setting in a glowing seaof amber, reminded her of her Southern home; and the fragrance of theorange-groves was as incense waved by the memory of her childhood. The ruins of Rome interested her less than any other features of thelandscape; for, like Bettini, she never asked who any of the ancientswere, for fear they would tell her. The play of sunshine on theorange-colored lichens interested her more than the inscriptions theycovered; and while their guide was telling the story of moulderingarches, she was looking through them at the clear blue sky and thesoft outline of the hills. 

One morning they rode out early to spend a whole day at Albano; andevery mile of the ride presented her with some charming novelty. Thepeasants who went dancing by in picturesque costumes, and the finelyformed women walking erect with vases of water on their heads, ordrawing an even thread from their distaffs, as they went singingalong, furnished her memory with subjects for many a picture. Sometimes her exclamations would attract the attention of a group ofdancers, who, pleased with an exuberance of spirits akin to their own, and not unmindful of forthcoming coin, would beckon to the driverto stop, while they repeated their dances for the amusement of theSignorina. A succession of pleasant novelties awaited her at Albano. Running about among the ilex-groves in search of bright mosses, shewould come suddenly in front of an elegant villa, with garlands instucco, and balconies gracefully draped with vines. Wandering awayfrom that, she would utter a little cry of joy at the unexpected sightof some reclining marble nymph, over which a little fountain threw atransparent veil of gossamer sparkling with diamonds. Sometimes shestood listening to the gurgling and dripping of unseen waters; andsometimes melodies floated from the distance, which her quick earcaught at once, and her tuneful voice repeated like a mocking-bird. The childlike zest with which she entered into everything, and madeherself a part of everything, amused her quiet friend, and gave hereven more pleasure than the beauties of the landscape. 

After a picnic repast, they ascended Monte Cavo, and looked down onthe deep basins of the lakes, once blazing with volcanic fire, nowfull of water blue as the sky it reflected; like human souls in whichthe passions have burned out, and left them calm recipients of thosedivine truths in which the heavens are mirrored. As Mrs. Delanopointed out various features in the magnificent panorama around them, she began to tell Flora of scenes in the Aeneid with which they wereintimately connected. The young girl, who was serious for the moment, dropped on the grass to listen, with elbows on her friend's lap, andher upturned face supported by her hands. But the lecture was toograve for her mercurial spirit; and she soon sprang up, exclaiming:"O Mamita Lila, all those people were dead and buried so long ago! Idon't believe the princess that Aeneas was fighting about was halfas handsome as that dancing Contadina from Frascati, with a scarletbodice and a floating veil fastened among her black braids with asilver arrow. How her eyes sparkled, and her cheeks glowed! And theContadino who was dancing with her, with those long streamers of redribbon flying round his peaked hat, he looked almost as handsome asshe did. How I wish I could see them dance the saltarello again! OMamita Lila, as soon as we get back to Rome, do buy a tambourine. "Inspired by the remembrance, she straightway began to hum themonotonous tune of that grasshopper dance, imitating the hopping stepsand the quick jerks of the arms, marking the time with ever-increasingrapidity on her left hand, as if it were a tambourine. She was soaglow with the exercise, and so graceful in her swift motions, thatMrs. Delano watched her with admiring smiles. But when the extemporeentertainment came to a close, she thought to herself: "It is ahopeless undertaking to educate her after the New England pattern. Onemight as well try to plough with a butterfly, as to teach her ancienthistory. "

When they had wandered about a little while longer, happy as soulsnewly arrived in the Elysian Fields, Mrs. Delano said: "My child, youhave already gathered mosses enough to fill the carriage, and it istime for us to return. You know twilight passes into darkness veryquickly here. "

"Just let me gather this piece of golden lichen, " pleaded she. "Itwill look so pretty among the green moss, in the cross I am going tomake you for Christmas. "

When all her multifarious gleanings were gathered up, they lingereda little to drink in the beauty of the scene before them. In thedistance was the Eternal City, girdled by hills that stood out withwonderful distinctness in the luminous atmosphere of that brilliantday, which threw a golden veil over all its churches, statues, andruins. Before they had gone far on their homeward ride, all thingspassed through magical changes. The hills were seen in vapory visions, shifting their hues with opaline glances; and over the green, billowysurface of the broad Campagna was settling a prismatic robe of mist, changing from rose to violet. Earth seemed to be writing, in colorednotes, with tenderest modulations, her farewell hymn to the departingGod of Light. And the visible music soon took voice in the vibrationof vesper-bells, in the midst of which they entered Rome. Flora, whowas sobered by the solemn sounds and the darkening landscape, scarcelyspoke, except to remind Mrs. Delano of the tambourine as they drovethrough the crowded Corso; and when they entered their lodgings in Viadelle Quattro Fontane, she passed to her room without any of her usualskipping and singing. When they met again at supper her friend said:"Why so serious? Is my little one tired?"

"I have been thinking, Mamita, that something is going to happen tome, " she replied; "for always when I am very merry something happens. "

"I should think something would happen very often then, " rejoined Mrs. Delano with a smile, to which she responded with her ready littlelaugh. "Several visitors called while we were gone, " said Mrs. Delano. "Our rich Boston friend, Mr. Green, has left his card. He follows usvery diligently. " She looked at Flora as she spoke; but though thelight from a tall lamp fell directly on her face, she saw no emotion, either of pleasure or embarrassment. 

She merely looked up with a smile, as she remarked: "He always seemsto be going round very leisurely in search of something to entertainhim. I wonder whether he has found it yet. "

Though she was really tired with the exertions of the day, the sightof the new tambourine, after supper, proved too tempting; and she wassoon practising the saltarello again, with an agility almost equal tothat of the nimble Contadina from whom she had learned it. She waswhirling round more and more swiftly, as if fatigue were a thingimpossible to her, when Mr. Green was announced; and a very stylishlydressed gentleman, with glossy shirt-bosom and diamond studs, enteredthe room. She had had scarcely time to seat herself, and her face wasstill flushed with exercise, while her dimples were revealed by a sortof shy smile at the consciousness of having been so nearly caughtin her rompish play by such an exquisite. The glowing cheek and thedimpling smile were a new revelation to Mr. Green; for he had neverinterested her sufficiently to call out the vivacity which renderedher so charming. 

Mrs. Delano noticed his glance of admiration, and the thoughtoccurred, as it had often done before, what an embarrassing dilemmashe would be in, if he should propose marriage to her _protégée_. 

"I called this morning, " said he, "and found you had gone to Albano. Iwas tempted to follow, but thought it likely I should miss you. It isa charming drive. "

"Everything is charming here, I think, " rejoined Flora. 

"Ah, it is the first time you have seen Rome, " said he. "I envy youthe freshness of your sensations. This is the third time I have beenhere, and of course it palls a little upon me. "

"Why don't you go to some new place then?" inquired Flora. 

"Where _is_ there any new place?" responded he languidly. "To be sure, there is Arabia Petraea, but the accommodations are not good. Besides, Rome has attractions for me at present; and I really think I meet moreacquaintances here than I should at home. Rome is beginning to swarmwith Americans, especially with Southerners. One can usually recognizethem at a glance by their unmistakable air of distinction. They areobviously of porcelain clay, as Willis says. "

"I think our New England Mr. Percival is as polished a gentleman asany. I have seen, " observed Mrs. Delano. 

"He is a gentleman in manners and attainments, I admit, " replied Mr. Green; "but with his family and education, what a pity it is he has sodisgraced himself. "

"Pray what has he done?" inquired the lady. 

"Didn't you know he was an Abolitionist?" rejoined Mr. Green. "It is afact that he has actually spoken at their meetings. I was surprisedto see him travelling with you in England. It must be peculiarlyirritating to the South to see a man of his position siding with thosevulgar agitators. Really, unless something effectual can be done tostop that frenzy, I fear Southern gentlemen will be unable to recovera fugitive slave. "

Flora looked at Mrs. Delano with a furtive, sideway glance, and ahalf-smile on her lips. Her impulse was to jump up, dot one of herquick courtesies, and say: "I am a fugitive slave. Please, sir, don'tgive _me_ up to any of those distinguished gentlemen. "

Mr. Green noticed her glance, and mistook it for distaste of histheme. "Pardon me, ladies, " said he, "for introducing a subjecttabooed in polite society. I called for a very different purpose. Onenovelty remains for me in Rome. I have never seen the statues of theVatican by torchlight. Some Americans are forming a party for thatpurpose to-morrow evening, and if you would like to join them, it willgive me great pleasure to be your escort. "

Flora, being appealed to, expressed acquiescence, and Mrs. Delanoreplied: "We will accept your invitation with pleasure. I have a greatpredilection for sculpture. "

"Finding myself so fortunate in one request encourages me to makeanother, " rejoined Mr. Green. "On the evening following Norma is tobe brought out, with a new _prima donna_, from whom great things areexpected. I should be much gratified if you would allow me to procuretickets and attend upon you. "

Flora's face lighted up at once. "I see what my musical daughterwishes, " said Mrs. Delano. "We will therefore lay ourselves underobligations to you for two evenings' entertainment. "

The gentleman, having expressed his thanks, bade them good evening. 

Flora woke up the next morning full of pleasant anticipations. WhenMrs. Delano looked in upon her, she found her already dressed, andbusy with a sketch of the dancing couple from Frascati. "I cannot makethem so much alive as I wish, " said she, "because they are notin motion. No picture can give the gleamings of the arrow or thewhirlings of the veil. I wish we could dress like Italians. How Ishould like to wear a scarlet bodice, and a veil fastened with asilver arrow. "

"If we remained till Carnival, you might have that pleasure, " repliedMrs. Delano; "for everybody masquerades as they like at that time. ButI imagine you would hardly fancy my appearance in scarlet jacket, withlaced sleeves, big coral necklace, and long ear-rings, like that oldContadina we met riding on a donkey. "

Flora laughed. "To think of Mamita Lila in such costume!" exclaimedshe. "The old Contadina would make a charming picture; but a pictureof the Campagna, sleepy with purple haze, would be more like you. "

"Am I then so sleepy?" inquired her friend. 

"O, no, not sleepy. You know I don't mean that. But so quiet; andalways with some sort of violet or lilac cloud for a dress. But herecomes Carlina to call us to breakfast, " said she, as she laid down hercrayon, and drummed the saltarello on her picture while she paused amoment to look at it. 

As Mrs. Delano wished to write letters, and Flora expected a teacherin drawing, it was decided that they should remain at home untilthe hour arrived for visiting the Vatican. "We have been aboutsight-seeing so much, " said Mrs. Delano, "that I think it will bepleasant to have a quiet day. " Flora assented; but as Mrs. Delanowrote, she could not help smiling at her ideas of quietude. Sometimesrapid thumps on the tambourine might be heard, indicating that thesaltarello was again in rehearsal. If a _piffero_ strolled through thestreet, the monotonous drone of his bagpipe was reproduced in mostcomical imitation; and anon there was a gush of bird-songs, as if awhole aviary were in the vicinity. Indeed, no half-hour passed withoutaudible indication that the little recluse was in merry mood. 

At the appointed time Mr. Green came to conduct them to the Vatican. They ascended the wide slopes, and passed through open courts intolong passages lined with statues, and very dimly lighted withoccasional lamps. Here and there a marble figure was half revealed, and looked so spectral in the gloaming that they felt as if they wereentering the world of spirits. Several members of the party precededthem, and all seemed to feel the hushing influence, for they passedon in silence, and stepped softly as they entered the great Palaceof Art. The torch-bearers were soon in readiness to illuminate thestatues, which they did by holding a covered light over each, makingit stand out alone in the surrounding darkness, with very strikingeffects of light and shadow. Flora, who was crouched on a low seat bythe side of Mrs. Delano, gazed with a reverent, half-afraid feelingon the thoughtful, majestic looking Minerva Medica. When the gracefulvision of Venus Anadyomene was revealed, she pressed her friend'shand, and the pressure was returned. But when the light was held overa beautiful Cupid, the face looked out from the gloom with suchan earnest, childlike expression, that she forgot the presence ofstrangers, and impulsively exclaimed, "O Mamita, how lovely!"

A gentleman some little distance in front of them turned towardthem suddenly, at the sound of her voice; and a movement of thetorch-bearer threw the light full upon him for an instant. Flora hidher face in the lap of Mrs. Delano, who attributed the quick actionto her shame at having spoken so audibly. But placing her handcaressingly on her shoulder, she felt that she was tremblingviolently. She stooped toward her, and softly inquired, "What is thematter, dear?"

Flora seized her head with both hands, and, drawing it closer, whispered: "Take me home, Mamita! Do take me right home!"

Wondering what sudden caprice had seized the emotional child, shesaid, "Why, are you ill, dear?"

Flora whispered close into her ear: "No, Mamita. But Mr. Fitzgerald ishere. "

Mrs. Delano rose very quietly, and, approaching Mr. Green, said: "Mydaughter is not well, and we wish to leave. But I beg you will returnas soon as you have conducted us to the carriage. "

But though he was assured by both the ladies that nothing alarming wasthe matter, when they arrived at their lodgings he descended from thedriver's seat to assist them in alighting. Mrs. Delano, with politeregrets at having thus disturbed his pleasure, thanked him, and badehim good evening. She hurried after Flora, whom she found in her room, weeping bitterly. "Control your feelings, my child, " said she. "Youare perfectly safe here in Italy. "

"But if he saw me, it will make it so very unpleasant for you, Mamita. "

"He couldn't see you; for we were sitting in very deep shadow, "replied Mrs. Delano. "But even if he had seen you, I should know howto protect you. "

"But what I am thinking of, " said Floracita, still weeping, "is thathe may have brought Rosa with him, and I can't run to her this veryminute. I _must_ see her! I _will_ see her! If I have to tell ever somany _fibititas_ about the reason of my running away. "

"I wouldn't prepare any _fibititas_ at present, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. "I always prefer the truth. I will send for Mr. Percival, and askhim to ascertain whether Mr. Fitzgerald brought a lady with him. Meanwhile, you had better lie down, and keep as quiet as you can. Assoon as I obtain any information, I will come and tell you. "

When Mr. Percival was informed of the adventure at the Vatican, hesallied forth to examine the lists of arrivals; and before longhe returned with the statement that Mr. And Mrs. Fitzgerald wereregistered among the newcomers. "Flora would, of course, consider thatconclusive, " said he; "but you and I, who have doubts concerning thatclandestine marriage, will deem it prudent to examine further. "

"If it should prove to be her sister, it will be a very embarrassingaffair, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. 

Mr. Percival thought it very unlikely, but said he would ascertainparticulars to-morrow. 

With that general promise, without a knowledge of the fact alreadydiscovered, Flora retired to rest; but it was nearly morning beforeshe slept. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Though Flora had been so wakeful the preceding night, she tapped atMrs. Delano's door very early the next morning. "Excuse me for comingbefore you were dressed, " said she; "but I wanted to ask you how longyou think it will be before Mr. Percival can find out whether Mr. Fitzgerald has brought Rosa with him. "

"Probably not before noon, " replied Mrs. Delano, drawing the anxiouslittle face toward her, and imprinting on it her morning kiss. "Lastevening I wrote a note to Mr. Green, requesting him to dispose of theopera tickets to other friends. Mr. Fitzgerald is so musical, he willof course be there; and whether your sister is with him or not, youwill be in too nervous a state to go to any public place. You hadbetter stay in your room, and busy yourself with books and drawings, till we can ascertain the state of things. I will sit with you asmuch as I can; and when I am absent you must try to be a good, quietchild. "

"I will try to be good, because I don't want to trouble you, MamitaLila; but you know I can't be quiet in my mind. I did long for theopera; but unless Mr. Fitzgerald brought Rosa with him, and I couldsee her before I went, it would almost kill me to hear Norma; forevery part of it is associated with her. "

After breakfast, Mrs. Delano sat some time in Flora's room, inspectingher recent drawings, and advising her to work upon them during theday, as the best method of restraining restlessness. While they werethus occupied, Carlina brought in a beautiful bouquet for Miss Delano, accompanied with a note for the elder lady, expressing Mr. Green'sgreat regret at being deprived of the pleasure of their company forthe evening. 

"I am sorry I missed seeing him, " thought Mrs. Delano; "for he isalways so intimate with Southerners, I dare say he would know allabout Mr. Fitzgerald; though I should have been at a loss how tointroduce the inquiry. "

Not long afterward Mr. Percival called, and had what seemed to Floraa very long private conference with Mrs. Delano. The information hebrought was, that the lady with Mr. Fitzgerald was a small, slightfigure, with yellowish hair and very delicate complexion. 

"That is in all respects the very opposite of Flora's description ofher sister, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. 

Their brief conversation on the subject was concluded by a requestthat Mr. Percival would inquire at Civita Vecchia for the earliestvessels bound either to France or England. 

Mrs. Delano could not at once summon sufficient resolution to recountall the particulars to Flora; to whom she merely said that sheconsidered it certain that her sister was not with Mr. Fitzgerald. 

"Then why can't I go right off to the United States to-day?" exclaimedthe impetuous little damsel. 

"Would you then leave Mamita Lila so suddenly?" inquired her friend;whereupon the emotional child began to weep and protest. This littlescene was interrupted by Carlina with two visiting-cards on a silversalver. Mrs. Delano's face flushed unusually as she glanced at them. She immediately rose to go, saying to Flora: "I must see these people;but I will come back to you as soon as I can. Don't leave your room, my dear. "

In the parlor, she found a gentleman and lady, both handsome, butas different from each other as night and morning. The lady steppedforward and said: "I think you will recollect me; for we lived in thesame street in Boston, and you and my mother used to visit together. "

"Miss Lily Bell, " rejoined Mrs. Delano, offering her hand. "I had notheard you were on this side the Atlantic. "

"Not Miss Bell now, but Mrs. Fitzgerald, " replied the fair littlelady. "Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Fitzgerald. "

Mrs. Delano bowed, rather coldly; and her visitor continued: "I was sosorry I didn't know you were with the Vatican party last night. Mr. Green told us of it this morning, and said you were obliged to leaveearly, on account of the indisposition of Miss Delano. I hope she hasrecovered, for Mr. Green has told me so much about her that I am dyingwith curiosity to see her. "

"She is better, I thank you, but not well enough to see company, "replied Mrs. Delano. 

"What a pity she will be obliged to relinquish the opera to-night!"observed Mr. Fitzgerald. "I hear she is very musical; and they tellwonderful stories about this new _prima donna_. They say she has twomore notes in the altissimo scale than any singer who has been heardhere, and that her sostenuto is absolutely marvellous. "

Mrs. Delano replied politely, expressing regret that she and herdaughter were deprived of the pleasure of hearing such a musicalgenius. After some desultory chat concerning the various sights inRome, the visitors departed. 

"I'm glad your call was short, " said Mr. Fitzgerald. "That lady is aperfect specimen of Boston ice. "

Whereupon his companion began to rally him for want of gallantry insaying anything disparaging of Boston. 

Meanwhile Mrs. Delano was pacing the parlor in a disturbed stateof mind. Though she had foreseen such a contingency as one of thepossible consequences of adopting Flora, yet when it came so suddenlyin a different place, and under different circumstances from any shehad thought of, the effect was somewhat bewildering. She dreaded theagitation into which the news would throw Flora, and she wanted tomature her own future plans before she made the announcement. So, inanswer to Flora's questions about the visitors, she merely said a ladyfrom Boston, the daughter of one of her old acquaintances, had calledto introduce her husband. After dinner, they spent some time readingTasso's Aminta together; and then Mrs. Delano said: "I wish to go andhave a talk with Mr. And Mrs. Percival. I have asked him to inquireabout vessels at Civita Vecchia; for, under present circumstances, Ipresume you would be glad to set out sooner than we intended on thatromantic expedition in search of your sister. "

"O, thank you! thank you!" exclaimed Flora, jumping up and kissingher. 

"I trust you will not go out, or sing, or show yourself at the windowswhile I am gone, " said Mrs. Delano; "for though Mr. Fitzgerald can doyou no possible harm, it would be more agreeable to slip away withouthis seeing you. "

The promise was readily and earnestly given, and she proceeded to thelodgings of Mr. And Mrs. Percival in the next street. After she hadrelated the experiences of the morning, she asked what they supposedhad become of Rosabella. 

"It is to be hoped she does not continue her relation with that baseman if she knows of his marriage, " said Mrs. Percival; "for that wouldinvolve a moral degradation painful for you to think of in Flora'ssister. "

"If she has ceased to interest his fancy, very likely he may have soldher, " said Mr. Percival; "for a man who could entertain the idea ofselling Flora, I think would sell his own Northern wife, if the lawpermitted it and circumstances tempted him to it. "

"What do you think I ought to do in the premises?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"I would hardly presume to say what you ought to do, " rejoined Mrs. Percival; "but I know what I should do, if I were as rich as you, andas strongly attached to Flora. "

"Let me hear what you would do, " said Mrs. Delano. 

The prompt reply was: "I would go in search of her. And if she wassold, I would buy her and bring her home, and be a mother to her. "

"Thank you, " said Mrs. Delano, warmly pressing her hand. "I thoughtyou would advise what was kindest and noblest. Money really seemsto me of very little value, except as a means of promoting humanhappiness. And in this case I might perhaps prevent moral degradation, growing out of misfortune and despair. "

After some conversation concerning vessels that were about to sail, the friends parted. On her way homeward, she wondered within herselfwhether they had any suspicion of the secret tie that bound her soclosely to these unfortunate girls. "I ought to do the same for themwithout that motive, " thought she; "but should I?"

Though her call had not been very long, it seemed so to Flora, whohad latterly been little accustomed to solitude. She had no heartfor books or drawing. She sat listlessly watching the crowd on MontePincio;--children chasing each other, or toddling about with nursesin bright-red jackets; carriages going round and round, ever and anonbringing into the sunshine gleams of gay Roman scarfs, or brightautumnal ribbons fluttering in the breeze. She had enjoyed few thingsmore than joining that fashionable promenade to overlook the city inthe changing glories of sunset. But now she cared not for it. Herthoughts were far away on the lonely island. As sunset quickly fadedinto twilight, carriages and pedestrians wound their way down thehill. The noble trees on its summit became solemn silhouettes againstthe darkening sky, and the monotonous trickling of the fountain in thecourt below sounded more distinct as the street noises subsided. Shewas growing a little anxious, when she heard soft footfalls on thestairs, which she at once recognized and hastened to meet. "O, youhave been gone so long!" she exclaimed. Happy, as all human beingsare, to have another heart so dependent on them, the gratified ladypassed her arm round the waist of the loving child, and they ascendedto their rooms like two confidential school-girls. 

After tea, Mrs. Delano said, "Now I will keep my promise of tellingyou all I have discovered. " Flora ran to an ottoman by her side, and, leaning on her lap, looked up eagerly into her face. "You must trynot to be excitable, my dear, " said her friend; "for I have someunpleasant news to tell you. "

The expressive eyes, that were gazing wistfully into hers while shespoke, at once assumed that startled, melancholy look, strangely incontrast with their laughing shape. Her friend was so much affected byit that she hardly knew how to proceed with her painful task. At lastFlora murmured, "Is she dead?"

"I have heard no such tidings, darling, " she replied. "But Mr. Fitzgerald has married a Boston lady, and they were the visitors whocame here this morning. "

Flora sprung up and pressed her hand on her heart, as if a sharp arrowhad hit her. But she immediately sank on the ottoman again, and saidin tones of suppressed agitation: "Then he has left poor Rosa. Howmiserable she must be! She loved him so! O, how wrong it was for meto run away and leave her! And only to think how I have been enjoyingmyself, when she was there all alone, with her heart breaking! Can'twe go to-morrow to look for her, dear Mamita?"

"In three days a vessel will sail for Marseilles, " replied Mrs. Delano. "Our passage is taken; and Mr. And Mrs. Percival, who intendedto return home soon, are kind enough to say they will go with us. Iwish they could accompany us to the South; but he is so well knownas an Abolitionist that his presence would probably cause unpleasantinterruptions and delays, and perhaps endanger his life. "

Flora seized her hand and kissed it, while tears were dropping fastupon it. And at every turn of the conversation, she kept repeating, "How wrong it was for me to run away and leave her!"

"No, my child, " replied Mrs. Delano, "you did right in coming to me. If you had stayed there, you would have made both her and yourselfmiserable, beside doing what was very wrong. I met Mr. Fitzgerald onceon horseback, while I was visiting at Mr. Welby's plantation; but Inever fairly saw him until to-day. He is so very handsome, that, whenI looked at him, I could not but think it rather remarkable he did notgain a bad power over you by his insinuating flattery, when you wereso very young and inexperienced. "

The guileless little damsel looked up with an expression of surprise, and said: "How _could_ I bear to have him make love to _me_, when hewas Rosa's husband? He is so handsome and fascinating, that, if he hadloved me instead of Rosa, in the beginning, I dare say I should havebeen as much in love with him as she was. I did dearly love him whilehe was a kind brother; but I couldn't love him _so_. It would havekilled Rosa if I had. Besides, he told falsehoods; and papa taught usto consider that as the meanest of faults. I have heard him tell Rosahe never loved anybody but her, when an hour before he had told me heloved me better than Rosa. What could I do but despise such a man?Then, when he threatened to sell me, I became dreadfully afraid ofhim. " She started up, as if struck by a sudden thought, and exclaimedwildly, "What if he has sold Rosa?"

Her friend brought forward every argument and every promise she couldthink of to pacify her; and when she had become quite calm, they sanga few hymns together, and before retiring to rest knelt down side byside and prayed for strength and guidance in these new troubles. 

Flora remained a long time wakeful, thinking of Rosa deserted andalone. She had formed many projects concerning what was to be seenand heard and done in Rome; but she forgot them all. She did not eventhink of the much-anticipated opera, until she heard from the streetsnatches of Norma, whistled or sung by the dispersing audience. Atenor voice passed the house singing, _Vieni_ _in Roma_. "Ah, " thoughtshe, "Gerald and I used to sing that duet together. And in thoselatter days how languishingly he used to look at me, behind her back, while he sang passionately, '_Ah, deh cedi, cedi a me_!' And poorcheated Rosa would say, 'Dear Gerald, how much heart you put into yourvoice!' O shame, shame! What _could_ I do but run away? Poor Rosa! HowI wish I could hear her sing 'Casta Diva, ' as she used to do when wesat gazing at the moon shedding its soft light over the pines in thatbeautiful lonely island. "

And so, tossed for a long while on a sea of memories, she finallydrifted into dream-land. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

While Flora was listlessly gazing at Monte Pincio from the solitude ofher room in the Via delle Quattro Fontane, Rosabella was looking atthe same object, seen at a greater distance, over intervening houses, from her high lodgings in the Corso. She could see the road windinglike a ribbon round the hill, with a medley of bright colorscontinually moving over it. But she was absorbed in revery, and theyfloated round and round before her mental eye, like the revolvingshadows of a magic lantern. 

She was announced to sing that night, as the new Spanish _primadonna_, La Señorita Rosita Campaneo; and though she had been applaudedby manager and musicians at the rehearsal that morning, her spiritshrank from the task. Recent letters from America had caused deepmelancholy; and the idea of singing, not _con amore_, but as aperformer before an audience of entire strangers, filled her withdismay. She remembered how many times she and Flora and Gerald hadsung together from Norma; and an oppressive feeling of loneliness cameover her. Returning from rehearsal, a few hours before, she had seena young Italian girl, who strongly reminded her of her lost sister. "Ah!" thought she, "if Flora and I had gone out into the worldtogether, to make our own way, as Madame first intended, how muchsorrow and suffering I might have been spared!" She went to the piano, where the familiar music of Norma lay open before her, and from thedepths of her saddened soul gushed forth, "_Ah, bello a me Ritorno_. "The last tone passed sighingly away, and as her hands lingered on thekeys, she murmured, "Will my heart pass into it there, before thatcrowd of strange faces, as it does here?"

"To be sure it will, dear, " responded Madame, who had entered softlyand stood listening to the last strains. 

"Ah, if all would hear with _your_ partial ears!" replied Rosabella, with a glimmering smile. "But they will not. And I may be sofrightened that I shall lose my voice. "

"What have you to be afraid of, darling?" rejoined Madame. "It wasmore trying to sing at private parties of accomplished musicians, asyou did in Paris; and especially at the palace, where there was suchan _élite_ company. Yet you know that Queen Amelia was so much pleasedwith your performance of airs from this same opera, that she sent youthe beautiful enamelled wreath you are to wear to-night. "

"What I was singing when you came in wept itself out of the fulness ofmy heart, " responded Rosabella. "This dreadful news of Tulee and thebaby unfits me for anything. Do you think there is no hope it mayprove untrue?"

"You know the letter explicitly states that my cousin and his wife, the negro woman, and the white baby, all died of yellow-fever, "replied Madame. "But don't reproach me for leaving them, darling. Ifeel badly enough about it, already. I thought it would be healthy sofar out of the city; and it really seemed the best thing to do withthe poor little _bambino_, until we could get established somewhere. "

"I did not intend to reproach you, my kind friend, " answered Rosa. "Iknow you meant it all for the best. But I had a heavy presentiment ofevil when you first told me they were left. This news makes it hardfor me to keep up my heart for the efforts of the evening. You know Iwas induced to enter upon this operatic career mainly by the hope ofeducating that poor child, and providing well for the old age ofyou and Papa Balbino, as I have learned to call my good friend, theSignor. And poor Tulee, too, --how much I intended to do for her! Nomortal can ever know what she was to me in the darkest hours of mylife. "

"Well, poor Tulee's troubles are all over, " rejoined Madame, with asigh; "and _bambinos_ escape a great deal of suffering by going out ofthis wicked world. For, between you and I, dear, I don't believe oneword about the innocent little souls staying in purgatory on accountof not being baptized. "

"O, my friend, if you only _knew_!" exclaimed Rosa, in a wild, despairing tone. But she instantly checked herself, and said: "I willtry not to think of it; for if I do, I shall spoil my voice; and PapaBalbino would be dreadfully mortified if I failed, after he had takenso much pains to have me brought out. "

"That is right, darling, " rejoined Madame, patting her on theshoulder. "I will go away, and leave you to rehearse. "

Again and again Rosa sang the familiar airs, trying to put soul intothem, by imagining how she would feel if she were in Norma's position. Some of the emotions she knew by her own experience, and those shesang with her deepest feeling. 

"If I could only keep the same visions before me that I have herealone, I should sing well to-night, " she said to herself; "for now, when I sing 'Casta Diva, ' I seem to be sitting with my arm round dearlittle Flora, watching the moon as it rises above the dark pines onthat lonely island. "

At last the dreaded hour came. Rosa appeared on the stage with hertrain of priestesses. The orchestra and the audience were before her;and she knew that Papa and Mamma Balbino were watching her from theside with anxious hearts. She was very pale, and her first notes werea little tremulous. But her voice soon became clear and strong; andwhen she fixed her eyes on the moon, and sang "Casta Diva, " thefulness and richness of the tones took everybody by surprise. 

"_Bis! Bis_!" cried the audience; and the chorus was not allowed toproceed till she had sung it a second and third time. She courtesiedher acknowledgments gracefully. But as she retired, ghosts of the pastwent with her; and with her heart full of memories, she seemed to weepin music, while she sang in Italian, "Restore to mine affliction onesmile of love's protection. " Again the audience shouted, "_Bis! Bis_!"

The duet with Adalgisa was more difficult; for she had not yet learnedto be an actress, and she was embarrassed by the consciousness ofbeing an object of jealousy to the _seconda donna_, partly becauseshe was _prima_, and partly because the tenor preferred her. But whenAdalgisa sang in Italian the words, "Behold him!" she chanced toraise her eyes to a box near the stage, and saw the faces of GeraldFitzgerald and his wife bending eagerly toward her. She shuddered, andfor an instant her voice failed her. The audience were breathless. Herlook, her attitude, her silence, her tremor, all seemed inimitableacting. A glance at the foot-lights and at the orchestra recalled therecollection of where she was, and by a strong effort she controlledherself; though there was still an agitation in her voice, which theaudience and the singers thought to be the perfection of acting. Againshe glanced at Fitzgerald, and there was terrible power in the toneswith which she uttered, in Italian, "Tremble, perfidious one! Thouknowest the cause is ample. "

Her eyes rested for a moment on Mrs. Fitzgerald, and with a wonderfuldepth of pitying sadness, she sang, "O, how his art deceived thee!"

The wish she had formed was realized. She was enabled to give voice toher own emotions, forgetful of the audience for the time being. Andeven in subsequent scenes, when the recollection of being a performerreturned upon her, her inward excitation seemed to float her onward, like a great wave. 

Once again her own feelings took her up, like a tornado, and made herseem a wonderful actress. In the scene where Norma is tempted to killher children, she fixed her indignant gaze full upon Fitzgerald, andthere was an indescribable expression of stern resolution in hervoice, and of pride in the carriage of her queenly head, while shesang: "Disgrace worse than death awaits them. Slavery? No! never!"

Fitzgerald quailed before it. He grew pale, and slunk back in thebox. The audience had never seen the part so conceived, and a fewcriticised it. But her beauty and her voice and her overflowingfeeling carried all before her; and this, also, was accepted as aremarkable inspiration of theatrical genius. 

When the wave of her own excitement was subsiding, the magnetism of anadmiring audience began to affect her strongly. With an outburst offury, she sang, "War! War!" The audience cried, "_Bis! Bis_!" and shesang it as powerfully the second time. 

What it was that had sustained and carried her through that terribleordeal, she could never understand. 

When the curtain dropped, Fitzgerald was about to rush after her; buthis wife caught his arm, and he was obliged to follow. It was an awfulpenance he underwent, submitting to this necessary restraint; andwhile his soul was seething like a boiling caldron, he was obliged toanswer evasively to Lily's frequent declaration that the superb voiceof this Spanish _prima donna_ was exactly like the wonderful voicethat went wandering round the plantation, like a restless ghost. 

Papa and Mamma Balbino were waiting to receive the triumphant_cantatrice_, as she left the stage. "_Brava! Brava_!" shouted theSignor, in a great fever of excitement; but seeing how pale shelooked, he pressed her hand in silence, while Madame wrapped her inshawls. They lifted her into the carriage as quickly as possible, where her head drooped almost fainting on Madame's shoulder. Itrequired them both to support her unsteady steps, as they mounted thestairs to their lofty lodging. She told them nothing that night ofhaving seen Fitzgerald; and, refusing all refreshment save a sip ofwine, she sank on the bed utterly exhausted. 

CHAPTER XX. 

She slept late the next day, and woke with a feeling of utterweariness of body and prostration of spirit. When her dressing-maidGiovanna came at her summons, she informed her that a gentleman hadtwice called to see her, but left no name or card. "Let no one beadmitted to-day but the manager of the opera, " said Rosa. "I willdress now; and if Mamma Balbino is at leisure, I should like to haveher come and talk with me while I breakfast. "

"Madame has gone out to make some purchases, " replied Giovanna. "Shesaid she should return soon, and charged me to keep everything quiet, that you might sleep. The Signor is in his room waiting to speak toyou. "

"Please tell him I have waked, " said Rosa; "and as soon as I havedressed and breakfasted, ask him to come to me. "

Giovanna, who had been at the opera the preceding evening, felt theimportance of her mission in dressing the celebrated Señorita RositaCampaneo, of whose beauty and gracefulness everybody was talking. Andwhen the process was completed, the _cantatrice_ might well have beenexcused if she had thought herself the handsomest of women. The glossydark hair rippled over her forehead in soft waves, and the massivebraids behind were intertwisted with a narrow band of crimson velvet, that glowed like rubies where the sunlight fell upon it. Her morningwrapper of fine crimson merino, embroidered with gold-colored silk, was singularly becoming to her complexion, softened as the contact wasby a white lace collar fastened at the throat with a golden pin. Butthough she was seated before the mirror, and though her own Spanishtaste had chosen the strong contrast of bright colors, she took nonotice of the effect produced. Her face was turned toward thewindow, and as she gazed on the morning sky, all unconscious of itstranslucent brilliancy of blue, there was an inward-looking expressionin her luminous eyes that would have made the fortune of an artist, ifhe could have reproduced her as a Sibyl. Giovanna looked at her withsurprise, that a lady could be so handsome and so beautifully dressed, yet not seem to care for it. She lingered a moment contemplating thesuperb head with an exultant look, as if it were a picture of herown painting, and then she went out noiselessly to bring thebreakfast-tray. 

The Señorita Campaneo ate with a keener appetite than she had everexperienced as Rosabella the recluse; for the forces of nature, exhausted by the exertions of the preceding evening, demandedrenovation. But the services of the cook were as little appreciated asthose of the dressing-maid; the luxurious breakfast was to her simplyfood. The mirror was at her side, and Giovanna watched curiously tosee whether she would admire the effect of the crimson velvet gleamingamong her dark hair. But she never once glanced in that direction. When she had eaten sufficiently, she sat twirling her spoon andlooking into the depths of her cup, as if it were a magic mirrorrevealing all the future. 

She was just about to say, "Now you may call Papa Balbino, " whenGiovanna gave a sudden start, and exclaimed, "Signorita! a gentleman!"

And ere she had time to look round, Fitzgerald was kneeling at herfeet. He seized her hand and kissed it passionately, saying, in anagony of entreaty: "O Rosabella, do say you forgive me! I am sufferingthe tortures of the damned. "

The irruption was so sudden and unexpected, that for an instant shefailed to realize it. But her presence of mind quickly returned, and, forcibly withdrawing the hand to which he clung, she turned to theastonished waiting-maid and said quite calmly, "Please deliver_immediately_ the message I spoke of. "

Giovanna left the room and proceeded directly to the adjoiningapartment, where Signor Balbino was engaged in earnest conversationwith another gentleman. 

Fitzgerald remained kneeling, still pleading vehemently forforgiveness. 

"Mr. Fitzgerald, " said she, "this audacity is incredible. I could nothave imagined it possible you would presume ever again to come into mypresence, after having sold me to that infamous man. "

"He took advantage of me, Rosa. I was intoxicated with wine, and knewnot what I did. I could not have done it if I had been in my senses. I have always loved you as I never loved any other woman; and I neverloved you so wildly as now. "

"Leave me!" she exclaimed imperiously. "Your being here does meinjury. If you have any manhood in you, leave me!"

He strove to clutch the folds of her robe, and in frenzied tones criedout: "O Rosabella, don't drive me from you! I can't live without--"

A voice like a pistol-shot broke in upon his sentence: "Villain!Deceiver! What are you doing here? Out of the house this instant!"

Fitzgerald sprung to his feet, pale with rage, and encountered theflashing eyes of the Signor. "What right have _you_ to order me out ofthe house?" said he. 

"I am her adopted father, " replied the Italian; "and no man shallinsult her while I am alive. "

"So _you_ are installed as her protector!" retorted Fitzgerald, sneeringly. "You are not the first gallant I have known to screenhimself behind his years. "

"By Jupiter!" vociferated the enraged Italian; and he made a spring toclutch him by the throat. 

Fitzgerald drew out a pistol. With a look of utter distress, Rosathrew herself between them, saying, in imploring accents, "_Will_ yougo?"

At the same moment, a hand rested gently on the Signor's shoulder, anda manly voice said soothingly, "Be calm, my friend. " Then, turning toMr. Fitzgerald, the gentleman continued: "Slight as our acquaintanceis, sir, it authorizes me to remind you that scenes like this areunfit for a lady's apartment. "

Fitzgerald slowly replaced his pistol, as he answered coldly: "Iremember your countenance, sir, but I don't recollect where I haveseen it, nor do I understand what right you have to intrude here. "

"I met you in New Orleans, something more than four years ago, "replied the stranger; "and I was then introduced to you by this lady'sfather, as Mr. Alfred King of Boston. "

"O, I remember, " replied Fitzgerald, with a slight curl of his lip. "Ithought you something of a Puritan then; but it seems _you_ are herprotector also. "

Mr. King colored to the temples; but he replied calmly: "I know notwhether Miss Royal recognizes me; for I have never seen her since theevening we spent so delightfully at her father's house. "

"I do recognize you, " replied Rosabella; "and as the son of myfather's dearest friend, I welcome you. "

She held out her hand as she spoke, and he clasped it for aninstant. But though the touch thrilled him, he betrayed no emotion. Relinquishing it with a respectful bow, he turned to Mr. Fitzgerald, and said: "You have seen fit to call me a Puritan, and may nottherefore accept me as a teacher of politeness; but if you wish tosustain the character of a cavalier, you surely will not remain in alady's house after she has requested you to quit it. "

With a slight shrug of his shoulders, Mr. Fitzgerald took his hat, andsaid, "Where ladies command, I am of course bound to obey. "

As he passed out of the door, he turned toward Rosabella, and, with alow bow, said, "_Au revoir_!"

The Signor was trembling with anger, but succeeded in smothering hishalf-uttered anathemas. Mr. King compressed his lips tightly for amoment, as if silence were a painful effort. Then, turning to Rosa, hesaid: "Pardon my sudden intrusion, Miss Royal. Your father introducedme to the Signor, and I last night saw him at the opera. That willaccount for my being in his room to-day. " He glanced at the Italianwith a smile, as he added: "I heard very angry voices, and I thought, if there was to be a duel, perhaps the Signor would need a second. Youmust be greatly fatigued with exertion and excitement. Therefore, Iwill merely congratulate you on your brilliant success last evening, and wish you good morning. "

"I _am_ fatigued, " she replied; "but if I bid you good morning now, itis with the hope of seeing you again soon. The renewal of acquaintancewith one whom my dear father loved is too pleasant to be willinglyrelinquished. "

"Thank you, " he said. But the simple words were uttered with a lookand tone so deep and earnest, that she felt the color rising to hercheeks. 

"Am I then still capable of being moved by such tones?" she askedherself, as she listened to his departing footsteps, and, for thefirst time that morning, turned toward the mirror and glanced at herown flushed countenance. 

"What a time you've been having, dear!" exclaimed Madame, who camebustling in a moment after. "Only to think of Mr. Fitzgerald's cominghere! His impudence goes a little beyond anything I ever heard of. Wasn't it lucky that Boston friend should drop down from the skies, as it were, just at the right minute; for the Signor's such aflash-in-the-pan, there 's no telling what might have happened. Tellme all about it, dear. "

"I will tell you about it, dear mamma, " replied Rosa; "but I must begyou to excuse me just now; for I am really very much flurried andfatigued. If you hadn't gone out, I should have told you this morning, at breakfast, that I saw Mr. And Mrs. Fitzgerald at the opera, andthat I was singing at them in good earnest, while people thought I wasacting. We will talk it all over some time; but now I must study, forI shall have hard work to keep the ground I have gained. You know Imust perform again to-night. O, how I dread it!"

"You are a strange child to talk so, when you have turned everybody'shead, " responded Madame. 

"Why should I care for everybody's head?" rejoined the successful_cantatrice_. But she thought to herself: "I shall not feel, as I didlast night, that I am going to sing _merely_ to strangers. There willbe _one_ there who heard me sing to my dear father. I must try torecall the intonations that came so naturally last evening, and seewhether I can act what I then felt. " She seated herself at the piano, and began to sing, "_Oh, di qual sei tu vittima_. " Then, shaking herhead slowly, she murmured: "No; it doesn't come. I must trust to theinspiration of the moment. But it is a comfort to know they will not_all_ be strangers. "

 * * * * *

Mr. King took an opportunity that same day to call on Mr. Fitzgerald. He was very haughtily received; but, without appearing to noticeit, he opened his errand by saying, "I have come to speak with youconcerning Miss Royal. "

"All I have to say to you, sir, " replied Mr. Fitzgerald, "is, thatneither you nor any other man can induce me to give up my pursuit ofher. I will follow her wherever she goes. "

"What possible advantage can you gain by such a course?" inquired hisvisitor. "Why uselessly expose yourself to disagreeable notoriety, which must, of course, place Mrs. Fitzgerald in a mortifyingposition?"

"How do you know my perseverance would be useless?" asked Fitzgerald. "Did she send you to tell me so?"

"She does not know of my coming, " replied Mr. King. "I have told youthat my acquaintance with Miss Royal is very slight. But you willrecollect that I met her in the freshness of her young life, when shewas surrounded by all the ease and elegance that a father's wealth andtenderness could bestow; and it was unavoidable that her subsequentmisfortunes should excite my sympathy. She has never told me anythingof her own history, but from others I know all the particulars. It isnot my purpose to allude to them; but after suffering all she _has_suffered, now that she has bravely made a standing-place for herself, and has such an arduous career before her, I appeal to your sense ofhonor, whether it is generous, whether it is manly, to do anythingthat will increase the difficulties of her position. "

"It is presumptuous in you, sir, to come here to teach me what ismanly, " rejoined Fitzgerald. 

"I merely presented the case for the verdict of your own conscience, "answered his visitor; "but I will again take the liberty to suggestfor your consideration, that if you persecute this unfortunate younglady with professions you know are unwelcome, it must necessarilyreact in a very unpleasant way upon your own reputation, andconsequently upon the happiness of your family. "

"You mistook your profession, sir. You should have been a preacher, "said Fitzgerald, with a sarcastic smile. "I presume you propose toconsole the lady for her misfortunes; but let me tell you, sir, thatwhoever attempts to come between me and her will do it at his peril. "

"I respect Miss Royal too much to hear her name used in any suchdiscussion, " replied Mr. King. "Good morning, sir. "

"The mean Yankee!" exclaimed the Southerner, as he looked after him. "If he were a gentleman he would have challenged me, and I should havemet him like a gentleman; but one doesn't know what to do with suchcursed Yankee preaching. "

He was in a very perturbed state of mind. Rosabella had, in fact, madea much deeper impression on him than any other woman had ever made. And now that he saw her the bright cynosure of all eyes, fresh fuelwas heaped on the flickering flame of his expiring passion. Herdisdain piqued his vanity, while it produced the excitement ofdifficulties to be overcome. He was exasperated beyond measure, thatthe beautiful woman who had depended solely upon him should now besurrounded by protectors. And if he could regain no other power, hewas strongly tempted to exert the power of annoyance. In some moods, he formed wild projects of waylaying her, and carrying her off byforce. But the Yankee preaching, much as he despised it, was notwithout its influence. He felt that it would be most politic to keepon good terms with his rich wife, who was, besides, rather agreeableto him. He concluded, on the whole, that he would assume superiorityto the popular enthusiasm about the new _prima donna_; that he wouldcoolly criticise her singing and her acting, while he admitted thatshe had many good points. It was a hard task he undertook; for on thestage Rosabella attracted him with irresistible power, to which wasadded the magnetism of the admiring audience. After the first evening, she avoided looking at the box where he sat; but he had an uneasysatisfaction in the consciousness that it was impossible she couldforget he was present and watching her. 

The day after the second appearance of the Señorita Campaneo, Mrs. Delano was surprised by another call from the Fitzgeralds. 

"Don't think we intend to persecute you, " said the little lady. "Wemerely came on business. We have just heard that you were to leaveRome very soon; but Mr. Green seemed to think it couldn't be so soonas was said. "

"Unexpected circumstances make it necessary for me to return soonerthan I intended, " replied Mrs. Delano. "I expect to sail day afterto-morrow. "

"What a pity your daughter should go without hearing the new _primadonna_!" exclaimed Mrs. Fitzgerald. "She is really a remarkablecreature. Everybody says she is as beautiful as a houri. And as forher voice, I never heard anything like it, except the first night Ispent on Mr. Fitzgerald's plantation. There was somebody wanderingabout in the garden and groves who sang just like her. Mr. Fitzgeralddidn't seem to be much struck with the voice, but I could never forgetit. "

"It was during our honeymoon, " replied her husband; "and how could Ibe interested in any other voice, when I had yours to listen to?"

His lady tapped him playfully with her parasol, saying: "O, youflatterer! But I wish I could get a chance to speak to this Señorita. I would ask her if she had ever been in America. "

"I presume not, " rejoined Mr. Fitzgerald. "They say an Italianmusician heard her in Andalusia, and was so much charmed with hervoice that he adopted her and educated her for the stage; and he namedher Campaneo, because there is such a bell-like echo in her voicesometimes. Do you think, Mrs. Delano, that it would do your daughterany serious injury to go with us this evening? We have a spareticket; and we would take excellent care of her. If she found herselffatigued, I would attend upon her home any time she chose to leave. "

"It would be too exciting for her nerves, " was Mrs. Delano's laconicanswer. 

"The fact is, " said Mrs. Fitzgerald, "Mr. Green has told us so muchabout her, that we are extremely anxious to be introduced to her. He says she hasn't half seen Rome, and he wishes she could join ourparty. I wish we could persuade you to leave her with us. I can assureyou Mr. Fitzgerald is a most agreeable and gallant protector toladies. And then it is such a pity, when she is so musical, that sheshould go without hearing this new _prima donna_. "

"Thank you, " rejoined Mrs. Delano; "but we have become so muchattached to each other's society, that I don't think either of uscould be happy separated. Since she cannot hear this musical wonder, Ishall not increase her regrets by repeating your enthusiastic accountof what she has missed. "

"If you had been present at her _début_, you wouldn't wonder at myenthusiasm, " replied the little lady. "Mr. Fitzgerald is getting overthe fever a little now, and undertakes to criticise. He says sheoveracted her part; that she 'tore a passion to tatters, ' and allthat. But I never saw him so excited as he was then. I think shenoticed it; for she fixed her glorious dark eyes directly upon our boxwhile she was singing several of her most effective passages. "

"My dear, " interrupted her husband, "you are so opera-mad, that youare forgetting the object of your call. "

"True, " replied she. "We wanted to inquire whether you were certainlygoing so soon, and whether any one had engaged these rooms. We took agreat fancy to them. What a desirable situation! So sunny! Such a fineview of Monte Pincio and the Pope's gardens!"

"They were not engaged last evening, " answered Mrs. Delano. 

"Then you will secure them immediately, won't you, dear?" said thelady, appealing to her spouse. 

With wishes that the voyage might prove safe and pleasant, theydeparted. Mrs. Delano lingered a moment at the window, looking outupon St. Peter's and the Etruscan Hills beyond, thinking the while howstrangely the skeins of human destiny sometimes become entangled witheach other. Yet she was unconscious of half the entanglement. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The engagement of the Señorita Rosita Campaneo was for four weeks, during which Mr. King called frequently and attended the operaconstantly. Every personal interview, and every vision of her on thestage, deepened the impression she made upon him when they first met. It gratified him to see that, among the shower of bouquets she wasconstantly receiving, his was the one she usually carried; nor was sheunobservant that he always wore a fresh rose. But she was unconsciousof his continual guardianship, and he was careful that she shouldremain so. Every night that she went to the opera and returned fromit, he assumed a dress like the driver's, and sat with him on theoutside of the carriage, --a fact known only to Madame and the Signor, who were glad enough to have a friend at hand in case Mr. Fitzgeraldshould attempt any rash enterprise. Policemen were secretly employedto keep the _cantatrice_ in sight, whenever she went abroad for air orrecreation. When she made excursions out of the city in company withher adopted parents, Mr. King was always privately informed of it, androde in the same direction; at a sufficient distance, however, notto be visible to her, or to excite gossiping remarks by appearing toothers to be her follower. Sometimes he asked himself: "What would mydear prudential mother say, to see me leaving my business toagents and clerks, while I devote my life to the service of anopera-singer?--an opera-singer, too, who has twice been on the vergeof being sold as a slave, and who has been the victim of a shammarriage!" But though such queries jostled against conventional ideasreceived from education, they were always followed by the thought: "Mydear mother has gone to a sphere of wider vision, whence she can lookdown upon the merely external distinctions of this deceptive world. Rosabella must be seen as a pure, good soul, in eyes that see as theangels do; and as the defenceless daughter of my father's friend, it is my duty to protect her. " So he removed from his more eligiblelodgings in the Piazza di Spagna, and took rooms in the Corso, nearly opposite to hers, where day by day he continued his invisibleguardianship. 

He had reason, at various times, to think his precautions were notentirely unnecessary. He had several times seen a figure resemblingFitzgerald's lurking about the opera-house, wrapped in a cloak, andwith a cap very much drawn over his face. Once Madame and the Signor, having descended from the carriage, with Rosa, to examine the tomb ofCecilia Metella, were made a little uneasy by the appearance of fourrude-looking fellows, who seemed bent upon lurking in their vicinity. But they soon recognized Mr. King in the distance, and not far fromhim the disguised policemen in his employ. The fears entertained byher friends were never mentioned to Rosa, and she appeared to feel nouneasiness when riding in daylight with the driver and her adoptedparents. She was sometimes a little afraid when leaving the opera lateat night; but there was a pleasant feeling of protection in the ideathat a friend of her father's was in Rome, who knew better than theSignor how to keep out of quarrels. That recollection also operatedas an additional stimulus to excellence in her art. This friend hadexpressed himself very highly gratified by her successful _début_, and that consideration considerably increased her anxiety to sustainherself at the height she had attained. In some respects that wasimpossible; for the thrilling circumstances of the first evening couldnot again recur to set her soul on fire. Critics generally said shenever equalled her first acting; though some maintained that what shehad lost in power she had gained in a more accurate conception of thecharacter. Her voice was an unfailing source of wonder and delight. They were never weary of listening to that volume of sound, so fulland clear, so flexible in its modulations, so expressive in itsintonations. 

As the completion of her engagement drew near, the manager was eagerfor its renewal; and finding that she hesitated, he became more andmore liberal in his offers. Things were in this state, when Mr. Kingcalled upon Madame one day while Rosa was absent at rehearsal. "She ispreparing a new aria for her last evening, when they will be sure toencore the poor child to death, " said Madame. "It is very flattering, but very tiresome; and to my French ears their '_Bis! Bis_!' soundstoo much like a hiss. "

"Will she renew her engagement, think you?" inquired Mr. King. 

"I don't know certainly, " replied Madame. "The manager makes veryliberal offers; but she hesitates. She seldom alludes to Mr. Fitzgerald, but I can see that his presence is irksome to her; andthen his sudden irruption into her room, as told by Giovanna, hasgiven rise to some green-room gossip. The tenor is rather tooassiduous in his attentions, you know; and the _seconda donna_ is herenemy, because she has superseded her in his affections. These thingsmake her wish to leave Rome; but I tell her she will have to encountervery much the same anywhere. "

"Madame, " said the young man, "you stand in the place of a motherto Miss Royal; and as such, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you, without mentioning the subject to her, enable me to have a privateinterview with her to-morrow morning?"

"You are aware that it is contrary to her established rule to see anygentleman, except in the presence of myself or Papa Balbino. But youhave manifested so much delicacy, as well as friendliness, that we allfeel the utmost confidence in you. " She smiled significantly as sheadded: "If I slip out of the room, as it were by accident, I don'tbelieve I shall find it very difficult to make my peace with her. "

Alfred King looked forward to the next morning with impatience; yetwhen he found himself, for the first time, alone with Rosabella, hefelt painfully embarrassed. She glanced at the fresh rose he wore, but could not summon courage to ask whether roses were his favoriteflowers. He broke the momentary silence by saying: "Your performanceshere have been a source of such inexpressible delight to me, MissRoyal, that it pains me to think of such a thing as a last evening. "

"Thank you for calling me by that name, " she replied. "It carries meback to a happier time. I hardly know myself as La Señorita Campaneo. It all seems to me so strange and unreal, that, were it not for a fewvisible links with the past, I should feel as if I had died and passedinto another world. "

"May I ask whether you intend to renew your engagement?" inquired he. 

She looked up quickly and earnestly, and said, "What would you adviseme?"

"The brevity of our acquaintance would hardly warrant my assuming theoffice of adviser, " replied he modestly. 

The shadow of a blush flitted over her face, as she answered, in abashful way: "Excuse me if the habit of associating you with thememory of my father makes me forget the shortness of our acquaintance. Beside, you once asked me if ever I was in trouble to call upon you asI would upon a brother. "

"It gratifies me beyond measure that you should remember my offer, andtake me at my word, " responded he. "But in order to judge for you, itis necessary to know something of your own inclinations. Do you enjoythe career on which you have entered?"

"I should enjoy it if the audience were all my personal friends, "answered she. "But I have lived such a very retired life, that Icannot easily become accustomed to publicity; and there is somethingI cannot exactly define, that troubles me with regard to operas. IfI could perform only in pure and noble characters, I think it wouldinspire me; for then I should represent what I at least wish to be;but it affects me like a discord to imagine myself in positions whichin reality I should scorn and detest. "

"I am not surprised to hear you express this feeling, " responded he. "I had supposed it must be so. It seems to me the _libretti_ of operasare generally singularly ill conceived, both morally and artistically. Music is in itself so pure and heavenly, that it seems a desecrationto make it the expression of vile incidents and vapid words. But isthe feeling of which you speak sufficiently strong to induce you toretire from the brilliant career now opening before you, and devoteyourself to concert-singing?"

"There is one thing that makes me hesitate, " rejoined she. "I wishto earn money fast, to accomplish certain purposes I have at heart. Otherwise, I don't think I care much for the success you call sobrilliant. It is certainly agreeable to feel that I delight theaudience, though they are strangers; but their cries of '_Bis! Bis_!'give me less real pleasure than it did to have Papasito ask me to singover something that he liked. I seem to see him now, as he used tolisten to me in our flowery parlor. Do you remember that room, Mr. King?"

"Do I _remember_ it?" he said, with a look and emphasis so earnestthat a quick blush suffused her eloquent face. "I see that room asdistinctly as you can see it, " he continued. "It has often been in mydreams, and the changing events of my life have never banished it frommy memory for a single day. How _could I_ forget it, when my heartthere received its first and only deep impression. I have loved youfrom the first evening I saw you. Judging that your affections werepre-engaged, I would gladly have loved another, if I could; but thoughI have since met fascinating ladies, none of them have interested medeeply. "

An expression of pain passed over her face while she listened, andwhen he paused she murmured softly, "I am sorry. "

"Sorry!" echoed he. "Is it then impossible for me to inspire you withsentiments similar to my own?"

"I am sorry, " she replied, "because a first, fresh love, like yours, deserves better recompense than it could receive from a bruised andworn-out heart like mine. I can never experience the illusion of loveagain. I have suffered too deeply. "

"I do not wish you to experience the _illusion_ of love again, " hereplied. "But my hope is that the devotion of my life may enable youto experience the true and tender _reality_" He placed his hand gentlyand timidly upon hers as he spoke, and looked in her face earnestly. 

Without raising her eyes she said, "I suppose you are aware that mymother was a slave, and that her daughters inherited her misfortune. "

"I am aware of it, " he replied. "But that only makes me ashamed of mycountry, not of her or of them. Do not, I pray you, pain yourself orme by alluding to any of the unfortunate circumstances of yourpast life, with the idea that they can depreciate your value in myestimation. From Madame and the Signor I have learned the whole storyof your wrongs and your sufferings. Fortunately, my good father taughtme, both by precept and example, to look through the surface of thingsto the reality. I have seen and heard enough to be convinced that yourown heart is noble and pure. Such natures cannot be sullied by theunworthiness of others; they may even be improved by it. The famousDr. Spurzheim says, he who would have the best companion for his lifeshould choose a woman who has suffered. And though I would gladly havesaved you from suffering, I cannot but see that your character hasbeen elevated by it. Since I have known you here in Rome, I have beensurprised to observe how the young romantic girl has ripened into thethoughtful, prudent woman. I will not urge you for an answer now, mydear Miss Royal. Take as much time as you please to reflect upon it. Meanwhile, if you choose to devote your fine musical genius to theopera, I trust you will allow me to serve you in any way that abrother could under similar circumstances. If you prefer to be aconcert-singer, my father had a cousin who married in England, whereshe has a good deal of influence in the musical world. I am sure shewould take a motherly interest in you, both for your own sake andmine. Your romantic story, instead of doing you injury in England, would make you a great lioness, if you chose to reveal it. "

"I should dislike that sort of attention, " she replied hastily. "Donot suppose, however, that I am ashamed of my dear mother, or of herlineage; but I wish to have any interest I excite founded on my ownmerits, not on any extraneous circumstance. But you have not yetadvised me whether to remain on the stage or to retire from it. "

"If I presumed that my opinion would decide the point, " rejoined he, "I should be diffident about expressing it in a case so important toyourself. "

"You are very delicate, " she replied. "But I conjecture that you wouldbe best pleased if I decided in favor of concert-singing. "

While he was hesitating what to say, in order to leave her in perfectfreedom, she added: "And so, if you will have the goodness tointroduce me to your relative, and she is willing to be my patroness, I will try my fortune in England. Of course she ought to be informedof my previous history; but I should prefer to have her considerit strictly confidential. And now, if you please, I will say, _Anrevoir_; for Papa Balbino is waiting for some instructions on mattersof business. "

She offered her hand with a very sweet smile. He clasped it with aslight pressure, bowed his head upon it for an instant, and said, withdeep emotion: "Thank you, dearest of women. You send me away a happyman; for hope goes with me. "

When the door closed after him, she sank into a chair, and covered herface with both her hands. "How different is his manner of making lovefrom that of Gerald, " thought she. "Surely, I can trust _this_ time. O, if I was only worthy of such love!"

Her revery was interrupted by the entrance of Madame and the Signor. She answered their inquisitive looks by saying, rather hastily, "Whenyou told Mr. King the particulars of my story, did you tell him aboutthe poor little _bambino_ I left in New Orleans?"

Madame replied, "I mentioned to him how the death of the poor littlething afflicted you. "

Rosa made no response, but occupied herself with selecting some piecesof music connected with the performance at the opera. 

The Signor, as he went out with the music, said, "Do you suppose shedidn't want him to know about the _bambino_?"

"Perhaps she is afraid he will think her heartless for leaving it, "replied Madame. "But I will tell her I took all the blame on myself. If she is so anxious about his good opinion, it shows which way thewind blows. "

The Señorita Rosita Campaneo and her attendants had flitted, no oneknew whither, before the public were informed that her engagement wasnot to be renewed. Rumor added that she was soon to be married to arich American, who had withdrawn her from the stage. 

"Too much to be monopolized by one man, " said Mr. Green to Mr. Fitzgerald. "Such a glorious creature belongs to the world. "

"Who is the happy man?" inquired Mrs. Fitzgerald. 

"They say it is King, that pale-faced Puritan from Boston, " rejoinedher husband. "I should have given her credit for better taste. "

In private, he made all possible inquiries; but merely succeeded intracing them to a vessel at Civita Vecchia, bound to Marseilles. 

To the public, the fascinating _prima donna_, who had rushed up fromthe horizon like a brilliant rocket, and disappeared as suddenly, wasonly a nine-days wonder. Though for some time after, when opera-goersheard any other _cantatrice_ much lauded, they would say: "Ah, youshould have heard the Campaneo! Such a voice! She rose to the highestD as easily as she breathed. And such glorious eyes!"

CHAPTER XXII. 

While Rosabella was thus exchanging the laurel crown for the myrtlewreath, Flora and her friend were on their way to search the placesthat had formerly known her. Accompanied by Mr. Jacobs, who had longbeen a steward in her family, Mrs. Delano passed through Savannah, without calling on her friend Mrs. Welby, and in a hired boatproceeded to the island. Flora almost flew over the ground, so greatwas her anxiety to reach the cottage. Nature, which pursues her coursewith serene indifference to human vicissitudes, wore the same smilingaspect it had worn two years before, when she went singing through thewoods, like Cinderella, all unconscious of the beneficent fairy shewas to meet there in the form of a new Mamita. Trees and shrubs werebeautiful with young, glossy foliage. Pines and firs offered theiraromatic incense to the sun. Birds were singing, and bees gatheringhoney from the wild-flowers. A red-headed woodpecker was hammeringaway on the umbrageous tree under which Flora used to sit while busywith her sketches. He cocked his head to listen as they approached, and, at first sight of them, flew up into the clear blue air, withundulating swiftness. To Flora's great disappointment, they found allthe doors fastened; but Mr. Jacobs entered by a window and opened oneof them. The cottage had evidently been deserted for a considerabletime. Spiders had woven their tapestry in all the corners. A pane hadapparently been cut out of the window their attendant had opened, andit afforded free passage to the birds. On a bracket of shell-work, which Flora had made to support a vase of flowers, was a desertednest, bedded in soft green moss, which hung from it in irregularstreamers and festoons. 

"How pretty!" said Mrs. Delano. "If the little creature had studiedthe picturesque, she couldn't have devised anything more graceful. Letus take it, bracket and all, and carry it home carefully. "

"That was the very first shell-work I made after we came from Nassau, "rejoined Flora. "I used to put fresh flowers on it every morning, toplease Rosa. Poor Rosa! Where _can_ she be?"

She turned away her head, and was silent for a moment. Then, pointingto the window, she said: "There's that dead pine-tree I told you Iused to call Old Man of the Woods. He is swinging long pennants ofmoss on his arms, just as he did when I was afraid to look at him inthe moonlight. "

She was soon busy with a heap of papers swept into a corner of theroom she used to occupy. They were covered with sketches of leaves andflowers, and embroidery-patterns, and other devices with which she hadamused herself in those days. Among them she was delighted to findthe head and shoulders of Thistle, with a garland round his neck. InRosa's sleeping-room, an old music-book, hung with cobwebs, leanedagainst the wall. 

"O Mamita Lila, I am glad to find this!" exclaimed Flora. "Here iswhat Rosa and I used to sing to dear papa when we were ever so little. He always loved old-fashioned music. Here are some of Jackson'scanzonets, that were his favorites. " She began to hum, "Time has notthinned my flowing hair. " "Here is Dr. Arne's 'Sweet Echo. ' Rosa usedto play and sing that beautifully. And here is what he always liked tohave us sing to him at sunset. We sang it to him the very night beforehe died. " She began to warble, "Now Phoebus sinketh in the west. ""Why, it seems as if I were a little girl again, singing to Papasitoand Mamita, " said she. 

Looking up, she saw that Mrs. Delano had covered her face with herhandkerchief; and closing the music-book, she nestled to her side, affectionately inquiring what had troubled her. For a little while herfriend pressed her hand in silence. 

"O darling, " said she, "what a strange, sad gift is memory! I sangthat to your father the last time we ever saw the sunset together; andperhaps when he heard it he used to see me sometimes, as plainly as Inow see him. It is consoling to think he did not quite forget me. "

"When we go home, I will sing it to you every evening if you wouldlike it, Mamita Lila, " said Flora. 

Her friend patted her head fondly, and said: "You must finish yourresearches soon, darling; for I think we had better go to MagnoliaLawn to see if Tom and Chloe can be found. "

"How shall we get there? It's too far for you to walk, and poorThistle's gone, " said Flora. 

"I have sent Mr. Jacobs to the plantation, " replied Mrs. Delano, "andI think he will find some sort of vehicle. Meanwhile, you had betterbe getting together any little articles you want to carry away. "

As Flora took up the music-book, some of the loose leaves fell out, and with them came a sketch of Tulee's head, with the large gold hoopsand the gay turban. "Here's Tulee!" shouted Flora. "It isn't welldrawn, but it _is_ like her. I'll make a handsome picture from it, andframe it, and hang it by my bedside, where I can see it every morning. Dear, good Tulee! How she jumped up and kissed us when we firstarrived here. I suppose she thinks I am dead, and has cried a greatdeal about little Missy Flory. O, what wouldn't I give to see her!"

She had peeped about everywhere, and was becoming very much dispiritedwith the desolation, when Mr. Jacobs came back with a mule and a smallcart, which he said was the best conveyance he could procure. Thejolting over hillocks, and the occasional grunts of the mule, made itan amusing ride; but it was a fruitless one. The plantation negroeswere sowing cotton, but all Mr. Fitzgerald's household servants wereleased out in Savannah during his absence in Europe. The white villaat Magnolia Lawn peeped out from its green surroundings; but thejalousies were closed, and the tracks on the carriage-road wereobliterated by rains. 

Hiring a negro to go with them to take back the cart, they made thebest of their way to the boat, which was waiting for them. Fatiguedand disconsolate with their fruitless search, they felt littleinclined to talk as they glided over the bright waters. The negroboatmen frequently broke in upon the silence with some simple, wildmelody, which they sang in perfect unison, dipping their oars inrhythm. When Savannah came in sight, they urged the boat faster, and, improvising words to suit the occasion, they sang in briskerstrains:--

 "Row, darkies, row! See de sun down dar am creepin'; Row, darkies, row! Hab white ladies in yer keepin'; Row, darkies, row!"

With the business they had on hand, Mrs. Delano preferred not to seekher friends in the city, and they took lodgings at a hotel. Early thenext morning, Mr. Jacobs was sent out to ascertain the whereabouts ofMr. Fitzgerald's servants; and Mrs. Delano proposed that, during hisabsence, they should drive to The Pines, which she described as anextremely pleasant ride. Flora assented, with the indifference of apreoccupied mind. But scarcely had the horses stepped on the thickcarpet of pine foliage with which the ground was strewn, when sheeagerly exclaimed, "Tom! Tom!" A black man, mounted on the seat of acarriage that was passing them, reined in his horses and stopped. 

"Keep quiet, my dear, " whispered Mrs. Delano to her companion, "till Ican ascertain who is in the carriage. "

"Are you Mr. Fitzgerald's Tom?" she inquired. 

"Yes, Missis, " replied the negro, touching his hat. 

She beckoned him to come and open her carriage-door, and, speaking ina low voice, she said: "I want to ask you about a Spanish lady whoused to live in a cottage, not far from Mr. Fitzgerald's plantation. She had a black servant named Tulee, who used to call her Missy Rosy. We went to the cottage yesterday, and found it shut up. Can you tellus where they have gone?"

Tom looked at them very inquisitively, and answered, "Dunno, Missis. "

"We are Missy Rosy's friends, and have come to bring her some goodnews. If you can tell us anything about her, I will give you this goldpiece. "

Tom half stretched forth his hand to take the coin, then drew it back, and repeated, "Dunno, Missis. "

Flora, who felt her heart rising in her throat, tossed back her veil, and said, "Tom, don't you know me?"

The negro started as if a ghost had risen before him. 

"Now tell me where Missy Rosy has gone, and who went with her, " saidshe, coaxingly. 

"Bress yer, Missy Flory! _am_ yer alive!" exclaimed the bewilderednegro. 

Flora laughed, and, drawing off her glove, shook hands with him. "Nowyou know I'm alive, Tom. But don't tell anybody. Where's Missy Rosygone. "

"O Missy, " replied Tom, "dar am heap ob tings to tell. "

Mrs. Delano suggested that it was not a suitable place; and Tom saidhe must go home with his master's carriage. He told them he hadobtained leave to go and see his wife Chloe that evening; andhe promised to come to their hotel first. So, with the generalinformation that Missy Rosy and Tulee were safe, they parted for thepresent. 

Tom's communication in the evening was very long, and intenselyinteresting to his auditors; but it did not extend beyond a certainpoint. He told of Rosa's long and dangerous illness; of Chloe's andTulee's patient praying and nursing; of the birth of the baby; of thesale to Mr. Bruteman; and of the process by which she escaped with Mr. Duroy. Further than that he knew nothing. He had never been in NewOrleans afterward, and had never heard Mr. Fitzgerald speak of Rosa. 

At that crisis in the conversation, Mrs. Delano summoned Mr. Jacobs, and requested him to ascertain when a steamboat would go to NewOrleans. Flora kissed her hand, with a glance full of gratitude. Tomlooked at her in a very earnest, embarrassed way, and said: "Missis, am yer one ob dem Ab-lish-nishts dar in de Norf, dat Massa swars'bout?"

Mrs. Delano turned toward Flora with a look of perplexity, and, having received an interpretation of the question, she smiled as sheanswered: "I rather think I am half an Abolitionist, Tom. But why doyou wish to know?"

Tom went on to state, in "lingo" that had to be frequently explained, that he wanted to run away to the North, and that he could manage todo it if it were not for Chloe and the children. He had been in hopesthat Mrs. Fitzgerald would have taken her to the North to nurse herbaby while she was gone to Europe. In that case, he intended to followafter; and he thought some good people would lend them money to buytheir little ones, and, both together, they could soon work off thedebt. But this project had been defeated by Mrs. Bell, who brought awhite nurse from Boston, and carried her infant grandson back withher. 

"Yer see, Missis, " said Tom, with a sly look, "dey tinks de niggersdon't none ob 'em wants dare freedom, so dey nebber totes 'em whar itbe. "

Ever since that disappointment had occurred, he and his wife hadresolved themselves into a committee of ways and means, but they hadnot yet devised any feasible mode of escape. And now they were throwninto great consternation by the fact that a slave-trader had been tolook at Chloe, because Mr. Fitzgerald wanted money to spend in Europe, and had sent orders to have some of his negroes sold. 

Mrs. Delano told him she didn't see how she could help him, but shewould think about it; and Flora, with a sideway inclination of thehead toward her, gave Tom an expressive glance, which he understood asa promise to persuade her. He urged the matter no further, but askedwhat time it was. Being told it was near nine o'clock, he said he musthasten to Chloe, for it was not allowable for negroes to be in thestreet after that hour. 

He had scarcely closed the door, before Mrs. Delano said, "If Chloe issold, I must buy her. "

"I thought you would say so, " rejoined Flora. 

A discussion then took place as to ways and means, and a strictlyconfidential letter was written to a lawyer from the North, with whomMrs. Delano was acquainted, requesting him to buy the woman and herchildren for her, if they were to be sold. 

It happened fortunately that a steamer was going to New Orleans thenext day. Just as they were going on board, a negro woman with twochildren came near, and, dropping a courtesy, said: "Skuse, Missis. Dis ere's Chloe. Please say Ise yer nigger! Do, Missis!"

Flora seized the black woman's hand, and pressed it, while shewhispered: "Do, Mamita! They're going to sell her, you know. "

She took the children by the hand, and hurried forward without waitingfor an answer. They were all on board before Mrs. Delano had time toreflect. Tom was nowhere to be seen. On one side of her stoodChloe, with two little ones clinging to her skirts, looking at herimploringly with those great fervid eyes, and saying in suppressedtones, "Missis, dey's gwine to sell me away from de chillen"; and onthe other side was Flora, pressing her hand, and entreating, "Don'tsend her back, Mamita! She was _so_ good to poor Rosa. "

"But, my dear, if they should trace her to me, it would be a verytroublesome affair, " said the perplexed lady. 

"They won't look for her in New Orleans. They'll think she's goneNorth, " urged Flora. 

During this whispered consultation, Mr. Jacobs approached with some oftheir baggage. Mrs. Delano stopped him, and said: "When you registerour names, add a negro servant and her two children. "

He looked surprised, but bowed and asked no questions. She wasscarcely less surprised at herself. In the midst of her anxiety tohave the boat start, she called to mind her former censures upon thosewho helped servants to escape from Southern masters, and she could nothelp smiling at the new dilemma in which she found herself. 

The search in New Orleans availed little. They alighted from theircarriage a few minutes to look at the house where Flora was born. Shepointed out to Mrs. Delano the spot whence her father had last spokento her on that merry morning, and the grove where she used to pelt himwith oranges; but neither of them cared to enter the house, now thateverything was so changed. Madame's house was occupied by strangers, who knew nothing of the previous tenants, except that they were saidto have gone to Europe to live. They drove to Mr. Duroy's, and foundstrangers there, who said the former occupants had all died ofyellow-fever, --the lady and gentleman, a negro woman, and a whitebaby. Flora was bewildered to find every link with her past brokenand gone. She had not lived long enough to realize that the traces ofhuman lives often disappear from cities as quickly as the ocean closesover the tracks of vessels. Mr. Jacobs proposed searching for someone who had been in Mr. Duroy's employ; and with that intention, theyreturned to the city. As they were passing a house where a largebird-cage hung in the open window, Flora heard the words, "_Petitblanc, mon bon frère! Ha! ha_!"

She called out to Mr. Jacobs, "Stop! Stop!" and pushed at the carriagedoor, in her impatience to get out. 

"What _is_ the matter, my child?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"That's Madame's parrot, " replied she; and an instant after she wasringing at the door of the house. She told the servant they wished tomake some inquiries concerning Signor and Madame Papanti, and MonsieurDuroy; and she and Mrs. Delano were shown in to wait for the lady ofthe house. They had no sooner entered, than the parrot flapped herwings and cried out, "_Bon jour, joli petit diable_!" And then shebegan to whistle and warble, twitter and crow, through a ludicrousseries of noisy variations. Flora burst into peals of laughter, in themidst of which the lady of the house entered the room. "Excuse me, Madame, " said she. "This parrot is an old acquaintance of mine. Itaught her to imitate all sorts of birds, and she is showing me thatshe has not forgotten my lessons. "

"It will be impossible to hear ourselves speak, unless I cover thecage, " replied the lady. 

"Allow me to quiet her, if you please, " rejoined Flora. She opened thedoor of the cage, and the bird hopped on her arm, flapping her wings, and crying, "_Bon jour! Ha! ha_!"

"_Taisez vous, jolie Manon_, " said Flora soothingly, while she strokedthe feathery head. The bird nestled close and was silent. 

When their errand was explained, the lady repeated the same story theyhad already heard about Mr. Duroy's family. 

"Was the black woman who died there named Tulee?" inquired Flora. 

"I never heard her name but once or twice, " replied the lady. "It wasnot a common negro name, and I think that was it. Madame Papanti hadput her and the baby there to board. After Mr. Duroy died, his soncame home from Arkansas to settle his affairs. My husband, who was oneof Mr. Duroy's clerks, bought some of the things at auction; and amongthem was that parrot. "

"And what has become of Signor and Madame Papanti?" asked Mrs. Delano. 

The lady could give no information, except that they had returned toEurope. Having obtained directions where to find her husband, theythanked her, and wished her good morning. 

Flora held the parrot up to the cage, and said, "_Bon jour, jolieManon_!"

"_Bon jour_!" repeated the bird, and hopped upon her perch. 

After they had entered the carriage, Flora said: "How melancholy itseems that everybody is gone, except _Jolie Manon_! How glad the poorthing seemed to be to see me! I wish I could take her home. "

"I will send to inquire whether the lady will sell her, " replied herfriend. 

"O Mamita, you will spoil me, you indulge me so much, " rejoined Flora. 

Mrs. Delano smiled affectionately, as she answered: "If you were veryspoilable, dear, I think that would have been done already. "

"But it will be such a bother to take care of Manon, " said Flora. 

"Our new servant Chloe can do that, " replied Mrs. Delano. "But Ireally hope we shall get home without any further increase of ourretinue. "

From the clerk information was obtained that he heard Mr. Duroy tellMr. Bruteman that a lady named Rosabella Royal had sailed to Europewith Signor and Madame Papanti in the ship Mermaid. He added that newsafterward arrived that the vessel foundered at sea, and all on boardwere lost. 

With this sorrow on her heart, Flora returned to Boston. Mr. Percivalwas immediately informed of their arrival, and hastened to meet them. When the result of their researches was told, he said: "I shouldn't bedisheartened yet. Perhaps they didn't sail in the Mermaid. I will sendto the New York Custom-House for a list of the passengers. "

Flora eagerly caught at that suggestion; and Mrs. Delano said, with asmile: "We have some other business in which we need your help. Youmust know that I am involved in another slave case. If ever a quietand peace-loving individual was caught up and whirled about by atempest of events, I am surely that individual. Before I met this dearlittle Flora, I had a fair prospect of living and dying a respectableand respected old fogy, as you irreverent reformers call discreetpeople. But now I find myself drawn into the vortex of abolition tothe extent of helping off four fugitive slaves. In Flora's case, Iacted deliberately, from affection and a sense of duty; but in thissecond instance I was taken by storm, as it were. The poor woman wasaboard before I knew it, and I found myself too weak to withstand herimploring looks and Flora's pleading tones. " She went on to describethe services Chloe had rendered to Rosa, and added: "I will pay anyexpenses necessary for conveying this woman to a place of safety, andsupplying all that is necessary for her and her children, until shecan support them; but I do not feel as if she were safe here. "

"If you will order a carriage, I will take them directly to the houseof Francis Jackson, in Hollis Street, " said Mr. Percival. "They willbe safe enough under the protection of that honest, sturdy friend offreedom. His house is the depot of various subterranean railroads; andI pity the slaveholder who tries to get on any of his tracks. He findshimself 'like a toad under a harrow, where ilka tooth gies him a tug, 'as the Scotch say. "

While waiting for the carriage, Chloe and her children were broughtin. Flora took the little ones under her care, and soon had theiraprons filled with cakes and sugarplums. Chloe, unable to restrain herfeelings, dropped down on her knees in the midst of the questions theywere asking her, and poured forth an eloquent prayer that the Lordwould bless these good friends of her down-trodden people. 

When the carriage arrived, she rose, and, taking Mrs. Delano's hand, said solemnly: "De Lord bress yer, Missis! De Lord bress yer! I seedyer once fore ebber I knowed yer. I seed yer in a vision, when I warprayin' to de Lord to open de free door fur me an' my chillen. Ye waran angel wid white shiny wings. Bress de Lord! 'T war Him dat sentyer. --An' now, Missy Flory, de Lord bress yer! Ye war allers good topoor Chloe, down dar in de prison-house. Let me gib yer a kiss, littleMissy. "

Flora threw her arms round the bended neck, and promised to go and seeher wherever she was. 

When the carriage rolled away, emotion kept them both silent for a fewminutes. "How strange it seems to me now, " said Mrs. Delano, "thatI lived so many years without thinking of the wrongs of these poorpeople! I used to think prayer-meetings for slaves were very fanaticaland foolish. It seemed to me enough that they were included in ourprayer for 'all classes and conditions of men'; but after listening topoor Chloe's eloquent outpouring, I am afraid such generalizing willsound rather cold. "

"Mamita, " said Flora, "you know you gave me some money to buy a silkdress. Are you willing I should use it to buy clothes for Chloe andher children?"

"More than willing, my child, " she replied. "There is no clothing sobeautiful as the raiment of righteousness. "

The next morning, Flora went out to make her purchases. Some timeafter, Mrs. Delano, hearing voices near the door, looked out, and sawher in earnest conversation with Florimond Blumenthal, who had a largeparcel in his arms. When she came in, Mrs. Delano said, "So you had anescort home?"

"Yes, Mamita, " she replied; "Florimond would bring the parcel, and sowe walked together. "

"He was very polite, " said Mrs. Delano; "but ladies are not accustomedto stand on the doorstep talking with clerks who bring bundles forthem. "

"I didn't think anything about that, " rejoined Flora. "He wanted toknow about Rosa, and I wanted to tell him. Florimond seems just likea piece of my old home, because he loved papa so much. Mamita Lila, didn't you say papa was a poor clerk when you and he first began tolove one another?"

"Yes, my child, " she replied; and she kissed the bright, innocent facethat came bending over her, looking so frankly into hers. 

When she had gone out of the room, Mrs. Delano said to herself, "That darling child, with her strange history and unworldly ways, iseducating me more than I can educate her. "

A week later, Mr. And Mrs. Percival came, with tidings that no suchpersons as Signor and Madame Papanti were on board the Mermaid; andthey proposed writing letters of inquiry forthwith to consuls invarious parts of Italy and France. 

Flora began to hop and skip and clap her hands. But she soon paused, and said, laughingly: "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. Mamita oftentells me I was brought up in a bird-cage; and I ask her how then canshe expect me to do anything but hop and sing. Excuse me. I forgotMamita and I were not alone. "

"You pay us the greatest possible compliment, " rejoined Mr. Percival. 

And Mrs. Percival added, "I hope you will always forget it when we arehere. "

"Do you really wish it?" asked Flora, earnestly. "Then I will. "

And so, with a few genial friends, an ever-deepening attachmentbetween her and her adopted mother, a hopeful feeling at her heartabout Rosa, Tulee's likeness by her bedside, and Madame's parrot towish her _Bon jour_! Boston came to seem to her like a happy home. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

About two months after their return from the South, Mr. Percivalcalled one evening, and said: "Do you know Mr. Brick, thepolice-officer? I met him just now, and he stopped me. 'There's plentyof work for you Abolitionists now-a-days, ' said he. 'There are fiveSoutherners at the Tremont, inquiring for runaways, and cursingGarrison. An agent arrived last night from Fitzgerald'splantation, --he that married Bell's daughter, you know. He sent for meto give me a description of a nigger that had gone off in a mysteriousway to parts unknown. He wanted me to try to find the fellow, and, of course, I did; for I always calculate to do my duty, as the lawdirects. So I went immediately to Father Snowdon, and described theblack man, and informed him that his master had sent for him, ina great hurry. I told him I thought it very likely he was lurkingsomewhere in Belknap Street; and if he would have the goodness to hunthim up, I would call, in the course of an hour or two, to see whatluck he had. '"

"Who is Father Snowdon?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"He is the colored preacher in Belknap Street Church, " replied Mr. Percival, "and a remarkable man in his way. He fully equals Chloe inprayer; and he is apt to command the ship Buzzard to the especialattention of the Lord. The first time I entered his meeting, he wassaying, in a loud voice, 'We pray thee, O Lord, to bless her Majesty'sgood ship, the Buzzard; and if there's a slave-trader now on the coastof Africa, we pray thee, O Lord, to blow her straight under the lee ofthe Buzzard. ' He has been a slave himself, and he has perhaps helpedoff more slaves than any man in the country. I doubt whetherGarrick himself had greater power to disguise his countenance. If aslaveholder asks him about a slave, he is the most stolid-lookingcreature imaginable. You wouldn't suppose he understood anything, orever _could_ understand anything. But if he meets an Abolitionist aminute after, his black face laughs all over, and his roguish eyestwinkle like diamonds, while he recounts how he 'come it' over theSouthern gentleman. That bright soul of his is a jewel set in ebony. "

"It seems odd that the police-officer should apply to _him_ to catch arunaway, " said Mrs. Delano. 

"That's the fun of it, " responded Mr. Percival. "The extinguishersare themselves taking fire. The fact is, Boston policemen don't feelexactly in their element as slave-hunters. They are too near BunkerHill; and on the Fourth of July they are reminded of the Declarationof Independence, which, though it is going out of fashion, is stillregarded by a majority of the people as a venerable document. Thenthey have Whittier's trumpet-tones ringing in their ears, --

 "'No slave hunt in _our_ borders! no pirate on _our_ strand! No fetters in the Bay State! no slave upon _our_ land!'"

"How did Mr. Brick describe Mr. Fitzgerald's runaway slave?" inquiredFlora. 

"He said he was tall and very black, with a white scar over his righteye. "

"That's Tom!" exclaimed she. "How glad Chloe will be! But I wonder hedidn't come here the first thing. We could have told him how well shewas getting on in New Bedford. "

"Father Snowdon will tell him all about that, " rejoined Mr. Percival. "If Tom was in the city, he probably kept him closely hidden, onaccount of the number of Southerners who have recently arrived; andafter the hint the police-officer gave him, he doubtless hustled himout of town in the quickest manner. "

"I want to hurrah for that policeman, " said Flora; "but Mamita wouldthink I was a very rude young lady, or rather that I was no lady atall. But perhaps you'll let me _sing_ hurrah, Mamita?"

Receiving a smile for answer, she flew to the piano, and, improvisingan accompaniment to herself, she began to sing hurrah! through allmanner of variations, high and low, rapidly trilled and slowlyprolonged, now bursting full upon the ear, now receding in thedistance. It was such a lively fantasia, that it made Mr. Percivallaugh, while Mrs. Delano's face was illuminated by a quiet smile. 

In the midst of the merriment, the door-bell rang. Flora started fromthe piano, seized her worsted-work, and said, "Now, Mamita, I'm readyto receive company like a pink of propriety. " But the change was sosudden, that her eyes were still laughing when Mr. Green entered aninstant after; and he again caught that archly demure expression whichseemed to him so fascinating. The earnestness of his salutation was sodifferent from his usual formal politeness, that Mrs. Delano could notfail to observe it. The conversation turned upon incidents of travelafter they had parted so suddenly. "I shall never cease to regret, "said he, "that you missed hearing La Señorita Campaneo. She was amost extraordinary creature. Superbly handsome; and do you know, MissDelano, I now and then caught a look that reminded me very much ofyou. Unfortunately, you have lost your chance to hear her. For Mr. King, the son of our Boston millionnaire, who has lately been pilingup money in the East, persuaded her to quit the stage when she had butjust started in her grand career. All the musical world in Rome werevexed with him for preventing her re-engagement. As for Fitzgerald, Ibelieve he would have shot him if he could have found him. It was apurely musical disappointment, for he was never introduced to thefascinating Señorita; but he fairly pined upon it. I told him the bestway to drive off the blue devils would be to go with me and a fewfriends to the Grotta Azzura. So off we started to Naples, and thenceto Capri. The grotto was one of the few novelties remaining for mein Italy. I had heard much of it, but the reality exceeded alldescriptions. We seemed to be actually under the sea in a palace ofgems. Our boat glided over a lake of glowing sapphire, and our oarsdropped rubies. High above our heads were great rocks of sapphire, deepening to lapis-lazuli at the base, with here and there a streak ofmalachite. "

"It seems like Aladdin's Cave, " remarked Flora. 

"Yes, " replied Mr. Green; "only it was Aladdin's Cave undergoing awondrous 'sea change. ' A poetess, who writes for the papers under thename of Melissa Mayflower, had fastened herself upon our party in someway; and I suppose she felt bound to sustain the reputation of thequill. She said the Nereids must have built that marine palace, anddecorated it for a visit from fairies of the rainbow. "

"That was a pretty thought, " said Flora. "It sounds like 'LallaRookh. '"

"It was a pretty thought, " rejoined the gentleman, "but can give youno idea of the unearthly splendor. I thought how you would have beendelighted if you had been with our party. I regretted your absencealmost as much as I did at the opera. But the Blue Grotto, wonderfulas it was, didn't quite drive away Fitzgerald's blue devils, though itmade him forget his vexations for the time. The fact is, just as westarted he received a letter from his agent, informing him of theescape of a negro woman and her two children; and he spent most of theway back to Naples swearing at the Abolitionists. "

Flora, the side of whose face was toward him, gave Mrs. Delano afurtive glance full of fun; but he saw nothing of the mischief in herexpressive face, except a little whirlpool of a dimple, which playedabout her mouth for an instant, and then subsided. A very broad smilewas on Mr. Percival's face, as he sat examining some magnificentillustrations of the Alhambra. Mr. Green, quite unconscious of theby-play in their thoughts, went on to say, "It is really becoming aserious evil that Southern gentlemen have so little security for thatspecies of property. "

"Then you consider women and children _property_?" inquired Mr. Percival, looking up from his book. 

Mr. Green bowed with a sort of mock deference, and replied: "Pardonme, Mr. Percival, it is so unusual for gentlemen of your birth andposition to belong to the Abolition troop of rough-riders, that I maybe excused for not recollecting it. "

"I should consider my birth and position great misfortunes, if theyblinded me to the plainest principles of truth and justice, " rejoinedMr. Percival. 

The highly conservative gentleman made no reply, but rose to takeleave. 

"Did your friends the Fitzgeralds return with you?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"No, " replied he. "They intend to remain until October, Good evening, ladies. I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you again. " Andwith an inclination of the head toward Mr. Percival, he departed. 

"Why did you ask him that question?" said Flora. "Are you afraid ofanything?"

"Not in the slightest degree, " answered Mrs. Delano. "If, withouttaking much trouble, we can avoid your being recognized by Mr. Fitzgerald, I should prefer it, because I do not wish to have anyconversation with him. But now that your sister's happiness is nolonger implicated, there is no need of caution. If he happens to seeyou, I shall tell him you sought my protection, and that he has nolegal power over you. "

The conversation diverged to the Alhambra and Washington Irving; andFlora ended the evening by singing the Moorish ballad of "Xarifa, "which she said always brought a picture of Rosabella before her eyes. 

The next morning, Mr. Green called earlier than usual. He did notask for Flora, whom he had in fact seen in the street a few minutesbefore. "Excuse me, Mrs. Delano, for intruding upon you at such anunseasonable hour, " said he. "I chose it because I wished to besure of seeing you alone. You must have observed that I am greatlyinterested in your adopted daughter. "

"The thought has crossed my mind, " replied the lady; "but I was by nomeans certain that she interested you more than a very pretty girlmust necessarily interest a gentleman of taste. "

"Pretty!" repeated he. "That is a very inadequate word to describethe most fascinating young lady I have ever met. She attracts me sostrongly, that I have called to ask your permission to seek her for awife. "

Mrs. Delano hesitated for a moment, and then answered, "It is my dutyto inform you that she is not of high family on the father's side; andon the mother's, she is scarcely what you would deem respectable. "

"Has she vulgar, disagreeable relations, who would be likely to beintrusive?" he asked. 

"She has no relative, near or distant, that I know of, " replied thelady. 

"Then her birth is of no consequence, " he answered. "My family wouldbe satisfied to receive her as your daughter. I am impatient tointroduce her to my mother and sisters, who I am sure will be charmedwith her. "

Mrs. Delano was embarrassed, much to the surprise of her visitor, whowas accustomed to consider his wealth and social position a prize thatwould be eagerly grasped at. After watching her countenance for aninstant, he said, somewhat proudly: "You do not seem to receive myproposal very cordially, Mrs. Delano. Have you anything to object tomy character or family?"

"Certainly not, " replied the lady. "My doubts are concerning mydaughter. "

"Is she engaged, or partially engaged, to another?" he inquired. 

"She is not, " rejoined Mrs. Delano; "though I imagine she is not quite'fancy free. '"

"Would it be a breach of confidence to tell me who has been sofortunate as to attract her?"

"Nothing of the kind has ever been confided to me. " answered thelady. "It is merely an imagination of my own, and relates to a personunknown to you. "

"Then I will enter the lists with my rival, if there is one, " said he. "Such a prize is not to be given up without an effort. But you havenot yet said that I have your consent. "

"Since you are so persistent, " rejoined Mrs. Delano, "I will tell youa secret, if you will pledge your honor, as a gentleman, never torepeat it, or hint at it, to any mortal. "

"I pledge my honor, " he replied, "that whatever you choose to tell meshall be sacred between us. "

"It is not pleasant to tell the story of Flora's birth, " respondedshe; "but under present circumstances it seems to be a duty. When Ihave informed you of the facts, you are free to engage her affectionsif you can. On the paternal side, she descends from the French gentryand the Spanish nobility; but her mother was a quadroon slave, and sheherself was sold as a slave. "

Mr. Green bowed his head upon his hand, and spoke no word. Drilled toconceal his emotions, he seemed outwardly calm, though it cost him apang to relinquish the captivating young creature, who he felt wouldhave made his life musical, though by piquant contrast rather than byharmony. After a brief, troubled silence, he rose and walked towardthe window, as if desirous to avoid looking the lady in the face. After a while, he said, slowly, "Do you deem it quite right, Mrs. Delano, to pass such a counterfeit on society?"

"I have attempted to pass no counterfeit on society, " she replied, with dignity. "Flora is a blameless and accomplished young lady. Her beauty and vivacity captivated me before I knew anything of herorigin; and in the same way they have captivated you. She was alone inthe world, and I was alone; and we adopted each other. I have neversought to introduce her into society; and so far as relates toyourself, I should have told you these facts sooner if I had known thestate of your feelings; but so long as they were not expressed, itwould scarcely have been delicate for me to take them for granted. "

"Very true, " rejoined the disenchanted lover. "You certainly had aright to choose a daughter for yourself; though I could hardly haveimagined that any amount of attraction would have overcome _such_obstacles in the mind of a lady of your education and refined views oflife. Excuse my using the word 'counterfeit. ' I was slightly disturbedwhen it escaped me. "

"It requires no apology, " she replied. "I am aware that society wouldtake the same view of my proceeding that you do. As for my education, I have learned to consider it as, in many respects, false. As for myviews, they have been greatly modified by this experience. I havelearned to estimate people and things according to their real value, not according to any merely external accidents. "

Mr. Green extended his hand, saying: "I will bid you farewell, Mrs. Delano; for, under existing circumstances, it becomes necessary todeny myself the pleasure of again calling upon you. I must seek todivert my mind by new travels, I hardly know where. I have exhaustedEurope, having been there three times. I have often thought I shouldlike to look on the Oriental gardens and bright waters of Damascus. Everything is so wretchedly new, and so disagreeably fast, in thiscountry! It must be refreshing to see a place that has known nochanges for three thousand years. "

They clasped hands with mutual adieus; and the unfortunate son ofwealth, not knowing what to do in a country full of noble work, wentforth to seek a new sensation in the slow-moving caravans of the East. 

A few days afterward, when Flora returned from taking a lesson inoil-colors, she said: "How do you suppose I have offended Mr. Green?When I met him just now, he touched his hat in a very formal way, andpassed on, though I was about to speak to him. "

"Perhaps he was in a hurry, " suggested Mrs. Delano. 

"No, it wasn't that, " rejoined Flora. "He did just so day beforeyesterday, and he can't always be in a hurry. Besides, you know he isnever in a hurry; he is too much of a gentleman. "

Her friend smiled as she answered, "You are getting to be quite ajudge of aristocratic manners, considering you were brought up in abird-cage. "

The young girl was not quite so ready as usual with a responsivesmile. She went on to say, in a tone of perplexity: "What _can_have occasioned such a change in his manner? You say I am sometimesthoughtless about politeness. Do you think I have offended him in anyway?"

"Would it trouble you very much if you had?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"Not _very_ much, " she replied; "but I should be sorry if he thoughtme rude to him, when he was so very polite to us in Europe. What isit, Mamita? I think you know something about it. "

"I did not tell you, my child, " replied she, "because I thought itwould be unpleasant. But you keep no secrets from me, and it is rightthat I should be equally open-hearted with you. Did you never suspectthat Mr. Green was in love with you?"

"The thought never occurred to me till he called here that firstevening after his return from Europe. Then, when he took my hand, hepressed it a little. I thought it was rather strange in such a formalgentleman; but I did not mention it to you, because I feared you wouldthink me vain. But if he is in love with me, why don't he tell me so?And why does he pass me without speaking?"

Her friend replied: "He deemed it proper to tell me first, and ask myconsent to pay his addresses to you. As he persisted very urgently, Ithought it my duty to tell him, under the seal of secrecy, that youwere remotely connected with the colored race. The announcementsomewhat disturbed his habitual composure. He said he must denyhimself the pleasure of calling again. He proposes to go to Damascus, and there I hope he will forget his disappointment. "

Flora flared up as Mrs. Delano had never seen her. She reddened tothe temples, and her lip curled scornfully. "He is a mean man!" sheexclaimed. "If he thought that I myself was a suitable wife for hisserene highness, what had my great-grandmother to do with it? I wishhe had asked me to marry him. I should like to have him know I nevercared a button about him; and that, if I didn't care for him, I shouldconsider it more shameful to sell myself for his diamonds, than itwould have been to have been sold for a slave by papa's creditorswhen I couldn't help myself. I am glad you don't feel like going intoparties, Mamita; and if you ever do feel like it, I hope you willleave me at home. I don't want to be introduced to any of these cold, aristocratic Bostonians. "

"Not all of them cold and aristocratic, darling, " replied Mrs. Delano. "Your Mamita is one of them; and she is becoming less cold andaristocratic every day, thanks to a little Cinderella who came to hersinging through the woods, two years ago. "

"And who found a fairy godmother, " responded Flora, subsiding intoa tenderer tone. "It _is_ ungrateful for me to say anything againstBoston; and with such friends as the Percivals too. But it does seemmean that Mr. Green, if he really liked me, should decline speaking tome because my great-grandmother had a dark complexion. I never knewthe old lady, though I dare say I should love her if I did knowher. Madame used to say Rosabella inherited pride from our Spanishgrandfather. I think I have some of it, too; and it makes me shy ofbeing introduced to your stylish acquaintance, who might blame you ifthey knew all about me. I like people who do know all about me, andwho like me because I am I. That's one reason why I like Florimond. Headmired my mother, and loved my father; and he thinks just as well ofme as if I had never been sold for a slave. "

"Do you always call him Florimond?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"I call him Mr. Blumenthal before folks, and he calls me Miss Delano. But when no one is by, he sometimes calls me Miss Royal, because hesays he loves that name, for the sake of old times; and then I callhim Blumen, partly for short, and partly because his cheeks are sopink, it comes natural. He likes to have me call him so. He says Florais the _Göttinn der Blumen_ in German, and so I am the Goddess ofBlumen. "

Mrs. Delano smiled at these small scintillations of wit, which in thetalk of lovers sparkle to them like diamond-dust in the sunshine. 

"Has he ever told you that he loved _you_ as well as your name?" askedshe. 

"He never said so, Mamita; but I think he does, " rejoined Flora. 

"What reason have you to think so?" inquired her friend. 

"He wants very much to come here, " replied the young lady; "but he isextremely modest. He says he knows he is not suitable company for sucha rich, educated lady as you are. He is taking dancing-lessons, andlessons on the piano, and he is studying French and Italian andhistory, and all sorts of things. And he says he means to make a mintof money, and then perhaps he can come here sometimes to see me dance, and hear me play on the piano. "

"I by no means require that all my acquaintance should make a mint ofmoney, " answered Mrs. Delano. "I am very much pleased with the accountyou give of this young Blumenthal. When you next see him, give him mycompliments, and tell him I should be happy to become acquainted withhim. "

Flora dropped on her knees and hid her face in her friend's lap. Shedidn't express her thanks in words, but she cried a little. 

"This is more serious than I supposed, " thought Mrs. Delano. 

A fortnight afterward, she obtained an interview with Mr. Goldwin, andasked, "What is your estimate of that young Mr. Blumenthal, who hasbeen for some time in your employ?"

"He is a modest young man, of good habits, " answered the merchant;"and of more than common business capacity. "

"Would you be willing to receive him as a partner?" she inquired. 

"The young man is poor, " rejoined Mr. Goldwin; "and we have manyapplications from those who can advance some capital. "

"If a friend would loan him ten thousand dollars for twenty years, andleave it to him by will in case she should die meanwhile, would thatbe sufficient to induce you?" said the lady. 

"I should be glad to do it, particularly if it obliges you, Mrs. Delano, " responded the merchant; "for I really think him a very worthyyoung man. "

"Then consider it settled, " she replied. "But let it be an affairbetween ourselves, if you please; and to him you may merely say that afriend of his former employer and benefactor wishes to assist him. "

When Blumenthal informed Flora of this unexpected good-fortune, theyof course suspected from whom it came; and they looked at each other, and blushed. 

Mrs. Delano did not escape gossiping remarks. "How she has changed!"said Mrs. Ton to Mrs. Style. "She used to be the most fastidious ofexclusives; and now she has adopted nobody knows whom, and one of Mr. Goldwin's clerks seems to be on the most familiar footing there. Ishould have no objection to invite the girl to my parties, for she isMrs. Delano's _adoptée_, and she would really be an ornament to myrooms, besides being very convenient and an accomplished musician;but, of course, I don't wish my daughters to be introduced to thatnobody of a clerk. "

"She has taken up several of the Abolitionists too, " rejoined Mrs. Style. "My husband looked into an anti-slavery meeting the otherevening, partly out of curiosity to hear what Garrison had to say, andpartly in hopes of obtaining some clew to a fugitive slave that one ofhis Southern friends had written to him about. And who should he seethere, of all people in the world, but Mrs. Delano and her _adoptée_, escorted by that young clerk. Think of her, with her dove-coloredsilks and violet gloves, crowded and jostled by Dinah and Sambo! Iexpect the next thing we shall hear will be that she has given a negroparty. "

"In that case, I presume she will choose to perfume her embroideredhandkerchiefs with musk, or pachouli, instead of her favorite breathof violets, " responded Mrs. Ton. 

And, smiling at their wit, the fashionable ladies parted, to quote itfrom each other as among the good things they had recently heard. 

Only the faint echoes of such remarks reached Mrs. Delano; though shewas made to feel, in many small ways, that she had become a blacksheep in aristocratic circles. But these indications passed by heralmost unnoticed, occupied as she was in earnestly striving to redeemthe mistakes of the past by making the best possible use of thepresent. 

PART SECOND. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

An interval of nineteen years elapsed, bringing with them variouschanges to the personages of this story. A year after Mr. Fitzgerald's return from Europe, a feud sprang up between him and hisfather-in-law, Mr. Bell, growing out of his dissipated and spendthrifthabits. His intercourse with Boston was consequently suspended, andthe fact of Flora's existence remained unknown to him. He died nineyears after he witnessed the dazzling apparition of Rosa in Rome, andthe history of his former relation to her was buried with him, as wereseveral other similar secrets. There was generally supposed to besomething mysterious about his exit. Those who were acquainted withMr. Bell's family were aware that the marriage had been an unhappyone, and that there was an obvious disposition to hush inquiriesconcerning it. Mrs. Fitzgerald had always continued to spend hersummers with her parents; and having lost her mother about the time ofher widowhood, she became permanently established at the head of herfather's household. She never in any way alluded to her married life, and always dismissed the subject as briefly as possible, if anystranger touched upon it. Of three children, only one, her eldest, remained. Time had wrought changes in her person. Her once fairy-likefigure was now too short for its fulness, and the blue eyes weresomewhat dulled in expression; but the fair face and the paly-goldtresses were still very pretty. 

When she had at last succeeded in obtaining an introduction to Flora, during one of her summer visits to Boston, she had been very muchcaptivated by her, and was disposed to rally Mr. Green about hisdiminished enthusiasm, after he had fallen in love with a fair cousinof hers; but that gentleman was discreetly silent concerning the realcause of his disenchantment. 

Mrs. Delano's nature was so much deeper than that of her prettyneighbor, that nothing like friendship could grow up between them; butMrs. Fitzgerald called occasionally, to retail gossip of the outerworld, or to have what she termed a musical treat. 

Flora had long been Mrs. Blumenthal. At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Delano said she was willing to adopt a son, but not to part with adaughter; consequently, they formed one household. As years passed on, infant faces and lisping voices came into the domestic circle, --freshlittle flowers in the floral garland of Mamita Lila's life. AlfredRoyal, the eldest, was a complete reproduction, in person andcharacter, of the grandfather whose name he bore. Rosa, three yearsyounger, was quite as striking a likeness of her namesake. Then cametwo little ones, who soon went to live with the angels. And, lastly, there was the five-year-old pet, Lila, who inherited her father's blueeyes, pink cheeks, and flaxen hair. 

These children were told that their grandfather was a rich Americanmerchant in New Orleans, and their grandmother a beautiful andaccomplished Spanish lady; that their grandfather failed in businessand died poor; that his friend Mrs. Delano adopted their mother; andthat they had a very handsome Aunt Rosa, who went to Europe with somegood friends, and was lost at sea. It was not deemed wise to informthem of any further particulars, till time and experience had maturedtheir characters and views of life. 

Applications to American consuls, in various places, for informationconcerning Signor and Madame Papanti had proved unavailing, inconsequence of the Signor's change of name; and Rosabella had longceased to be anything but a very tender memory to her sister, whoseheart was now completely filled with new objects of affection. Thebond between her and her adopted mother strengthened with time, because their influence on each other was mutually improving to theircharacters. The affection and gayety of the young folks produced aglowing atmosphere in Mrs. Delano's inner life, as their mother'stropical taste warmed up the interior aspect of her dwelling. Thefawn-colored damask curtains had given place to crimson; and in lieuof the silvery paper, the walls were covered with bird-of-paradisecolor, touched with golden gleams. The centre-table was covered withcrimson, embroidered with a gold-colored garland; and the screenof the gas-light was a gorgeous assemblage of bright flowers. Mrs. Delano's lovely face was even more placid than it had been in earlieryears; but there was a sunset brightness about it, as of one growingold in an atmosphere of love. The ash-colored hair, which Flora hadfancied to be violet-tinged, was of a silky whiteness now, and fell insoft curls about the pale face. 

On the day when I again take up the thread of this story, shewas seated in her parlor, in a dress of silvery gray silk, whichcontrasted pleasantly with the crimson chair. Under her collar ofHoniton lace was an amethystine ribbon, fastened with a pearl pin. Hercap of rich white lace, made in the fashion of Mary Queen of Scots, was very slightly trimmed with ribbon of the same color, and fastenedin front with a small amethyst set with pearls. For fanciful Flora hadsaid: "Dear Mamita Lila, don't have _every_thing about your dress coldwhite or gray. Do let something violet or lilac peep out from thesnow, for the sake of 'auld lang syne. '"

The lady was busy with some crochet-work, when a girl, apparentlyabout twelve years old, came through the half-opened folding-doors, and settled on an ottoman at her feet. She had large, luminous darkeyes, very deeply fringed, and her cheeks were like ripened peaches. The dark mass of her wavy hair was gathered behind into what wascalled a Greek cap, composed of brown network strewn with gold beads. Here and there very small, thin dark curls strayed from under it, likethe tendrils of a delicate vine; and nestling close to each ear was alittle dark, downy crescent, which papa called her whisker when he wasplayfully inclined to excite her juvenile indignation. 

"See!" said she. "This pattern comes all in a tangle. I have done thestitches wrong. Will you please to help me, Mamita Lila?"

Mrs. Delano looked up, smiling as she answered, "Let me see what thetrouble is, Rosy Posy. "

Mrs. Blumenthal, who was sitting opposite, noticed with artistic eyewhat a charming contrast of beauty there was between that richlycolored young face, with its crown of dark hair, and that pale, refined, symmetrical face, in its frame of silver. "What a prettypicture I could make, if I had my crayons here, " thought she. "Howgracefully the glossy folds of Mamita's gray dress fall over Rosa'scrimson merino. "

She was not aware that she herself made quite as charming a picture. The spirit of laughter still flitted over her face, from eyes todimples; her shining black curls were lighted up with a rope ofcherry-colored chenille, hanging in a tassel at her ear; and hergraceful little figure showed to advantage in a neatly fitting dressof soft brown merino, embroidered with cherry-colored silk. On herlap was little Lila, dressed in white and azure, with her fine flaxencurls tossed about by the motion of riding to "Banbury Cross. " Thechild laughed and clapped her hands at every caper; and if her steedrested for a moment, she called out impatiently, "More agin, mamma!"

But mamma was thinking of the picture she wanted to make, and at lastshe said: "We sha'n't get to Banbury Cross to-day, Lila Blumen; so youmust fall off your horse, darling, and nursey will take you, while Igo to fetch my crayons. " She had just taken her little pet by thehand to lead her from the room, when the door-bell rang. "That'sMrs. Fitzgerald, " said she. "I know, because she always rings an_appoggiatura_. Rosen Blumen, take sissy to the nursery, please. "

While the ladies were interchanging salutations with their visitor, Rosa passed out of the room, leading her little sister by the hand. "Ideclare, " said Mrs. Fitzgerald, "that oldest daughter of yours, Mrs. Blumenthal, bears a striking resemblance to the _cantatrice_ who wasturning everybody's head when I was in Rome. You missed hearing her, Iremember. Let me see, what was her _nomme de guerre_? I forget; butit was something that signified a bell, because there was a peculiarringing in her voice. When I first saw your daughter, she reminded meof somebody I had seen; but I never thought who it was till now. Icame to tell you some news about the fascinating Señorita; and Isuppose that brought the likeness to my mind. You know Mr. King, theson of our rich old merchant, persuaded her to leave the stage tomarry him. They have been living in the South of France for someyears, but he has just returned to Boston. They have taken rooms atthe Revere House, while his father's house is being fitted up in grandstyle for their reception. The lady will of course be a great lioness. She is to make her first appearance at the party of my cousin, Mrs. Green. The winter is so nearly at an end, that I doubt whether therewill be any more large parties this season; and I wouldn't fail ofattending this one on any account, if it were only for the sake ofseeing her. She was the handsomest creature I ever beheld. If you hadever seen her, you would consider it a compliment indeed to be toldthat your Rosa resembles her. "

"I should like to get a glimpse of her, if I could without the troubleof going to a party, " replied Mrs. Blumenthal. 

"I will come the day after, " rejoined Mrs. Fitzgerald, "and tell youhow she was dressed, and whether she looks as handsome in the parloras she did on the stage. "

After some more chat about reported engagements, and the probablefashions for the coming season, the lady took her leave. 

When she was gone, Mrs. Delano remarked: "Mrs. King must be veryhandsome if she resembles our Rosa. But I hope Mrs. Fitzgerald willnot be so injudicious as to talk about it before the child. She isfree from vanity, and I earnestly wish she may remain so. By the way, Flora, this Mr. King is your father's namesake, --the one who, you toldme, called at your house in New Orleans, when you were a little girl. "

"I was thinking of that very thing, " rejoined Mrs. Blumenthal, "and Iwas just going to ask you his Christian name. I should like to callthere to take a peep at his handsome lady, and see whether he wouldrecollect me. If he did, it would be no matter. So many years havepassed, and I am such an old story in Boston, that nobody will concernthemselves about me. "

"I also should be rather pleased to call, " said Mrs. Delano. "Hisfather was a friend of mine; and it was through him that I becameacquainted with your father. They were inseparable companions whenthey were young men. Ah, how long ago that seems! No wonder my hair iswhite. But please ring for Rosa, dear. I want to arrange her patternbefore dinner. "

"There's the door-bell again, Mamita!" exclaimed Flora; "and a veryenergetic ring it is, too. Perhaps you had better wait a minute. "

The servant came in to say that a person from the country wanted tospeak with Mrs. Delano; and a tall, stout man, with a broad face, fullof fun, soon entered. Having made a short bow, he said, "Mrs. Delano, I suppose?"

The lady signified assent by an inclination of the head. 

"My name's Joe Bright, " continued he. "No relation of John Bright, thebright Englishman. Wish I was. I come from Northampton, ma'am. Thekeeper of the Mansion House told me you wanted to get board there insome private family next summer; and I called to tell you that I canlet you have half of my house, furnished or not, just as you like. AsI'm plain Joe Bright the blacksmith, of course you won't find lace anddamask, and such things as you have here. "

"All we wish for, " rejoined Mrs. Delano, "is healthy air and wholesomefood for the children. "

"Plenty of both, ma'am, " replied the blacksmith. "And I guess you'lllike my wife. She ain't one of the kind that raises a great dust whenshe sweeps. She's a still sort of body; but she knows a deal more thanshe tells for. "

After a description of the accommodations he had to offer, and apromise from Mrs. Delano to inform him of her decision in a few days, he rose to go. But he stood, hat in hand, looking wistfully toward thepiano. "Would it be too great a liberty, ma'am, to ask which of youladies plays?" said he. 

"I seldom play, " rejoined Mrs. Delano, "because my daughter, Mrs. Blumenthal, plays so much better. "

Turning toward Flora, he said, "I suppose it would be too much troubleto play me a tune?"

"Certainty not, " she replied; and, seating herself at the piano, shedashed off, with voice and instrument, "The Campbells are coming, Oho!Oho!"

"By George!" exclaimed the blacksmith. "You was born to it, ma'am;that's plain enough. Well, it was just so with me. I took to music asa Newfoundland pup takes to the water. When my brother Sam and I wereboys, we were let out to work for a blacksmith. We wanted a fiddledreadfully; but we were too poor to buy one; and we couldn't have gotmuch time to play on't if we had had one, for our boss watched us asa weasel watches mice. But we were bent on getting music somehow. Theboss always had plenty of iron links of all sizes, hanging in a row, ready to be made into chains when wanted. One day, I happened to hitone of the links with a piece of iron I had in my hand. 'By George!Sam, ' said I, 'that was Do. ' 'Strike again, ' says he. 'Blow! Sam, blow!' said I. I was afraid the boss would come in and find the ironcooling in the fire. So he kept blowing away, and I struck the linkagain. 'That's Do, just as plain as my name's Sam, ' said he. A fewdays after, I said, 'By George! Sam, I've found Sol. ' 'So you have, 'said he. 'Now let _me_ try. Blow, Joe, blow!' Sam, he found Re and La. And in the course of two months we got so we could play Old Hundred. Idon't pretend to say we could do it as glib as you run over the ivory, ma'am; but it was Old Hundred, and no mistake. And we played YankeeDoodle, first rate. We called our instrument the Harmolinks; and weenjoyed it all the more because it was our own invention. I tell youwhat, ma'am, there's music hid away in everything, only we don't knowhow to bring it out. "

"I think so, " rejoined Mrs. Blumenthal. "Music is a sleeping beauty, that needs the touch of a prince to waken her. Perhaps you will playsomething for us, Mr. Bright?" She rose and vacated the music-stool asshe spoke. 

"I should be ashamed to try my clumsy fingers in your presence, ladies, " he replied. "But I'll sing the Star-spangled Banner, if youwill have the goodness to accompany me. "

She reseated herself, and he lifted up his voice and sang. When he haddone, he drew a long breath, wiped the perspiration from his face witha bandana handkerchief, and laughed as he said: "I made the screen ofyour gas-light shake, ma'am. The fact is, when I sing _that_, I _have_to put all my heart into it. "

"And all your voice, too, " rejoined Mrs. Blumenthal. 

"O, no, " answered he, "I could have put on a good deal more steam, ifI hadn't been afraid of drowning the piano. I'm greatly obliged toyou, ladies; and I hope I shall have the pleasure of hearing you againin my own house. I should like to hear some more now, but I've stayedtoo long. My wife agreed to meet me at a store, and I don't know whatshe'll say to me. "

"Tell her we detained you by playing to you, " said Mrs. Blumenthal. 

"O, that would be too much like Adam, " rejoined he. "I always feelashamed to look a woman in the face, after reading that story. Ialways thought Adam was a mean cuss to throw off all the blame onEve. " With a short bow, and a hasty "Good morning, ladies, " he wentout. 

His parting remark amused Flora so much, that she burst into one ofher musical peals of laughter; while her more cautious friend raisedher handkerchief to her mouth, lest their visitor should hear somesound of mirth, and mistake its import. 

"What a great, beaming face!" exclaimed Flora. "It looks like asunflower. I have a fancy for calling him Monsieur Girasol. What apity Mr. Green hadn't longed for a musical instrument, and beentoo poor to buy one. It would have done him so much good to haveastonished himself by waking up a tune in the Harmolinks. "

"Yes, " responded Mrs. Delano, "it might have saved him the trouble ofgoing to Arabia Petraea or Damascus, in search of something new. Whatdo you think about accepting Mr. Bright's offer?" "O, I hope we shallgo, Mamita. The children would be delighted with him. If Alfred hadbeen here this morning, he would have exclaimed, 'Isn't he jolly?'"

"I think things must go cheerfully where such a sunflower spiritpresides, " responded Mrs. Delano. "And he is certainly sufficiently_au naturel_ to suit you and Florimond. "

"Yes, he bubbles over, " rejoined Flora. "It isn't the fashion; but Ilike folks that bubble over. "

Mrs. Delano smiled as she answered: "So do I. And perhaps you canguess who it was that made me in love with bubbling over?"

Flora gave a knowing smile, and dotted one of her comic littlecourtesies. "I don't see what makes you and Florimond like me sowell, " said she. "I'm sure I'm neither wise nor witty. "

"But something better than either, " replied Mamita. 

The vivacious little woman said truly that she was neither very wisenor very witty; but she was a transparent medium of sunshine; and thecommonest glass, filled with sunbeams, becomes prismatic as a diamond. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Mrs. Green's ball was _the_ party of the season. Five hundredinvitations were sent out, all of them to people unexceptionable forwealth, or fashion, or some sort of high distinction, political, literary, or artistic. Smith had received _carte blanche_ to preparethe most luxurious and elegant supper possible. Mrs. Green wasresplendent with diamonds; and the house was so brilliantlyilluminated, that the windows of carriages traversing that part ofBeacon Street glittered as if touched by the noonday sun. A crowdcollected on the Common, listening to the band of music, and watchingthe windows of the princely mansion, to obtain glimpses through itslace curtains of graceful figures revolving in the dance, like avision of fairy-land seen through a veil of mist. 

In that brilliant assemblage, Mrs. King was the centre of attraction. She was still a Rose Royal, as Gerald Fitzgerald had called hertwenty-three years before. A very close observer would have noticedthat time had slightly touched her head; but the general effect ofthe wavy hair was as dark and glossy as ever. She had grown somewhatstouter, but that only rendered her tall figure more majestic. Itstill seemed as if the fluid Art, whose harmonies were always flowingthrough her soul, had fashioned her form and was swaying all itsmotions; and to this natural gracefulness was now added that peculiarstylishness of manner, which can be acquired only by familiarintercourse with elegant society. There was nothing foreign in heraccent, but the modulations of her voice were so musical, thatEnglish, as she spoke it, seemed all vowels and liquid consonants. She had been heralded as La Señorita, and her dress was appropriatelySpanish. It was of cherry-colored satin, profusely trimmed with blacklace. A mantilla of very rich transparent black lace was thrown overher head, and fastened on one side with a cluster of red fuchsias, the golden stamens of which were tipped with small diamonds. The lacetrimming on the corsage was looped up with a diamond star, and hermassive gold bracelets were clasped with, diamonds. 

Mr. Green received her with great _empressement_; evidentlyconsidering her the "bright particular star" of the evening. Sheaccepted her distinguished position with the quietude of oneaccustomed to homage. With a slight bow she gave Mr. Green the desiredpromise to open the ball with him, and then turned to answer anothergentleman, who wished to obtain her for the second dance. She wouldhave observed her host a little more curiously, had she been awarethat he once proposed to place her darling Floracita at the head ofthat stylish mansion. 

Mrs. King's peculiar style of beauty and rich foreign dress attracteduniversal attention; but still greater admiration was excited by herdancing, which was the very soul of music taking form in motion; andas the tremulous diamond drops of the fuchsias kept time with hergraceful movements, they sparkled among the waving folds of her blacklace mantilla, like fire-flies in a dark night. She was, of course, the prevailing topic of conversation; and when Mr. Green was notdancing, he was called upon to repeat, again and again, the accountof her wonderful _début_ in the opera at Rome. In the midst of one ofthese recitals, Mrs. Fitzgerald and her son entered; and a group soongathered round that lady, to listen to the same story from her lips. It was familiar to her son; but he listened to it with quickenedinterest, while he gazed at the beautiful opera-singer winding aboutso gracefully in the evolutions of the dance. 

Mr. King was in the same set with his lady, and had just touched herhand, as the partners crossed over, when he noticed a sudden flush onher countenance, succeeded by deadly pallor. Following the directionher eye had taken, he saw a slender, elegant young man, who, withsome variation in the fashion of dress, seemed the veritable GeraldFitzgerald to whom he had been introduced in the flowery parlor somany years ago. His first feeling was pain, that this vision of herfirst lover had power to excite such lively emotion in his wife; buthis second thought was, "He recalls her first-born son. "

Young Fitzgerald eagerly sought out Mr. Green, and said: "Pleaseintroduce me the instant this dance is ended, that I may ask her forthe next. There will be so many trying to engage her, you know. "

He was introduced accordingly. The lady politely acceded to hisrequest, and the quick flush on her face was attributed by all, exceptMr. King, to the heat produced by dancing. 

When her young partner took her hand to lead her to the next dance, she stole a glance toward her husband, and he saw that her soul wastroubled. The handsome couple were "the observed of all observers";and the youth was so entirely absorbed with his mature partner, thatnot a little jealousy was excited in the minds of young ladies. Whenhe led her to a seat, she declined the numerous invitations thatcrowded upon her, saying she should dance no more that evening. YoungFitzgerald at once professed a disinclination to dance, and beggedthat, when she was sufficiently rested, she would allow him to leadher to the piano, that he might hear her sing something from Norma, bywhich she had so delighted his mother, in Rome. 

"Your son seems to be entirely devoted to the queen of the evening, "said Mr. Green to his cousin. 

"How can you wonder at it?" replied Mrs. Fitzgerald. "She is such asuperb creature!"

"What was her character in Rome?" inquired a lady who had joined thegroup. 

"Her stay there was very short, " answered Mrs. Fitzgerald. "Hermanners were said to be unexceptionable. The gentlemen were quitevexed because she made herself so inaccessible. "

The conversation was interrupted by La Campaneo's voice, singing, "_Ah, bello a me ritorno_. " The orchestra hushed at once, and thedancing was suspended, while the company gathered round the piano, curious to hear the remarkable singer. Mrs. Fitzgerald had longceased to allude to what was once her favorite topic, --the wonderfulresemblance between La Señorita's voice and a mysterious voice she hadonce heard on her husband's plantation. But she grew somewhat pale asshe listened; for the tones recalled that adventure in her bridal homeat Magnolia Lawn, and the fair moonlight vision was followed by dismalspectres of succeeding years. Ah, if all the secret histories and sadmemories assembled in a ball-room should be at once revealed, what ajudgment night it would be!

Mrs. King had politely complied with the request to sing, because shewas aware that her host and the company would be disappointed if sherefused; but it was known only to her own soul how much the effortcost her. She bowed rather languidly to the profuse compliments whichfollowed-her performance, and used her fan as if she felt oppressed. 

"Fall back!" said one of the gentlemen, in a low voice. "There is toogreat a crowd round her. "

The hint was immediately obeyed, and a servant was requested to bringiced lemonade. She soon breathed more freely, and tried to rallyher spirits to talk with Mr. Green and others concerning Europeanreminiscences. Mrs. Fitzgerald drew near, and signified to her cousina wish to be introduced; for it would have mortified her vanity, whenshe afterward retailed the gossip of the ball-room, if she had beenobliged to acknowledge that she was not presented to _la bellelionne_. 

"If you are not too much fatigued, " said she, "I hope you will allowmy son to sing a duet with you. He would esteem it such an honor! Iassure you he has a fine voice, and he is thought to sing with greatexpression, especially '_M'odi! Ah, m'odi_!'"

The young gentleman modestly disclaimed the compliment to his musicalpowers, but eagerly urged his mother's request. As he bent near the_cantatrice_, waiting for her reply, her watchful husband againnoticed a quick flush suffusing her face, succeeded by deadly pallor. Gently moving young Fitzgerald aside, he said in a low tone, "Are younot well, my dear?"

She raised her eyes to his with a look of distress, and replied: "No, I am not well. Please order the carriage. "

He took her arm within his, and as they made their way through thecrowd she bowed gracefully to the right and left, in answer to thelamentations occasioned by her departure. Young Fitzgerald followedto the hall door to offer, in the name of Mrs. Green, a beautifulbouquet, enclosed within an arum lily of silver filigree. She bowedher thanks, and, drawing from it a delicate tea-rose, presented it tohim. He wore it as a trophy the remainder of the evening; and none ofthe young ladies who teased him for it succeeded in obtaining it. 

When Mr. And Mrs. King were in the carriage, he took her handtenderly, and said, "My dear, that young man recalled to mind yourinfant son, who died with poor Tulee. "

With a heavy sigh she answered, "Yes, I am thinking of that poorlittle baby. "

He held her hand clasped in his; but deeming it most kind not tointrude into the sanctum of that sad and tender memory, he remainedsilent. She spoke no other word as they rode toward their hotel. Shewas seeing a vision of those two babes, lying side by side, on thatdreadful night when her tortured soul was for a while filled withbitter hatred for the man she had loved so truly. 

Mrs. Fitzgerald and her son were the earliest among the callers thenext day. Mrs. King happened to rest her hand lightly on the back ofa chair, while she exchanged salutations with them, and her husbandnoticed that the lace of her hanging sleeve trembled violently. 

"You took everybody by storm last evening, Mrs. King, just as youdid when you first appeared as Norma, " said the loquacious Mrs. Fitzgerald. "As for you, Mr. King, I don't know but you would havereceived a hundred challenges, if gentlemen had known you were goingto carry off the prize. So sly of you, too! For I always heard youwere entirely indifferent to ladies. "

"Ah, well, the world don't always know what it's talking about, "rejoined Mr. King, smiling. Further remarks were interrupted by theentrance of a young girl, whom he took by the hand, and introduced as"My daughter Eulalia. "

Nature is very capricious in the varieties she produces by mixingflowers with each other. Sometimes the different tints of each areblended in a new color, compounded of both; sometimes the color of oneis delicately shaded into the other; sometimes one color is marked indistinct stripes or rings upon the other; and sometimes the separatehues are mottled and clouded. Nature had indulged in one of her freaksin the production of Eulalia, a maiden of fifteen summers, the onlysurviving child of Mr. And Mrs. King. She inherited her mother's tall, flexile form, and her long dark eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair; but shehad her father's large blue eyes, and his rose-and-white complexion. The combination was peculiar, and very handsome; especially the sereneeyes, which, looked out from their dark surroundings like clear bluewater deeply shaded by shrubbery around its edges. Her manners were alittle shy, for her parents had wisely forborne an early introductionto society. But she entered pleasantly enough into some small talkwith Fitzgerald about the skating parties of the winter, and a newpolka that he thought she would like to practise. 

Callers began to arrive rapidly. There was a line of carriages atthe door, and still it lengthened. Mrs. King received them all withgraceful courtesy, and endeavored to say something pleasing to each;but in the midst of it all, she never lost sight of Gerald andEulalia. After a short time she beckoned to her daughter with a slightmotion of her fan, and spoke a few words to her aside. The younggirl left the room, and did not return to it. Fitzgerald, afterinterchanging some brief remarks with Mr. King about the classes atCambridge, approached the _cantatrice_, and said in lowered tones:"I tried to call early with the hope of hearing you sing. But I wasdetained by business for grandfather; and even if you were graciouslyinclined to gratify my presumptuous wish, you will not be releasedfrom company this morning. May I say, _Au revoir_?"

"Certainly, " she replied, looking up at him with an expression in herbeautiful eyes that produced a glow of gratified vanity. He bowed goodmorning, with the smiling conviction that he was a great favorite withthe distinguished lady. 

When the last caller had retired, Mrs. King, after exchanging somegeneral observations with her husband concerning her impressions ofBoston and its people, seated herself at the window, with a number ofHarper's Weekly in her hand; but the paper soon dropped on her lap, and she seemed gazing into infinity. The people passing and repassingwere invisible to her. She was away in that lonely island home, withtwo dark-haired babies lying near her, side by side. 

Her husband looked at her over his newspaper, now and then; andobserving her intense abstraction, he stepped softly across the room, and, laying his hand gently upon her head, said: "Rosa, dear, domemories trouble you so much that you regret having returned toAmerica?"

Without change of posture, she answered: "It matters not where weare. We must always carry ourselves with us. " Then, as if reproachingherself for so cold a response to his kind inquiry, she looked up athim, and, kissing his hand, said: "Dear Alfred! Good angel of my life!I do not deserve such a heart as yours. "

He had never seen such a melancholy expression in her eyes since theday she first encouraged him to hope for her affection. He made nodirect allusion to the subject of her thoughts, for the painfulhistory of her early love was a theme they mutually avoided; but hesought, by the most assiduous tenderness, to chase away the gloomyphantoms that were taking possession of her soul. In answer to hisurgent entreaty that she would express to him unreservedly any wishshe might form, she said, as if thinking aloud: "Of course they buriedpoor Tulee among the negroes; but perhaps they buried the babywith Mr. And Mrs. Duroy, and inscribed something about him on thegravestone. "

"It is hardly probable, " he replied; "but if it would give yousatisfaction to search, we will go to New Orleans. "

"Thank you, " rejoined she; "and I should like it very much if youcould leave orders to engage lodgings for the summer somewhere distantfrom Boston, that we might go and take possession as soon as wereturn. "

He promised compliance with her wishes; but the thought flittedthrough his mind, "Can it be possible the young man fascinates her, that she wants to fly from him?"

"I am going to Eulalia now, " said she, with one of her sweet smiles. "It will be pleasanter for the dear child when we get out of thiswhirl of society, which so much disturbs our domestic companionship. "

As she kissed her hand to him at the door, he thought to himself, "Whatever this inward struggle may be, she will remain true to herpure and noble character. "

Mrs. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, quite unconscious that the flowery surfaceshe had witnessed covered such agitated depths, hastened to keep herpromise of describing the party to Mrs. Delano and her daughter. 

"I assure you, " said she, "La Señorita looked quite as handsome in theball-room as she did on the stage. She is stouter than she was then, but not so; 'fat and forty' as I am. Large proportions suit herstately figure. As for her dress, I wish you could have seen it. Itwas splendid, and wonderfully becoming to her rich complexion. It wascompletely Spanish, from the mantilla on her head to the black satinslippers with red bows and brilliants. She was all cherry-coloredsatin, black lace, and diamonds. "

"How I should like to have seen her!" exclaimed Mrs. Blumenthal, whosefancy was at once taken by the bright color and strong contrast of thecostume. 

But Mrs. Delano remarked: "I should think her style of dress rathertoo _prononcé_ and theatrical; too suggestive of Fanny Elsler and theBolero. "

"Doubtless it would be so for you or I, " rejoined Mrs. Fitzgerald. "Mother used to say you had a poet lover, who called you the twilightcloud, violet dissolving into lilac. And when I was a young lady, someof my admirers compared me to the new moon, which must, of course, appear in azure and silver. But I assure you Mrs. King's conspicuousdress was extremely becoming to her style of face and figure. I wish Ihad counted how many gentlemen quoted, 'She walks in beauty like thenight' It became really ridiculous at last. Gerald and I called uponher this morning, and we found her handsome in the parlor by daylight, which is a trying test to the forties, you know. We were introducedto their only daughter, Eulalia, --a very peculiar-looking young miss, with sky-blue eyes and black eyelashes, like some of the Circassianbeauties I have read off. Gerald thinks her almost as handsome as hermother. What a fortune that girl will be! But I have promised ever somany people to tell them about the party; so I must bid you good by. "

When the door closed after her, Flora remarked, "I never heard ofanybody but my Mamita who was named Eulalia. "

"Eulalia was a Spanish saint, " responded Mrs. Delano; "and her nameis so very musical that it would naturally please the ear of LaSeñorita. "

"My curiosity is considerably excited to see this stylish lady, " saidFlora. 

"We will wait a little, till the first rush of visitors has somewhatsubsided, and then we will call, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. 

They called three days after, and were informed that Mr. And Mrs. Kinghad gone to New Orleans. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Strange contrasts occur in human society, even where there is sucha strong tendency toward equality as there is in New England. A fewhours before Queen Fashion held her splendid court in Beacon Street, avessel from New Orleans called "The King Cotton" approached Long Wharfin Boston. Before she touched the pier, a young man jumped on boardfrom another vessel close by. He went directly up to the captain, andsaid, in a low, hurried tone: "Let nobody land. You have slaves onboard. Mr. Bell is in a carriage on the wharf waiting to speak toyou. "

Having delivered this message, he disappeared in the same directionthat he came. 

This brief interview was uneasily watched by one of the passengers, ayoung man apparently nineteen or twenty years old. He whispered toa yellow lad, who was his servant, and both attempted to land bycrossing the adjoining vessel. But the captain intercepted them, saying, "All must remain on board till we draw up to the wharf. "

With desperate leaps, they sprang past him. He tried to seize them, calling aloud, "Stop thief! Stop thief!" Some of his sailors rushedafter them. As they ran up State Street, lads and boys, always readyto hunt anything, joined in the pursuit. A young black man, who waspassing down the street as the crowd rushed up, saw the yellow ladrace by him, panting for breath, and heard him cry, "Help me!"

The crowd soon turned backward, having caught the fugitives. The blackman hurried after, and as they were putting them on board the vesselhe pushed his way close to the yellow lad, and again heard him say, "Help me! I am a slave. "

The black man paused only to look at the name of the vessel, and thenhastened with all speed to the house of Mr. Willard Percival. Almostout of breath with his hurry, he said to that gentleman: "A vesselfrom New Orleans, named 'The King Cotton, ' has come up to Long Wharf. They've got two slaves aboard. They was chasing 'em up State Street, calling out, 'Stop thief!' and I heard a mulatto lad cry, 'Help me!'I run after 'em; and just as they was going to put the mulatto ladaboard the vessel, I pushed my way close up to him, and he said, 'Helpme! I'm a slave. ' So I run fast as I could to tell you. "

"Wait a moment till I write a note to Francis Jackson, which you mustcarry as quick as you can, " said Mr. Percival. "I will go to Mr. Sewall for a writ of _habeas corpus_"

While this was going on, the captain had locked the fugitives in thehold of his vessel, and hastened to the carriage, which had beenwaiting for him at a short distance from the wharf. 

"Good evening, Mr. Bell, " said he, raising his hat as he approachedthe carriage door. 

"Good evening, Captain Kane, " replied the gentleman inside. "You'vekept me waiting so long, I was nearly out of patience. "

"I sent you word they'd escaped, sir, " rejoined the captain. "Theygave us a run; but we've got 'em fast enough in the hold. One of 'emseems to be a white man. Perhaps he's an Abolitionist, that's beenhelping the nigger off. It's good enough for him to be sent back tothe South. If they get hold of him there, he'll never have a chance tomeddle with gentlemen's property again. "

"They're both slaves, " replied Mr. Bell. "The telegram I receivedinformed me that one would pass himself for a white man. But, captain, you must take 'em directly to Castle Island. One of the officers therewill lock 'em up, if you tell them I sent you. And you can't be offtoo quick; for as likely as not the Abolitionists will get wind of it, and be raising a row before morning. There's no safety for propertynow-a-days. "

Having given these orders, the wealthy merchant bade the captain goodevening, and his carriage rolled away. 

The unhappy fugitives were immediately taken from the hold of thevessel, pinioned fast, and hustled on board a boat, which urged itsswift way through the waters to Castle Island, where they were safelylocked up till further orders. 

"O George, they'll send us back, " said the younger one. "I wish we wardead. "

George answered, with a deep groan: "O how I have watched the NorthStar! thinking always it pointed to a land of freedom. O my God, isthere _no_ place of refuge for the slave?"

"_You_ are so white, you could have got off, if you hadn't brought_me_ with you, " sobbed the other. 

"And what good would freedom do me without you, Henny?" responded theyoung man, drawing his companion closer to his breast. "Cheer up, honey! I'll try again; and perhaps we'll make out better next time. "

He tried to talk hopefully; but when yellow Henny, in her boy's dress, cried herself to sleep on his shoulder, his tears dropped slowly onher head, while he sat there gazing at the glittering stars, with afeeling of utter discouragement and desolation. 

That same evening, the merchant who was sending them back to bondage, without the slightest inquiry into their case, was smoking hisamber-lipped meerschaum, in an embroidered dressing-gown, on aluxurious lounge; his daughter, Mrs. Fitzgerald, in azure satinand pearls, was meandering through the mazes of the dance; and hisexquisitely dressed grandson, Gerald, was paying nearly equal homageto Mrs. King's lambent eyes and the sparkle of her diamonds. 

When young Fitzgerald descended to a late breakfast, the morning afterthe great party, his grandfather was lolling back in his arm-chair, his feet ensconced in embroidered slippers, and resting on theregister, while he read the Boston Courier. 

"Good morning, Gerald, " said he, "if it be not past that time of day. If you are sufficiently rested from last night's dissipation, I shouldlike to have you attend to a little business for me. "

"I hope it won't take very long, grandfather, " replied Gerald; "for Iwant to call on Mrs. King early, before her rooms are thronged withvisitors. "

"That opera-singer seems to have turned your head, though she is oldenough to be your mother, " rejoined Mr. Bell. 

"I don't know that my head was any more turned than others, " answeredthe young man, in a slightly offended tone. "If you call to see her, sir, as mother says you intend to do, perhaps she will make _you_ feelas if you had a young head on your shoulders. "

"Likely as not, likely as not, " responded the old gentleman, smilingcomplacently at the idea of re-enacting the beau. "But I wish youto do an errand for me this morning, which I had rather not put inwriting, for fear of accidents, and which I cannot trust verbally to aservant. I got somewhat chilled waiting in a carriage near the wharf, last evening, and I feel some rheumatic twinges in consequence. Underthese circumstances, I trust you will excuse me if I ask the use ofyour young limbs to save my own. "

"Certainly, sir, " replied Gerald, with thinly disguised impatience. "What is it you want me to do?"

"Two slaves belonging to Mr. Bruteman of New Orleans, formerly afriend of your father, have escaped in my ship, 'The King Cotton, ' Theoldest, it seems, is a head carpenter, and would bring a high price, Bruteman values them at twenty-five hundred dollars. He is my debtorto a considerable amount, and those negroes are mortgaged to me. Butindependently of that circumstance, it would be very poor policy, dealing with the South as I do, to allow negroes to be brought away inmy vessels with impunity. Besides, there is a heavy penalty in all theSouthern States, if the thing is proved. You see, Gerald, it is everyway for my interest to make sure of returning those negroes; andyour interest is somewhat connected with mine, seeing that the smallpittance saved from the wreck of your father's property is quiteinsufficient to supply your rather expensive wants. "

"I think I have been reminded of that often enough, sir, to be in nodanger of forgetting it, " retorted the youth, reddening as he spoke. 

"Then you will perhaps think it no great hardship to transact a littlebusiness for me now and then, " coolly rejoined the grandfather. "Ishall send orders to have these negroes sold as soon as they arrive, and the money transmitted to me; for when they once begin to run away, the disease is apt to become chronic. "

"Have you seen them, sir, " inquired Gerald. 

"No, " replied the merchant. "That would have been unpleasant, withoutbeing of any use. When a disagreeable duty is to be done, the quickerit is done the better. Captain Kane took 'em down to Castle Islandlast night; but it won't do for them to stay there. The Abolitionistswill ferret 'em out, and be down there with their devilish _habeascorpus_. I want you to go on board 'The King Cotton, ' take the captainaside, and tell him, from me, to remove them forthwith from CastleIsland, keep them under strong guard, and skulk round with them in thebest hiding-places he can find, until a ship passes that will takethem to New Orleans. Of course, I need not caution you to be silentabout this affair, especially concerning the slaves being mortgaged tome. If that is whispered abroad, it will soon get into theAbolition papers that I am a man-stealer, as those rascals call theslaveholders. "

The young man obeyed his instructions to the letter; and having hadsome difficulty in finding Captain Kane, he was unable to dress forquite so early a call at the Revere House as he had intended. "Howmuch trouble these niggers give us!" thought he, as he adjusted hisembroidered cravat, and took his fresh kid gloves from the box. 

 * * * * *

When Mr. Blumenthal went home to dine that day, the ladies of thehousehold noticed that he was unusually serious. As he sat afterdinner, absently playing a silent tune on the table-cloth, his wifetouched his hand with her napkin, and said, "_What_ was it so longago, Florimond?"

He turned and smiled upon her, as he answered: "So my fingers weremoving to the tune of 'Long, long ago, ' were they? I was not consciousof it, but my thoughts were with the long ago. Yesterday afternoon, asI was passing across State Street, I heard a cry of 'Stop thief!' andI saw them seize a young man, who looked like an Italian. I gave nofurther thought to the matter, and pursued the business I had in hand. But to-day I have learned that he was a slave, who escaped in 'TheKing Cotton' from New Orleans. I seem to see the poor fellow'sterrified look now; and it brings vividly to mind something dreadfulthat came very near happening, long ago, to a person whose complexionis similar to his. I was thinking how willingly I would then havegiven the services of my whole life for a portion of the money whichour best friend here has enabled me to acquire. "

"What _was_ the dreadful thing that was going to happen, papa?"inquired Rosa. 

"That is a secret between mamma and I, " he replied. "It is somethingnot exactly suitable to talk with little girls about, Rosy Posy. " Hetook her hand, as it lay on the table, and pressed it affectionately, by way of apology for refusing his confidence. 

Then, looking at Mrs. Delano, he said: "If I had only known the poorfellow was a slave, I might, perhaps, have done something to rescuehim. But the Abolitionists are doing what can be done. They procured awrit of _habeas corpus_, and went on board 'The King Cotton'; but theycould neither find the slaves nor obtain any information from thecaptain. They are keeping watch on all vessels bound South, in whichMr. Goldwin and I are assisting them. There are at least twenty spiesout on the wharves. "

"I heartily wish you as much success as I have had in that kind ofbusiness, " replied Mrs. Delano with a smile. 

"O, I do hope they'll be rescued, " exclaimed Flora. "How shameful itis to have such laws, while we keep singing, in the face of the world, about 'the land of the free, and the home of the brave. ' I don't meanto sing that again; for it's false. "

"There'll come an end to this some time or other, as surely as Godreigns in the heavens, " rejoined Blumenthal. 

 * * * * *

Two days passed, and the unremitting efforts of Mr. Percival and Mr. Jackson proved unavailing to obtain any clew to the fugitives. Afteran anxious consultation with Samuel E. Sewall, the wisest and kindestlegal adviser in such cases, they reluctantly came to the conclusionthat nothing more could be done without further information. As a lastresort, Mr. Percival suggested a personal appeal to Mr. Bell. 

"Rather a forlorn hope that, " replied Francis Jackson. "He has namedhis ship for the king that rules over us all, trampling on freedom ofpetition, freedom of debate, and even on freedom of locomotion. "

"We will try, " said Mr. Percival. "It is barely possible we may obtainsome light on the subject. "

Early in the evening they accordingly waited upon the merchant at hisresidence. When the servant informed him that two gentlemen wished tosee him on business, he laid aside his meerschaum and the Courier, andsaid, "Show them in. "

Captain Kane had informed him that the Abolitionists were "trying toget up a row"; but he had not anticipated that they would call uponhim, and it was an unpleasant surprise when he saw who his visitorswere. He bowed stiffly, and waited in silence for them to explaintheir business. 

"We have called, " said Mr. Percival, "to make some inquiriesconcerning two fugitives from slavery, who, it is said, were found onboard your ship, 'The King Cotton. '"

"I know nothing about it, " replied Mr. Bell. "My captains understandthe laws of the ports they sail from; and it is their business to seethat those laws are respected. "

"But, " urged Mr. Percival "that a man is _claimed_ as a slave by nomeans proves that he _is_ a slave. The law presumes that every manhas a right to personal liberty, until it is proved otherwise; andin order to secure a fair trial of the question, the writ of _habeascorpus_ has been provided. "

"It's a great disgrace to Massachusetts, sir, that she puts so manyobstacles in the way of enforcing the laws of the United States, "replied Mr. Bell. 

"If your grandson should be claimed as a slave, I rather think youwould consider the writ of _habeas corpus_ a wise and just provision, "said the plain-speaking Francis Jackson. "It is said that this youngstranger, whom they chased as a thief, and carried off as a slave, hada complexion no darker than his. "

"I take it for granted, " added Mr. Percival, "that you do not wish fora state of things that would make every man and woman in Massachusettsliable to be carried off as slaves, without a chance to prove theirright to freedom. "

Mr. Bell answered, in tones of suppressed anger, his face all ablazewith excitement, "If I could choose _who_ should be thus carried off, I would do the Commonwealth a service by ridding her of a swarm ofmalignant fanatics. "

"If you were to try that game, " quietly rejoined Francis Jackson, "Iapprehend you would find some of the fire of '76 still alive under theashes. "

"A man is strongly tempted to argue, " said Mr. Percival, "when heknows that all the laws of truth and justice and freedom are on hisside; but we did not come here to discuss the subject of slavery, Mr. Bell. We came to appeal to your own good sense, whether it is rightor safe that men should be forcibly carried from the city of Bostonwithout any process of law. "

"I stand by the Constitution, " answered Mr. Bell, doggedly. "I don'tpresume to be wiser than the framers of that venerable document. "

"That is evading the question, " responded Mr. Percival. "There is noquestion before us concerning the framers of the Constitution. Thesimple proposition is, whether it is right or safe for men to beforcibly carried from Boston without process of law. Two strangers_have_ been thus abducted; and you say it is your captain's business. You know perfectly well that a single line from you would induce yourcaptain to give those men a chance for a fair trial. Is it not yourduty so to instruct him?"

A little thrown off his guard, Mr. Bell exclaimed: "And give anAbolition mob a chance to rescue them? I shall do no such thing. "

"It is not the Abolitionists who get up mobs, " rejoined FrancisJackson. "Garrison was dragged through the streets for writing againstslavery; but when Yancey of Alabama had the use of Faneuil Hall, forthe purpose of defending slavery, no Abolitionist attempted to disturbhis speaking. "

A slight smile hovered about Mr. Percival's lips; for it was wellknown that State Street and Ann Street clasped hands when mobs werewanted, and that money changed palms on such occasions; and the commonrumor was that Mr. Bell's purse had been freely used. 

The merchant probably considered it an offensive insinuation, for hisface, usually rubicund from the effects of champagne and oysters, became redder, and his lips were tightly compressed; but he merelyreiterated, "I stand by the Constitution, sir. "

"Mr. Bell, I must again urge it upon your conscience, " said Mr. Percival, "that you are more responsible than the captain in thismatter. Your captains, of course, act under your orders, and woulddo nothing contrary to your expressed wishes. Captain Kane has, doubtless, consulted you in this business. "

"That's none of your concern, sir, " retorted the irascible merchant. "My captains know that I think Southern gentlemen ought to beprotected in their property; and that is sufficient. I stand by theConstitution, sir. I honor the reverend gentleman who said he wasready to send his mother or his brother into slavery, if the lawsrequired it. That's the proper spirit, sir. You fanatics, with youruseless abstractions about human rights, are injuring trade, andendangering the peace of the country. You are doing all you can toincite the slaves to insurrection. I don't pretend, to be wiser thanthe framers of the Constitution, sir. I don't pretend to be wiser thanDaniel Webster, sir, who said in Congress that he; would support, tothe fullest extent, any law Southern gentlemen chose to frame for therecovery of fugitive slaves. "

"I wish you a better conscience-keeper, " rejoined Francis Jackson, rising as he spoke. "I don't see, my friend, that there's any use instaying here to talk any longer. There's none so deaf as those that_won't_ hear. "

Mr. Percival rose at this suggestion, and "Good evening" wasexchanged, with formal bows on both sides. But sturdy Francis Jacksonmade no bow, and uttered no "Good evening. " When they were in thestreet, and the subject was alluded to by his companion, he simplyreplied: "I've pretty much done with saying or doing what I don'tmean. It's a pity that dark-complexioned grandson of his couldn't becarried off as a slave. That might, perhaps, bring him to a realizingsense of the state of things. "

CHAPTER XXVII. 

A few days past the middle of the following May, a carriage stoppedbefore the house of Mr. Joseph Bright, in Northampton, and Mrs. Delano, with all the Blumenthal family, descended from it. Mr. Brightreceived them at the gate, his face smiling all over. "You're welcome, ladies, " said he. "Walk in! walk in! Betsey, this is Mrs. Delano. Thisis Mrs. Bright, ladies. Things ain't so stylish here as at your house;but I hope you'll find 'em comfortable. "

Mrs. Bright, a sensible-looking woman, with great moderation ofmanner, showed them into a plainly furnished, but very neat parlor. 

"O, how pleasant this is!" exclaimed Mrs. Blumenthal, as she lookedout of one of the side-windows. 

The children ran up to her repeating: "How pleasant! What a nicehedge, mamma! And see that wall all covered with pretty flowers!"

"Those are moss-pinks, " said Mrs. Bright. "I think they are veryornamental to a wall. "

"Did you plant them?" inquired Rosa. 

"O, no, " said Mr. Bright, who was bringing in various baskets andshawls. "That's not our garden; but we have just as much pleasurelooking at it as if it was. A great Southern nabob lives there. Hemade a heap o' money selling women and children, and he's come Northto spend it. He's a very pious man, and deacon of the church. " Thechildren began to laugh; for Mr. Bright drawled out his words insolemn tones, and made his broad face look very comical by trying tolengthen it. "His name is Stillham, " added he, "but I call him DeaconSteal'em. "

As he passed out, Rosa whispered to her mother, "What does he meanabout a deacon's selling women and children?"

Before an answer could be given, Mr. Bright reappeared with abird-cage. "I guess this is a pretty old parrot, " said he. 

"Yes, she is quite old, " replied Mrs. Delano. "But we are all attachedto her; and our house being shut up for the summer, we were unwillingto trust her with strangers. "

The parrot, conscious of being talked about, turned up her headsideways, and winked her eye, without stirring from the corner ofthe cage, where she was rolled up like a ball of feathers. Then shecroaked out an English phrase, which she had learned of the children, "Polly wants a cacker. "

"She shall have a cracker, " said good-natured Mr. Bright; and Rosa andlittle Lila were soon furnished with a cracker and a lump of sugar forPoll. 

In a short time they were summoned to tea; and after enjoying Mrs. Bright's light bread and sweet butter, they saw no more of their hostand hostess for the evening. In the morning the whole family were upbefore the hour appointed for breakfast, and were out in the garden, taking a look at the environments of their new abode. As Mrs. Blumenthal was walking among the bushes, Mr. Bright's beaming facesuddenly uprose before her, from where he was stooping to pluck upsome weeds. 

"Good morning, ma'am, " said he. "Do hear that old thief trying to comePaddy over the Lord!"

As he spoke, he pointed his thumb backward toward Deacon Stillham'shouse, whence proceeded a very loud and monotonous voice of prayer. 

Mrs. Blumenthal smiled as she inquired, "What did you mean by sayinghe sold women and children?"

"Made his money by slave-trading down in Carolina, ma'am. I reckon aman has to pray a deal to get himself out of that scrape; needs topray pretty loud too, or the voice of women screaming for their babieswould get to the throne afore him. He don't like us over and abovewell, 'cause we're Abolitionists. But there's Betsey calling me; Imustn't stop here talking. "

Mrs. Blumenthal amused her companions by a repetition of his remarksconcerning the Deacon. She was much entertained by their host'soriginal style of bubbling over, as she termed it. After breakfastshe said: "There he is in the garden. Let's go and talk with him, Florimond. "

And taking her parasol, she went out, leaning on her husband's arm. 

"So you are an Abolitionist?" said Mr. Blumenthal, as they stoppednear their host. 

Mr. Bright tossed his hat on a bush, and, leaning on his hoe, sangin a stentorian voice: "I am an Abolitionist; I glory in thename. --There, " said he, laughing, "I let out _all_ my voice, that theDeacon might hear. He can pray the loudest; but I reckon I can singthe loudest. I'll tell you what first made me begin to think aboutslavery. You see I was never easy without I could be doing somethingin the musical way, so I undertook to teach singing. One winter, Ithought I should like to run away from Jack Frost, and I looked in theSouthern papers to see if any of 'em advertised for a singing-master. The first thing my eye lighted on was this advertisement:--

"Ran away from the subscriber a stout mulatto slave, named Joe; haslight sandy hair, blue eyes, and ruddy complexion; is intelligent, andwill pass himself for a white man. I will give one hundred dollars'reward to whoever will seize him and put him in jail. '

"'By George!' said I, 'that's a description of _me_. I didn't knowbefore that I was a mulatto. It'll never do for me to go _there_. 'So I went to Vermont to teach. I told 'em I was a runaway slave, andshowed 'em the advertisement that described me. Some of 'em believedme, till I told 'em it was a joke. Well, it is just as bad for thosepoor black fellows as it would have been for me; but that blue-eyedJoe seemed to bring the matter home to me. It set me to thinking aboutslavery, and I have kept thinking ever since. "

"Not exactly such a silent thinking as the apothecary's famous owl, Ijudge, " said Mrs. Blumenthal. 

"No, " replied he, laughing. "I never had the Quaker gift of gatheringinto the stillness, that's a fact. But I reckon even that 'pothecary'sowl wouldn't be silent if he could hear and understand all that Betseyhas told me about the goings-on down South. Before I married her, shewent there to teach; but she's a woman o' feeling, and she couldn'tstand it long. But, dear me, if I believed Deacon Steal'em's talk, Ishould think it was just about the pleasantest thing in the world tobe sold; and that the niggers down South had nothing 'pon earth to dobut to lick treacle and swing on a gate. Then he proves it to be aDivine institution from Scripture, chapter and verse. You may havenoticed, perhaps, that such chaps are always mighty well posted upabout the original designs of Providence; especially as to who'sforeordained to be kept down. He says God cussed Ham, and the niggersare the descendants of Ham. I told him if there was an estate of Ham'sleft unsettled, I reckoned 't would puzzle the 'cutest lawyer to huntup the rightful heirs. "

"I think so, " rejoined Mr. Blumenthal, smiling; "especially whenthey've become so mixed up that they advertise runaway negroes withsandy hair, blue eyes, and ruddy complexion. "

"When the Deacon feels the ground a little shaky under him, " resumedMr. Bright, he leans on his minister down in Carolina, who, he says, is a Northern man, and so pious that folks come from far and near toget him to pray for rain in a dry time; thinking the prayers of sucha godly man will be sure to bring down the showers. He says that manpreached a sermon that proved niggers were born to be servants ofservants unto their brethren. I told him I didn't doubt that part ofthe prophecy was fulfilled about their serving their _brethren_; andI showed him the advertisement about sandy hair and blue eyes. Butas for being servants of _servants_, I never heard of slaveholdersserving anybody except--a chap whose name it ain't polite to mentionbefore ladies. As for that preacher, he put me in mind of a ministermy father used to tell of. He'd been to a wedding, and when he comehome he couldn't light his lamp. After trying a long spell he foundout that the extinguisher was on it. I told the deacon that ministersdown South had put an extinguisher on their lamp, and couldn't beexpected to raise much of a light from it to guide anybody's steps. "

"Some of the Northern ministers are not much better guides, I think, "rejoined Mr. Blumenthal. 

"Just so, " replied his host; "'cause they've got the same extinguisheron; and ain't it curious to see 'em puffing and blowing at the oldlamp? I get 'most tired of talking common sense and common feeling tothe Deacon. You can't get it into him, and it won't stay on him. Youmight as well try to heap a peck o' flax-seed. He keeps eating hisown words, too; though they don't seem to agree with him, neither. Hemaintains that the slaves are perfectly contented and happy; and thenext minute, if you quote any of their cruel laws, he tells you theyare obliged to make such laws or else they would rise and cut theirmasters' throats. He says blacks and whites won't mix any more thanoil and water; and the next minute he says if the slaves are freedthey'll marry our daughters. I tell him his arguments are like theKilkenny cats, that ate one another up to the tip o' their tails. TheDeacon is sensible enough, too, about many other subjects; but he norno other man can saw straight with a crooked saw. "

"It's an old saying, " rejoined Blumenthal, "that, when men enter intoa league with Satan, he always deserts them at the tightest pinch; andI've often observed he's sure to do it where arguments pinch. "

"I don't wonder you are far from being a favorite with the Deacon, "remarked Flora; "for, according to your own account, you hit himrather hard. "

"I suppose I do, " rejoined Mr. Bright. "I'm always in earnest myself;and when I'm sure I'm in the right, I always drive ahead. I soon getout o' patience trying to twist a string that ain't fastened at naryend, as an old neighbor of my father used to say. I suppose some of usAbolitionists _are_ a little rough at times; but I reckon the coarsestof us do more good than the false prophets that prophesy smooththings. "

"You said Mrs. Bright had been a teacher in the South. What part ofthe South was it?" inquired Mrs. Blumenthal. 

"She went to Savannah to be nursery governess to Mrs. Fitzgerald'slittle girl, " replied he. "But part of the time she was on an islandwhere Mr. Fitzgerald had a cotton plantation. I dare say you've heardof him, for he married the daughter of that rich Mr. Bell who lives inyour street. He died some years ago; at least they suppose he died, but nobody knows what became of him. "

Flora pressed her husband's arm, and was about to inquire concerningthe mystery, when Mrs. Delano came, hand in hand with Rosa and Lila, to say that she had ordered the carriage and wanted them to be inreadiness to take a drive. 

They returned to a late dinner; and when they rose from a long chatover the dessert, Mr. Bright was not to be found, and his wife wasbusy; so further inquiries concerning Mr. Fitzgerald's fate werepostponed. Mr. Blumenthal proposed a walk on Round Hill; but thechildren preferred staying at home. Rosa had a new tune she wanted topractise with her guitar; and her little sister had the promise of astory from Mamita Lila. So Mr. Blumenthal and his wife went forth ontheir ramble alone. The scene from Round Hill was beautiful with thetender foliage of early spring. Slowly they sauntered round from pointto point, pausing now and then to look at the handsome villages beforethem, at the blooming peach-trees, the glistening river, and thevenerable mountains, with feathery crowns of violet cloud. 

Suddenly a sound of music floated on the air; and they stoodspell-bound, with heads bowed, as if their souls were hushed inprayer. When it ceased, Mr. Blumenthal drew a long breath, and said, "Ah! that was our Mendelssohn. "

"How exquisitely it was played, " observed his wife, "and how inharmony it was with these groves! It sounded like a hymn in theforest. "

They lingered, hoping again to hear the invisible musician. As theyleaned against the trees, the silver orb of the moon ascended from thehorizon, and rested on the brow of Mount Holyoke; and from the samequarter whence Mendelssohn's "Song without Words" had proceeded, thetones of "Casta Diva" rose upon the air. Flora seized her husband'sarm with a quick, convulsive grasp, and trembled all over. Wonderingat the intensity of her emotion, he passed his arm tenderly round herwaist and drew her closely to him. Thus, leaning upon his heart, shelistened with her whole being, from the inmost recesses of her soul, throughout all her nerves, to her very fingers' ends. When the soundsdied away, she sobbed out: "O, how like Rosa's voice! It seemed as ifshe had risen from the dead. "

He spoke soothingly, and in a few minutes they descended the hill andsilently wended their way homeward. The voice that had seemed tocome from another world invested the evening landscape with mysticalsolemnity. The expression of the moon seemed transfigured, like agreat clairvoyant eye, reflecting light from invisible spheres, andlooking out upon the external world with dreamy abstraction. 

When they arrived at their lodgings, Flora exclaimed: "O Mamita Lila, we have heard such heavenly music, and a voice so wonderfully likeRosa's! I don't believe I shall sleep a wink to-night. "

"Do you mean the Aunt Rosa I was named for?" inquired her daughter. 

"Yes, Rosen Blumen, " replied her mother; "and I wish you had gone withus, that you might have an idea what a wonderful voice she had. "

This led to talk about old times, and to the singing of various airsassociated with those times. When they retired to rest, Flora fellasleep with those tunes marching and dancing through her brain; and, for the first time during many years, she dreamed of playing them toher father, while Rosabella sang. 

The next morning, when the children had gone out to ramble in thewoods with their father, her memory being full of those old times, she began to say over to the parrot some of the phrases that formerlyamused her father and Rosabella. The old bird was never talkative now;but when urged by Flora, she croaked out some of her familiar phrases. 

"I'm glad we brought _pauvre Manon_ with us, " said Mrs. Blumenthal. "Ithink she seems livelier since she came here. Sometimes I fancy shelooks like good Madame Guirlande. Those feathers on her head make methink of the bows on Madame's cap. Come, _jolie Manon_, I'll carry youout doors, where the sun will shine upon you. You like sunshine, don'tyou, Manon?"

She took the cage, and was busy fastening it on the bough of a tree, when a voice from the street said, "_Bon jour, jolie Manon_!"

The parrot suddenly flapped her wings, gave a loud laugh, and burstinto a perfect tornado of French and Spanish phrases: "_Bon jour!Buenos dias! Querida mia! Joli diable! Petit blanc! Ha! ha_!"

Surprised at this explosion, Mrs. Blumenthal looked round to discoverthe cause, and exclaiming, "_Oh ciel_!" she turned deadly pale, andrushed into the house. 

"What _is_ the matter, my child? inquired Mrs. Delano, anxiously. 

"O Mamita, I've seen Rosa's ghost, " she replied, sinking into a chair. 

Mrs. Delano poured some cologne on a handkerchief, and bathed herforehead, while she said, "You were excited last night by the tune youused to hear your sister sing; and it makes you nervous, dear. "

While she was speaking, Mrs. Bright entered the room, saying, "Haveyou a bottle of sal volatile you can lend me? A lady has come in, whosays she is a little faint. "

"I will bring it from my chamber, " replied Mrs. Delano. She leftthe room, and was gone some time. When she returned, she found Mrs. Blumenthal leaning her head on the table, with her face buried in herhands. "My child, I want you to come into the other room, " said Mrs. Delano. "The lady who was faint is the famous Mrs. King, from Boston. She is boarding on Round Hill, and I suppose it was her voice youheard singing. She said she had seen a lady come into this house wholooked so much like a deceased relative that it made her feel faint. Now don't be excited, darling; but this lady certainly resembles thesketch you made of your sister; and it is barely possible--"

Before she could finish the sentence, Flora started up, and flew intothe adjoining room. A short, quick cry, "O Floracita!" "O Rosabella!"and they were locked in each other's arms. 

After hugging and kissing, and weeping and laughing by turns, Mrs. King said: "That must have been Madame's parrot. The sight of her mademe think of old times, and I said, '_Bon jour, jolie Manon_! Your backwas toward me, and I should have passed on, if my attention had notbeen arrested by her wild outpouring of French and Spanish. I supposeshe knew my voice. "

"Bless the dear old bird!" exclaimed Flora. "It was she who brought ustogether again at last. She shall come in to see you. "

They went out to bring in their old pet. But _jolie Manon_ was lyingon the floor of her cage, with eyes closed and wings outstretched. Thejoyful surprise had been too much for her feeble old nerves. She wasdead. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

"So you _are_ alive!" exclaimed Rosa, holding her sister back alittle, and gazing upon her face with all her soul in her eyes. 

"Yes, very _much_ alive, " answered Flora, with a smile that broughtout all her dimples. 

"But do tell me, " said Rosa, "how you came to go away so strangely, and leave me to mourn for you as if you were dead. "

The dimples disappeared, and a shadow clouded Flora's expressive eyes, as she replied: "It would take a long while to explain all that, _sistita mia_. We will talk it over another time, please. "

Rosa sighed as she pressed her sister's hand, and said: "Perhaps Ihave already conjectured rightly about it, Floracita. My eyes wereopened by bitter experiences after we were parted. Some time I willexplain to you how I came to run to Europe in such a hurry, withMadame and the Signor. "

"But tell me, the first thing of all, whether Tulee is dead, " rejoinedFlora. 

"You know Madame was always exceedingly careful about expense, "responded Rosa. "Mrs. Duroy was willing to board Tulee for her work, and Madame thought it was most prudent to leave her there till we gotestablished in Europe, and could send for her; and just when we wereexpecting her to rejoin us, letters came informing us that Mr. AndMrs. Duroy and Tulee all died of yellow-fever. It distresses me beyondmeasure to think of our having left poor, faithful Tulee. "

"When we found out that Mr. Fitzgerald had married another wife, "replied Flora, "my new Mamita kindly volunteered to go with mein search of you and Tulee. We went to the cottage, and to theplantation, and to New Orleans. Everybody I ever knew seemed to bedead or gone away. But Madame's parrot was alive, and her chatteringled me into a stranger's house, where I heard that you were lost atsea on your way to Europe; and that Tulee, with a white baby she hadcharge of, had died of yellow-fever. Was that baby yours, dear?"

Rosa lowered her eyes, and colored deeply, as she answered: "Thatsubject is very painful to me. I can never forgive myself for havingleft Tulee and that poor little baby. "

Flora pressed her sister's hand in silence for a moment, and thensaid: "You told me Madame and the Signor were alive and well. Whereare they?"

"They lived with us in Provence, " replied Rosa. "But when we concludedto return to America, the Signor expressed a wish to end his days inhis native country. So Mr. King purchased an estate for them nearFlorence, and settled an annuity upon them. I had a letter from Madamea few days ago, and she writes that they are as happy as rabbits inclover. The Signor is getting quite old; and if she survives him, itis agreed that she will come and end her days with us. How it willdelight her heart to hear that you are alive! What a strange fortunewe have had! It seems that Mr. King always loved me, from the firstevening that he spent at our house. Do you remember how you laughedbecause he offered to help us if ever we were in trouble? He knew moreabout us then than we knew about ourselves; and he afterward did helpme out of very great troubles. I will tell you all about it some time. But first I want to know about you. Who is this new Mamita that youspeak of?"

"O, it was wonderful how she came to me when I had the greatest needof a friend, " answered Flora. "You must know that she and Papasitowere in love with each other when they were young; and she is in lovewith his memory now. I sometimes think his spirit led her to me. Iwill show you a picture I have made of Papasito and Mamita as guardianangels, placing a crown of violets and lilies of the valley on thehead of my new Mamita. When I had to run away, she brought me to livewith her in Boston; and there I met with an old acquaintance. Do youremember Florimond Blumenthal?"

"The good German boy that Papasito took such an interest in?" inquiredRosa. "To be sure I remember him. "

"Well, he's a good German boy now, " rejoined Flora; "and I'm Mrs. Blumenthal. "

"Is it possible?" exclaimed Rosa. "You look so exactly as you did whenyou were such a merry little elf, that I never thought to inquirewhether you were married. In the joy of this sudden meeting, I forgothow many years had passed since we saw each other. "

"You will realize how long it has been when you see my children, "rejoined Flora. "My oldest, Alfred Royal, is fitting for college. Heis the image of _cher Papa_; and you will see how Mamita Lila doatsupon him. She must have loved Papasito very much. Then I had adaughter that died in a few days; then I had my Rosen Blumen, andyou will see who she looks like; then some more came and went tothe angels. Last of all came little Lila, who looks just like herfather, --flaxen hair, pink cheeks, and great German forget-me-nots foreyes. "

"How I shall love them all!" exclaimed Rosa. "And you will love ourEulalia. I had a little Alfred and a little Flora. They came to usin Provence, and we left their pretty little bodies there among theroses. "

The sisters sat folded in each other's arms, their souls wanderingabout among memories, when Mr. Blumenthal returned from his longramble with the children. Then, of course, there was a scene ofexclamations and embraces. Little Lila was shy, and soon ran away totake refuge in Mamita's chamber; but Rosen Blumen was full of wonderand delight that such a grand, beautiful lady was the Aunt Rosa ofwhom she had heard so much. 

"Mamita Lila has stayed away all this time, out of regard to ourprivacy, " said Flora; "but now I am going to bring her. "

She soon returned, arm in arm with Mrs. Delano. Mr. Blumenthal tookher hand respectfully, as she entered, and said: "This is our dearbenefactress, our best earthly friend. "

"My guardian angel, my darling Mamita, " added Flora. 

Mrs. King eagerly stepped forward, and folded her in her arms, saying, in a voice half stifled with emotion, "Thank God and you for all thishappiness. "

While they were speaking together, Flora held a whispered consultationwith her husband, who soon went forth in search of Mr. King, withstrict injunctions to say merely that an unexpected pleasure awaitedhim. He hastened to obey the summons, wondering what it could mean. There was no need of introducing him to his new-found relative. Themoment he entered the room, he exclaimed, "Why, Floracita!"

"So you knew me?" she said, clasping his hand warmly. 

"To be sure I did, " he answered. "You are the same little fairy thatdanced in the floral parlor. "

"O, I'm a sober matron now, " said she, with a comic attempt to lookdemure about the mouth, while her eyes were laughing. "Here is mydaughter Rosa; and I have a tall lad, who bears two thirds of yourregal name. "

The happy group were loath to separate, though it was only to meetagain in the evening at Mr. King's lodgings on Round Hill. There, memories and feelings, that tried in vain to express themselves fullyin words, found eloquent utterance in music. 

Day after day, and evening after evening, the sisters met, with ahunger of the heart that could not be satisfied. Their husbands andchildren, meanwhile, became mutually attached. Rosen Blumen, richlycolored with her tropical ancestry and her vigorous health, lookedupon her more ethereal cousin Eulalia as a sort of angel, and seemedto worship her as such. Sometimes she accompanied her sweet, bird-likevoice with the guitar; sometimes they sang duets together; andsometimes one played on the piano, while the other danced withLila, whose tiny feet kept time to the music, true as an echo. Notunfrequently, the pretty little creature was called upon to dance a_pas seul_; for she had improvised a dance for herself to the tune ofYankee Doodle, and it was very amusing to see how emphatically shestamped the rhythm. 

While the young people amused themselves thus, Flora often broughtforward her collection of drawings, which Rosa called the portfolio ofmemories. 

There was the little fountain in their father's garden, the lonelycottage on the island, the skeleton of the dead pine tree, with themoon peeping through its streamers of moss, and Thistle with hispanniers full of flowers. Among the variety of foreign scenes, Mrs. King particularly admired the dancing peasants from Frascati. 

"Ah, " said Flora, "I see them now, just as they looked when we passedthem on our beautiful drive to Albano. It was the first really merryday I had had for a long time. I was just beginning to learn to enjoymyself without you. It was very selfish of me, dear Rosa, but I wasforgetful of you, that day. And, only to think of it! if it had notbeen for that unlucky apparition of Mr. Fitzgerald, I should have goneto the opera and seen you as Norma. "

"Very likely we should both have fainted, " rejoined Rosa, "and thenthe manager would have refused to let La Campaneo try her luck again. But what is this, Floracita?"

"That is a group on Monte Pincio, " she replied. "I sketched it when Iwas shut up in my room, the day before you came out in the opera. "

"I do believe it is Madame and the Signor and I, " responded Rosa. "Thefigures and the dresses are exactly the same; and I remember we wentto Monte Pincio that morning, on my return from rehearsal. "

"What a stupid donkey I was, not to know you were so near!" saidFlora. "I should have thought my fingers would have told me while Iwas drawing it. "

"Ah, " exclaimed Rosa, "here is Tulee!" Her eyes moistened while shegazed upon it. "Poor Tulee!" said she, "how she cared for me, andcomforted me, during those dark and dreadful days! If it hadn't beenfor her and Chloe, I could never have lived through that trouble. WhenI began to recover, she told me how Chloe held my hand hour afterhour, and prayed over me without ceasing. I believe she prayed me upout of the grave. She said our Mamita appeared to her once, and toldher she was my guardian angel; but if it had really been our Mamita, I think she would have told her to tell me you were alive, Mignonne. When Alfred and I went South, just before we came here, we tried tofind Tom and Chloe. We intend to go to New Bedford soon to see them. Aglimpse of their good-natured black faces would give me more pleasurethan all the richly dressed ladies I saw at Mrs. Green's great party. "

"Very likely you'll hear Tom preach when you go to New Bedford, "rejoined Flora, "for he is a Methodist minister now; and Chloe, theysay, is powerful in prayer at the meetings. I often smile when I thinkabout the manner of her coming away. It was so funny that my quiet, refined Mamita Lila should all at once become a kidnapper. But here isRosen Blumen. Well, what now, Mignonne?"

"Papa says Lila is very sleepy, and we ought to be going home, "replied the young damsel. 

"Then we will kiss good night, _sistita mia_?" said Mrs. Blumenthal;"and you will bring Eulalia to us to-morrow. "

On their return home, Mr. Bright called to them over the garden fence. "I've just had a letter from your neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, " said he. "She wants to know whether we can accommodate her, and her father, andher son with lodgings this summer. I'm mighty glad we can say we'velet all our rooms; for that old Mr. Bell treats mechanics as if hethought they all had the small-pox, and he was afraid o' catching it. So different from you, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr. King! You ain't afraidto take hold of a rough hand without a glove on. How is Mrs. King?Hope she's coming to-morrow. If the thrushes and bobolinks could singhuman music, and put human feeling into it, her voice would beat 'emall. How romantic that you should come here to Joe Bright's to findyour sister, that you thought was dead. "

When they had courteously answered his inquiries, he repeated a wishhe had often expressed, that somebody would write a story about it. If he had been aware of all their antecedents, he would perhaps havewritten one himself; but he only knew that the handsome sisters wereorphans, separated in youth, and led by a singular combination ofcircumstances to suppose each other dead. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

When the sisters were alone together, the next day after dinner, Flora said, "Rosa, dear, does it pain you very much to hear about Mr. Fitzgerald?"

"No; that wound has healed, " she replied. "It is merely a sad memorynow. "

"Mrs. Bright was nursery governess in his family before her marriage, "rejoined Flora. "I suppose you have heard that he disappearedmysteriously. I think she may know something about it, and I have beenintending to ask her; but your sudden appearance, and the quantityof things we have had to say to each other, have driven it out of myhead. Do you object to my asking her to come in and tell us somethingabout her experiences?"

"I should be unwilling to have her know we were ever acquainted withMr. Fitzgerald, " responded Mrs. King. 

"So should I, " said Flora. "It will be a sufficient reason for mycuriosity that Mrs. Fitzgerald is our acquaintance and neighbor. "

And she went out to ask her hostess to come and sit with them. Aftersome general conversation, Flora said: "You know Mrs. Fitzgerald isour neighbor in Boston. I have some curiosity to know what were yourexperiences in her family. "

"Mrs. Fitzgerald was always very polite to me, " replied Mrs. Bright;"and personally I had no occasion to find fault with Mr. Fitzgerald, though I think the Yankee schoolma'am was rather a bore to him. The South is a beautiful part of the country. I used to think thesea-island, where they spent most of the summer, was as beautiful asParadise before the fall; but I never felt at home there. I didn'tlike the state of things. It's my theory that everybody ought to helpin doing the work of the world. There's a great deal to be done, ladies, and it don't seem right that some backs should be broken withlabor, while others have the spine complaint for want of exercise. Itdidn't agree with my independent New England habits to be waited uponso much. A negro woman named Venus took care of my room. The firstnight I slept at the plantation, it annoyed me to see her kneel downto take off my stockings and shoes. I told her she might go, for Icould undress myself. She seemed surprised; and I think her conclusionwas that I was no lady. But all the negroes liked me. They had got theidea, somehow, that Northern people were their friends, and were doingsomething to set them free. "

"Then they generally wanted their freedom, did they?" inquired Flora. 

"To be sure they did, " rejoined Mrs. Bright. "Did you ever hear ofanybody that liked being a slave?"

Mrs. King asked whether Mr. Fitzgerald was a hard master. 

"I don't think he was, " said their hostess. "I have known him to dovery generous and kind things for his servants. But early habits hadmade him indolent and selfish, and he left the overseer to do as heliked. Besides, though he was a pleasant gentleman when sober, he wasviolent when he was intoxicated; and he had become much addictedto intemperance before I went there. They said he had been a veryhandsome man; but he was red and bloated when I knew him. He had adissipated circle of acquaintances, who used to meet at his house inSavannah, and gamble with cards till late into the night; and theliquor they drank often made them very boisterous and quarrelsome. Mrs. Fitzgerald never made any remark, in my presence, about thesedoings; but I am sure they troubled her, for I often heard her walkingher chamber long after she had retired for the night. Indeed, theymade such an uproar, that it was difficult to sleep till they weregone. Sometimes, after they had broken up, I heard them talking on thepiazza; and their oaths and obscene jests were shocking to hear;yet if I met any of them the next day, they appeared like courtlygentlemen. When they were intoxicated, niggers and Abolitionistsseemed always to haunt their imaginations. I remember one night inparticular. I judged by their conversation that they had been readingin a Northern newspaper some discussion about allowing slaveholders topartake of the sacrament. Their talk was a strange tipsy jumble. IfMr. Bright had heard it, he would give you a comical account of it. Asthey went stumbling down the steps, some were singing and some wereswearing. I heard one of them bawl out, 'God damn their souls to alleternity, they're going to exclude us from the communion-table. ' WhenI first told the story to Mr. Bright, I said d---- their souls; but hesaid that was all a sham, for everybody knew what d---- stood for, andit was just like showing an ass's face to avoid speaking his name. SoI have spoken the word right out plain, just as I heard it. It wasshocking talk to hear, and you may think it very improper to repeatit, ladies; but I have told it to give you an idea of the state ofthings in the midst of which I found myself. "

Mrs. King listened in sad silence. The Mr. Fitzgerald of thisdescription was so unlike the elegant young gentleman who had won hergirlish love, that she could not recognize him as the same person. 

"Did Mr. Fitzgerald die before you left?" inquired Flora. 

"I don't know when or how he died, " replied Mrs. Bright; "but Ihave my suspicions. Out of regard to Mrs. Fitzgerald, I have nevermentioned them to any one but my husband; and if I name them to you, ladies, I trust you will consider it strictly confidential. "

They promised, and she resumed. 

"I never pried into the secrets of the family, but I could not helplearning something about them, partly from my own observation, andinferences drawn therefrom, and partly from the conversation of Venus, my talkative waiting-maid. She told me that her master married aSpanish lady, the most beautiful lady that ever walked the earth; andthat he conveyed her away secretly somewhere after he married themilk-face, as she called Mrs. Fitzgerald. Venus was still good-lookingwhen I knew her. From her frequent remarks I judge that, when she wasyoung, her master thought her extremely pretty; and she frequentlyassured me that he was a great judge 'ob we far sex. ' She had ahandsome mulatto daughter, whose features greatly resembled his;and she said there was good reason for it. I used to imagine Mrs. Fitzgerald thought so too; for she always seemed to owe this handsomeNelly a grudge. Mr. Fitzgerald had a body-servant named Jim, who wasso genteel that I always called him 'Dandy Jim o' Caroline. ' Jim andNelly were in love with each other; but their master, for reasons ofhis own, forbade their meeting together. 

"Finding that Nelly tried to elude his vigilance, he sold Jim to a NewOrleans trader, and the poor girl almost cried her handsome eyes out. A day or two after he was sold, Mr. Fitzgerald and his lady went toBeaufort on a visit, and took their little son and daughter with them. The walls of my sleeping-room were to be repaired, and I was told tooccupy their chamber during their absence. The evening after they wentaway, I sat up rather late reading, and when I retired the servantswere all asleep. As I sat before the looking-glass, arranging my hairfor the night, I happened to glance toward the reflection of the bed, which showed plainly in the mirror; and I distinctly saw a dark eyepeeping through an opening in the curtains. My heart was in my throat, I assure you; but I had the presence of mind not to cry out or to jumpup. I continued combing my hair, occasionally glancing toward theeye. If it be one of the negroes, thought I, he surely cannot wishto injure _me_, for they all know I am friendly to them. I tried tocollect all my faculties, to determine what it was best to do. Ireflected that, if I alarmed the servants, he might be driven toattack me in self-defence. I began talking aloud to myself, leisurelytaking off my cuffs and collar as I did so, and laying my breastpinand watch upon the table. 'I wish Mr. And Mrs. Fitzgerald were notgoing to stay so long at Beaufort, ' said I. 'It is lonesome here, andI don't feel at home in this chamber. I sha'n't sleep if I go to bed;so I think I'll read a little longer. 'I looked round on the table andchairs, and added: 'There, now! I've left my book down stairs, andmust go for it. ' I went down to the parlor and locked myself in. A fewminutes afterward I saw a dark figure steal across the piazza; and, unless the moonlight deceived me, it was Dandy Jim. I wondered at it, because I thought he was on his way to New Orleans. Of course, therewas no sleep for me that night. When the household were all astir, Iwent to the chamber again. My watch and breastpin, which I had left onpurpose, were still lying on the table. It was evident that robberyhad not been the object. I did not mention the adventure to any one. I pitied Jim, and if he had escaped, I had no mind to be the means ofhis recapture. Whatever harm he had intended, he had not done it, andthere was no probability that he would loiter about in that vicinity. I had reason to be glad of my silence; for the next day an agent fromthe slave-trader arrived, saying that Jim had escaped, and that theythought he might be lurking near where his wife was. When Mr. And Mrs. Fitzgerald returned, they questioned Nelly, but she averred that shehad not seen Jim, or heard from him since he was sold. Mr. Fitzgeraldwent away on horseback that afternoon. The horse came back in theevening with an empty saddle, and he never returned. The next morningNelly was missing, and she was never found. I thought it right to besilent about my adventure. To have done otherwise might have producedmischievous results to Jim and Nelly, and could do their master nogood. I searched the woods in every direction, but I never came uponany trace of Mr. Fitzgerald, except the marks of footsteps near thesea, before the rising of the tide. I had made arrangements to returnto the North about that time; but Mrs. Fitzgerald's second son wasseized with fever, and I stayed with her till he was dead and buried. Then we all came to Boston together. About a year after, her littledaughter, who had been my pupil, died. "

"Poor Mrs. Fitzgerald!" said Flora. "I have heard her allude to herlost children, but I had no idea she had suffered so much. "

"She did suffer, " replied Mrs. Bright, "though not so deeply as somenatures would have suffered in the same circumstances. Her presentsituation is far from being enviable. Her father is a hard, graspingman, and he was greatly vexed that her splendid marriage turned out tobe such a failure. It must be very mortifying to her to depend uponhim mainly for the support of herself and son. I pitied her, and Ipitied Mr. Fitzgerald too. He was selfish and dissipated, because hewas brought up with plenty of money, and slaves to obey everything hechose to order. That is enough to spoil any man. "

Rosa had listened with downcast eyes, but now she looked up earnestlyand said, "That is a very kind judgment, Mrs. Bright, and I thank youfor the lesson. "

"It is a just judgment, " replied their sensible hostess. "I often tellMr. Bright we cannot be too thankful that we were brought up to waitupon ourselves and earn our own living. You will please to excuse menow, ladies, for it is time to prepare tea. "

As she closed the door, Rosa pressed her sister's hand, and sighed asshe said, "O, this is dreadful!"

"Dreadful indeed, " rejoined Flora. "To think of him as he was when Iused to make you blush by singing, '_Petit blanc! mon bon frère_!' andthen to think what an end he came to!"

The sisters sat in silence for some time, thinking with moistened eyesof all that had been kind and pleasant in the man who had done them somuch wrong. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

IF young Fitzgerald had not been strongly inclined to spend the summerin Northampton, he would have been urged to it by his worldly-mindedmother and grandfather, who were disposed to make any effort to placehim in the vicinity of Eulalia King. They took possession of lodgingson Round Hill in June; and though very few weeks intervened beforethe college vacation, the time seemed so long to Gerald, that heimpatiently counted the days. Twice he took the journey for a shortvisit before he was established as an inmate of his grandfather'shousehold. Alfred Blumenthal had a vacation at the same time, and theyoung people of the three families were together almost continually. Songs and glees enlivened their evenings, and nearly every day therewere boating excursions, or rides on horseback, in which Mr. And Mrs. King and Mr. And Mrs. Blumenthal invariably joined. No familiaritycould stale the ever fresh charm of the scenery. The beautiful river, softly flowing in sunlight through richly cultivated meadows, alwaysseemed to Mr. Blumenthal like the visible music of Mendelssohn. Mr. King, who had been in Germany, was strongly reminded of the Rhine andthe Black Forest, while looking on that wide level expanse of verdure, with its broad band of sparkling silver, framed in with thick darkwoods along the river-range of mountains. The younger persons of theparty more especially enjoyed watching Mill River rushing to meetthe Connecticut, like an impatient boy let loose for the holidays, shouting, and laughing, and leaping, on his way homeward. Mrs. Delanoparticularly liked to see, from the summit of Mount Holyoke, thehandsome villages, lying so still in the distance, giving no signof all the passions, energies, and sorrows that were seething, struggling, and aching there; and the great stretch of meadows, diversified with long, unfenced rows of stately Indian corn, rich withluxuriant foliage of glossy green, alternating with broad bands ofyellow grain, swayed by the breeze like rippling waves of the sea. These regular lines of variegated culture, seen from such a height, seemed like handsome striped calico, which earth had put on for herworking-days, mindful that the richly wooded hills were looking downupon her picturesque attire. There was something peculiarly congenialto the thoughtful soul of the cultured lady in the quiet pastoralbeauty of the extensive scene; and still more in the sense ofserene elevation above the whole, seeing it all dwindle into smallproportions, as the wisdom of age calmly surveys the remote panoramaof life. 

These riding parties attracted great attention as they passed throughthe streets; for all had heard the rumor of their wealth, and all werestruck by the unusual amount of personal beauty, and the distinguishedstyle of dress. At that time, the Empress Eugenie had issued herimperial decree that all the world should shine in "barbaric gold, "--afashion by no means distasteful to the splendor-loving sisters. Longsprays of Scotch laburnum mingled their golden bells with the darktresses of Eulalia and Rosen Blumen; a cluster of golden wheat mixedits shining threads with Flora's black curls; and a long, softfeather, like "the raven down of darkness, " dusted with gold, droopedover the edge of Mrs. King's riding-cap, fastened to its band by agolden star. Even Mrs. Fitzgerald so far changed her livery of themoon as to wear golden buds mixed with cerulean flowers. Mrs. Delanolooked cool as evening among them in her small gray bonnet, with a fewviolets half hidden in silver leaves. Old Mr. Bell not unfrequentlyjoined in these excursions. His white hair, and long silky whitebeard, formed a picturesque variety in the group; while all recognizedat a glance the thoroughbred aristocrat in his haughty bearing, hisstern mouth, his cold, turquoise eyes, and the clenching expression ofhis hand. Mrs. King seemed to have produced upon him the effect Geraldhad predicted. No youthful gallant could have been more assiduous ather bridle-rein, and he seemed to envy his grandson every smile heobtained from her beautiful lips. 

Both he and Mrs. Fitzgerald viewed with obvious satisfaction thegrowing intimacy between that young gentleman and Eulalia. "Capitalmatch for Gerald, eh?" said Mr. Bell to his daughter. "They say King'sgood for three millions at least, --some say four. "

"And Eulalia is such a lovely, gentle girl!" rejoined Mrs. Fitzgerald. "I'm very fond of her, and she seems fond of me; though of coursethat's on account of my handsome son. "

"Yes, she's a lovely girl, " replied the old gentleman; "and Geraldwill be a lucky dog if he wins her. But her beauty isn't to becompared to her mother's. If I were Emperor of France, and she were awidow, I know who would have a chance to become Empress. "

But though Mrs. King lived in such an atmosphere of love, and wasthe object of so much admiration, with ample means for indulging herbenevolence and her tastes, she was evidently far from being happy. Flora observed it, and often queried with her husband what could bethe reason. One day she spoke to Mr. King of the entire absence ofgayety in her sister, and he said he feared young Mr. Fitzgeraldpainfully reminded her of her lost son. 

Flora reflected upon this answer without being satisfied with it. "Itdoesn't seem natural, " said she to her husband. "She parted from thatbaby when he was but a few weeks old, and he has been dead nearlytwenty years. She has Eulalia to love, and a noble husband, whoworships the very ground she treads on. It don't seem natural. Iwonder whether she has a cancer or some other secret disease. "

She redoubled her tenderness, and exerted all her powers of mimicry toamuse her sister. The young folks screamed with laughter to see herperform the shuffling dances of the negroes, or to hear her accompanytheir singing with imitations of the growling contra-fagotto, or thesqueaking fife. In vain she filled the room with mocking-birds, orshowed off the accomplishments of the parrot, or dressed herself in acap with a great shaking bow, like Madame Guirlande's, or scolded invociferous Italian, like Signor Pimentero. The utmost these effortscould elicit from her sister was a faint, vanishing smile. 

Mr. King noticed all this, and was pained to observe that his wife'ssadness increased daily. He would not himself have chosen youngFitzgerald as a suitor for his daughter, fearing he might resemble hisfather in character as he did in person; but he was willing to promotetheir acquaintance, because the young man seemed to be a favorite withhis lady, and he thought that as a son-in-law he might supply the lossof her first-born. But, in their rides and other excursions, he wassurprised to observe that Mrs. King assiduously tried to withdrawMr. Fitzgerald from her daughter, and attach him to herself. Herattentions generally proved too flattering to be resisted; but ifthe young man, yielding to attractions more suited to his age, soonreturned to Eulalia, there was an unmistakable expression of pain onher mother's face. Mr. King was puzzled and pained by this conduct. Entire confidence had hitherto existed between them. Why had shebecome so reserved? Was the fire of first-love still smouldering inher soul, and did a delicate consideration for him lead her to concealit? He could not believe it, she had so often repeated that to lovethe unworthy was a thing impossible for her. Sometimes another thoughtcrossed his mind and gave him exquisite torture, though he repelled itinstantly: "Could it possibly be that his modest and dignified wifewas in love with this stripling, who was of an age suitable for herdaughter?" Whatever this mysterious cloud might be that cast its coldshadow across the sunshine of his home, he felt that he could notendure its presence. He resolved to seek an explanation with hiswife, and to propose an immediate return to Europe, if either of hisconjectures should prove true. Returning from a solitary walk, duringwhich these ideas had been revolving in his mind, he found her intheir chamber kneeling by the bedside, sobbing violently. With theutmost tenderness he inquired what had grieved her. 

She answered with a wild exclamation, "O Alfred, this _must_ bestopped!"

"_What_ must be stopped, my dear?" said he. 

"Gerald Fitzgerald _must_ not court our daughter, " she replied. 

"I thought it would please you, dearest, " rejoined he. "The youngman has always seemed to be a favorite of yours. I should not haveselected him for our Eulalia, for fear the qualities of his fathermight develop themselves in him; but you must remember that he has notbeen educated among slaves. I think we can trust to that to make agreat difference in his character. "

She groaned aloud, and sobbed out: "It _must_ be stopped. It will killme. "

He sat down by her side, took her hand, and said very gravely: "Rosa, you have often told me I was your best friend. Why then do you notconfide to me what it is that troubles you?"

"O, I cannot! I cannot!" she exclaimed. "I am a guilty wretch. " Andthere came a fresh outburst of sobs, which she stifled by keeping herface hidden in the bedclothes. 

"Rosa, " said he, still more gravely, "you _must_ tell me the meaningof this strange conduct. If an unworthy passion has taken possessionof you, it is your duty to try to conquer it for your own sake, for mysake, for our daughter's sake. If you will confide in me, I will notjudge you harshly. I will return to Europe with you, and help you tocure yourself. Tell me frankly, Rosa, do you love this young man?"

She looked up suddenly, and, seeing the extreme sadness of his face, she exclaimed: "O Alfred, if you have thought _that_, I _must_ tellyou all. I do love Gerald; but it is because he is my own son. "

"Your son!" he exclaimed, springing up, with the feeling that a greatload was lifted from his heart. He raised her to his bosom, and kissedher tearful face again and again. The relief was so sudden, that foran instant he forgot the strangeness of her declaration. But comingto his senses immediately, he inquired, "How can it be that your sonpasses for Mrs. Fitzgerald's son? And if it be so, why did you nottell me of it?"

"I ought to have told you when I consented to marry you, " she replied. "But your protecting love was so precious to me, that I had not thecourage to tell you anything that would diminish your esteem for me. Forgive me, dearest. It is the only wrong I have ever done you. But Iwill tell you all now; and if it changes your love for me, I must tryto bear it, as a just punishment for the wrong I have done. You knowhow Mr. Fitzgerald deserted me, and how I was stricken down when Idiscovered that I was his slave. My soul almost parted from my bodyduring the long illness that followed. When I came to my senses, Ihumbled myself to entreat Mr. Fitzgerald to emancipate me, for thesake of our unborn child. He promised to do it, but he did not. Iwas a mere wreck when my babe was born, and I had the feeling that Ishould soon die. I loved the helpless little thing; and every time Ilooked at him, it gave me a pang to think that he was born a slave. Isent again and again for papers of manumission, but they never came. I don't know whether it was mere negligence on the part of Mr. Fitzgerald, or whether he meant to punish me for my coldness towardhim after I discovered how he had deceived me. I was weak in body, andmuch humbled in spirit, after that long illness. I felt no resentmenttoward him. I forgave him, and pitied his young wife. The only thingthat bound me to life was my child. I wanted to recover my strength, that I might carry him to some part of the world where slavery couldnot reach him. I was in that state, when Madame sent Mr. Duroy to tellme Mr. Fitzgerald was in debt, and had sold me to that odious Mr. Bruteman, whom he had always represented to me as the filthiest soulalive. I think that incredible cruelty and that horrible danger mademe insane. My soul was in a terrible tempest of hatred and revenge. IfMr. Fitzgerald had appeared before me, I should have stabbed him. Inever had such feelings before nor since. Unfortunately Chloe had cometo the cottage that day, with Mrs. Fitzgerald's babe, and he was lyingasleep by the side of mine. I had wild thoughts of killing both thebabies, and then killing myself. I had actually risen in search of aweapon, but I heard my faithful Tulee coming to look upon me, to seethat all was well, and I lay down again and pretended to be asleep. While I waited for her to cease watching over me, that frightful moodpassed away. Thank God, I was saved from committing such horribledeeds. But I was still half frantic with misery and fear. A wild, darkstorm was raging in my soul. I looked at the two babes, and thoughthow one was born to be indulged and honored, while the other was borna slave, liable to be sold by his unfeeling father or by his father'screditors. Mine was only a week the oldest, and was no larger than hisbrother. They were so exactly alike that I could distinguish them onlyby their dress. I exchanged the dresses, Alfred; and while I did it, I laughed to think that, if Mr. Fitzgerald should capture me and thelittle one, and make us over to Mr. Bruteman, he would sell the childof his Lily Bell. It was not like me to have such feelings. I hope Iwas insane. Do you think I was?"

He pressed her to his heart as he replied, "You surely had sufferingenough to drive you wild, dearest; and I do suppose your reason wasunsettled by intensity of anguish. "

She looked at him anxiously, as she asked, "Then it does not make youlove me less?"

"No, darling, " he replied; "for I am sure it was not my own gentleRosa who had such feelings. "

"O, how I thank you, dear one, for judging me so charitably, " saidshe. "I hope it was temporary insanity; and always when I think itover, it seems to me it must have been. I fell asleep smiling over therevenge I had taken, and I slept long and heavily. When I woke, myfirst wish was to change the dresses back again; but Chloe had goneto the plantation with my babe, and Mr. Duroy hurried me on board theboat before sunrise. I told no one what I had done; but it filled mewith remorse then, and has troubled me ever since. I resolved to atonefor it, as far as I could, by taking the tenderest care of the littlechangeling, and trying to educate him as well as his own mother couldhave done. It was that which gave me strength to work so hard formusical distinction; and that motive stimulated me to appear as anopera-singer, though the publicity was distasteful to me. When Iheard that the poor little creature was dead, I was tormented withself-reproach, and I was all the more unhappy because I could tell noone of my trouble. Then you came to console and strengthen me withyour blessed love, and I grew cheerful again. If the changeling hadbeen living at the time you asked me to marry you, I should have toldyou all; but the poor little creature was dead, and there seemed tobe no necessity of confessing the wrong I had done. It was a selfishfeeling. I couldn't bear the thought of diminishing the love thatwas so precious to my wounded heart. I have now told you all, dearhusband. "

"Your excuse for concealment is very precious to my own heart, " hereplied. "But I regret you did not tell me while we were in Europe;for then I would not have returned to the United States till I wasquite sure all obstacles were removed. You know I never formed theproject until I knew Mr. Fitzgerald was dead. "

"The American gentleman who informed you of his death led me into amistake, which has proved disastrous, " rejoined she. "He said thatMrs. Fitzgerald lost her husband and son about the same time. I wasnot aware of the existence of a second son, and therefore I supposedthat my first-born had died. I knew that you wanted to spend your oldage in your native country, and that you were particularly desirous tohave Eulalia marry in New England. The dread I had of meeting my childas the son of another, and seeming to him a stranger, was removed byhis death; and though I shed tears in secret, a load was lifted frommy heart. But the old story of avenging Furies following the criminalwheresoever he goes seems verified in my case. On the day of Mrs. Green's ball, I heard two gentlemen in the Revere House talking aboutMr. Bell; and one of them said to the other that Mrs. Fitzgerald'ssecond son and her daughter had died, and that her oldest son was soleheir to Mr. Bell's property. My first impulse was to tell you all;but because I had so long concealed my fault, it was all the moredifficult to confess it then. You had so generously overlooked manydisagreeable circumstances connected with my history, that I foundit extremely painful to add this miserable entanglement to the list. Still, I foresaw that it must be done, and I resolved to do it; but Iwas cowardly, and wanted to put off the evil day. You may remember, perhaps, that at the last moment I objected to attending that ball;but you thought it would be rude to disappoint Mrs. Green, merelybecause I felt out of spirits. I went, not dreaming of seeing my sonthere. I had not looked upon him since the little black, silky headdrooped on my arm while I exchanged the dresses. You may partlyimagine what I suffered. And now he and Eulalia are getting in lovewith each other; and I know not what is to be done. When you came in, I was praying for strength to seek your counsel. What _can_ we do, dear? It will be a great disappointment for you to return to Europe, now that you have refitted your father's house, and made all yourarrangements to spend the remainder of our days here. "

"I would do it willingly, " he replied, "if I thought it would availto separate Gerald and Eulalia. But a voyage to Europe is nothingnow-a-days, to people of their property. I believe he loves thedear girl; and if he did not, my reputed millions would prevent hisgrandfather and his mother from allowing him to lose sight of her. Ifwe were to build a castle on the top of Mount Himalaya, they wouldscale it, you may depend. I see no other remedy than to tell Geraldthat Eulalia is his sister. "

"O, I cannot tell him!" exclaimed she. "It would be so dreadful tohave my son hate me! And he _would_ hate me; for I can see that he isvery proud. "

In very kind and serious tones he replied: "You know, dear Rosa, thatyou expressed a wish the other day to go to the Catholic church inwhich your mother worshipped, because you thought confession andpenance would be a comfort. You have wisely chosen me for yourconfessor, and if I recommend penance I trust you will think it bestto follow my advice. I see how difficult it would be to tell all yourown and your mother's story to so young a man as Gerald, and he yourown son. I will tell him; and I need not assure you that you will havea loving advocate to plead your cause with him. But his mother mustknow why he relinquishes Eulalia, when he has had so much reason tothink himself in favor both with her and her parents. Gerald mighttell her the mere external facts; but she could appreciate andunderstand them much better if told, as they would be told, by adelicate and loving woman, who had suffered the wrongs that drove herto madness, and who repented bitterly of the fault she had committed. I think you ought to make a full confession to Mrs. Fitzgerald; andhaving done that, we ought to do whatever she chooses to prescribe. "

"It will be a severe penance, " she rejoined; "but I will do whateveryou think is right. If I could have all the suffering, I would notmurmur. But Gerald will suffer and Eulalia will suffer. And for someweeks I have made you unhappy. How sad you look, dear. "

"I am a very happy man, Rosa, compared with what I was before you toldme this strange story. But I am very serious, because I want to besure of doing what is right in these difficult premises. As for Geraldand Eulalia, their acquaintance has been very short, and I don't thinkthey have spoken of love to each other. Their extreme youth is alsoa favorable circumstance. Rochefoucault says, 'Absence extinguishessmall passions, and increases great ones. ' My own experience provedthe truth of one part of the maxim; but perhaps Gerald is of a morevolatile temperament, and will realize the other portion. "

"And do you still love me as well as you ever did?" she asked. 

He folded her more closely as he whispered, "I do, darling. " And forsome minutes she wept in silence on his generous breast. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

That evening young Fitzgerald was closeted two or three hours withMr. King. Though the disclosure was made with the utmost delicacy andcaution, the young man was startled and shocked; for he inheritedpride from both his parents, and he had been educated in theprejudices of his grandfather. At first he flushed with indignation, and refused to believe he was so disgraced. 

"I don't see that you are disgraced, my young friend, " replied Mr. King. "The world might indeed so misjudge, because it is accustomedto look only on externals; but there is no need that the world shouldknow anything about it. And as for your own estimate of yourself, youwere Mr. Fitzgerald the gentleman before you knew this singular story, and you are Mr. Fitzgerald the gentleman still. "

"I am not so much of a philosopher, " rejoined the young man. "I shallnot find it easy to endure the double stain of illegitimacy andalliance with the colored race. "

Mr. King regarded him with a friendly smile, as he answered: "Perhapsthis experience, which you find so disagreeable, may educate you tomore wisdom than the schools have done. It may teach you the greatlesson of looking beneath the surface into the reality of things, myson. Legally you are illegitimate; but morally you are not so. Yourmother believed herself married to your father, and through all thevicissitudes of her life she has proved herself a modest, pure, andnoble woman. During twenty years of intimate acquaintance, I havenever known her to indulge an unworthy thought, or do a dishonorableaction, except that of substituting you for Mr. Fitzgerald's legalheir. And if I have at all succeeded in impressing upon your mind thefrantic agony of her soul, desolate and shockingly abused as shewas, I think you will agree with me in considering that an excusableoffence; especially as she would have repaired the wrong a few hourslater, if it had been in her power. With regard to an alliance withthe colored race, I think it would be a more legitimate sourceof pride to have descended from that truly great man, ToussaintL'Ouverture, who was a full-blooded African, than from thatunprincipled filibuster called William the Conqueror, or from anyof his band of robbers, who transmitted titles of nobility to theirposterity. That is the way I have learned to read history, my youngfriend, in the plain sunlight of truth, unchanged by looking at itthrough the deceptive colored glasses of conventional prejudice. Onlyyesterday you would have felt honored to claim my highly accomplishedand noble-minded wife as a near relative. She is as highlyaccomplished and noble-minded a lady to-day as she was yesterday. Theonly difference is, that to-day you are aware her grandmother had adark complexion. No human being can be really stained by anythingapart from his own character; but if there were any blot resting uponyou, it would come from your father. We should remember, however, that He who made man can alone justly estimate man's temptations. Formyself, I believe that Mr. Fitzgerald's sins were largely attributableto the system of slavery under which he had the misfortune to beeducated. He loved pleasure, he was rich, and he had irresponsiblepower over many of his fellow-beings, whom law and public opinionalike deprived of protection. Without judging him harshly, let hiscareer be a warning to you to resist the first enticements to evil;and, as one means of doing so, let me advise you never to placeyourself in that state of society which had such a malign influenceupon him. "

"Give me time to think, " rejoined the young man. "This has come uponme so suddenly that I feel stunned. "

"That I can easily imagine, " replied his friend. "But I wish you tounderstand distinctly, that it depends entirely upon Mrs. Fitzgeraldand yourself to decide what is to be done in relation to thisperplexing affair. We are ready to do anything you wish, or to takeany position you prescribe for us. You may prefer to pass in societymerely as my young friend, but you are my step-son, you know; andshould you at any time of your life need my services, you may relyupon me as an affectionate father. "

That word brought cherished hopes to Gerald's mind, and he sighed ashe answered, "I thank you. "

"Whatever outward inconveniences may arise from this state of things, "resumed Mr. King, "we prefer to have them fall upon ourselves. Itis of course desirable that you and my daughter should not meet atpresent. Your vacation has nearly expired, and perhaps you will deemit prudent to return a little sooner than you intended. We shallremain here till late in the autumn; and then, if circumstances renderit necessary, we will remove Eulalia to Cuba, or elsewhere, for thewinter. Try to bear this disappointment bravely, my son. As soon asyou feel sufficiently calm, I would advise you to seek an interviewwith your mother. Her heart yearns for you, and the longer yourmeeting is deferred, the more embarrassing it will be. "

While this conversation was going on in the parlor, the two mothersof the young man were talking confidentially up stairs. The intensecuriosity which Mrs. Fitzgerald had formerly felt was at once renewedwhen Mrs. King said, "Do you remember having heard any one singingabout the house and garden at Magnolia Lawn, the first evening youspent there?"

"Indeed I do, " she replied; "and when I first heard you in Rome, Irepeatedly said your voice was precisely like that singer's. "

"You might well be reminded of it, " responded Mrs. King, "for I wasthe person you heard at Magnolia Lawn, and these are the eyes thatpeeped at you through the lattice of the veranda. "

"But why were you there? And why did you keep yourself invisible?"inquired Mrs. Fitzgerald. 

Rosa hesitated a moment, embarrassed how to choose words to convey theunwelcome facts. "My dear lady, " said she, "we have both had very sadexperiences. On my side, they have been healed by time; and I trustit is the same with you. Will it pain you too much to hear somethingdisparaging to the memory of your deceased husband?"

Mrs. Fitzgerald colored very deeply, and remained silent. 

"Nothing but an imperious necessity would induce me to say what Iam about to say, " continued Mrs. King; "not only because I amvery reluctant to wound your feelings, but because the recital ishumiliating and painful to myself. When I peeped at you in your bridalattire, I believed myself to be Mr. Fitzgerald's wife. Our marriagehad been kept strictly private, he always assuring me that it was onlyfor a time. But you need not look so alarmed. I was not his wife. Ilearned the next morning that I had been deceived by a sham ceremony. And even if it had been genuine, the marriage would not have beenvalid by the laws of Louisiana, where it was performed; though I didnot know that fact at the time. No marriage with a slave is valid inthat State. My mother was a quadroon slave, and by the law that 'achild follows the condition of the mother, ' I also became a slave. "

"_You_ a slave!" exclaimed Mrs. Fitzgerald, with unfeignedastonishment. "That is incredible. That goes beyond any of the storiesAbolitionists make up to keep the country in agitation. "

"Judging by my own experience, " rejoined Mrs. King, "I should say thatthe most fertile imagination could invent nothing more strange andromantic than many of the incidents which grow out of slavery. "

She then went on to repeat her story in detail; not accusing Mr. Fitzgerald more than was absolutely necessary to explain the agonizedand frantic state of mind in which she had changed the children. Mrs. Fitzgerald listened with increasing agitation as she went on; and whenit came to that avowal, she burst out with the passionate exclamation:"Then Gerald is not my son! And I love him so!"

Mrs. King took her hand and pressed it gently as she said: "You canlove him still, dear lady, and he will love you. Doubtless you willalways seem to him like his own mother. If he takes an aversion to me, it will give me acute pain; but I shall try to bear it meekly, as apart of the punishment my fault deserves. "

"If you don't intend to take him from me, what was the use of tellingme this dreadful story?" impatiently asked Mrs. Fitzgerald. 

"I felt compelled to do it on Eulalia's account, " responded Mrs. King. 

"Ah, yes!" sighed the lady. "How disappointed he will be, poorfellow!" After a brief pause, she added, vehemently: "But whatever youmay say, he is _my_ son. I never will give him up. He has slept in myarms. I have sung him to sleep. I taught him all his little hymns andsongs. He loves me; and I will never consent to take a second place inhis affections. "

"You shall not be asked to do so, dear lady, " meekly replied Mrs. King. "I will, as in duty bound, take any place you choose to assignme. "

Somewhat disarmed by this humility, Mrs. Fitzgerald said, in asoftened tone: "I pity you, Mrs. King. You have had a great deal oftrouble, and this is a very trying situation you are in. But it wouldbreak my heart to give up Gerald. And then you must see, of course, what an embarrassing position it would place me in before the world. "

"I see no reason why the world should know anything about it, "rejoined Mrs. King. "For Gerald's sake, as well as our own, it is verydesirable that the secret should be kept between ourselves. "

"You may safely trust my pride for that, " she replied. 

"Do you think your father ought to be included in our confidence, "inquired Mrs. King. 

"No indeed, " she replied, hastily. "He never can bear to hear my poorhusband mentioned. Besides, he has had the gout a good deal lately, and is more irritable than usual. "

As she rose to go, Mrs. King said: "Then, with the exception ofEulalia, everything remains outwardly as it was. Can you forgive me?I do believe I was insane with misery; and you don't know how I havebeen haunted with remorse. "

"You must have suffered terribly, " rejoined Mrs. Fitzgerald, evadinga direct answer to the question. "But we had better not talk any moreabout it now. I am bewildered, and don't know what to think. Only onething is fixed in my mind: Gerald is _my_ son. "

They parted politely, but with coldness on Mrs. Fitzgerald's side. There had arisen in her mind a double dislike toward Mrs. King, as thefirst love of her husband, and as the mother of the elegant young manwho was to her an object of pride as well as fondness. But her chagrinwas not without compensation. Mrs. King's superior wealth and beautyhad been felt by her as somewhat overshadowing; and the mortifyingcircumstances she had now discovered in her history seemed, in herimagination, to bring her down below a level with herself. Sheand Gerald sat up late into the night, talking over this strangedisclosure. She was rather jealous of the compassion he expressed forMrs. King, and of his admiration for her manners and character; thoughthey mutually declared, again and again, that they could realize nochange whatever in their relation to each other. 

The wise words of Mr. King had not been without their effect onGerald. The tumult of emotions gradually subsided; and he began torealize that these external accidents made no essential change inhimself. The next morning he requested an interview with Mrs. King, and was received alone. When he entered, she cast upon him ahesitating, beseeching look; but when he said, "My mother!" she flewinto his arms, and wept upon his neck. 

"Then you do not hate me?" she said, in a voice choked with emotion, "You are not ashamed to call me mother?"

"It was only yesterday, " he replied, "that I thought with pride andjoy of the possibility that I might some day call you by that dearname. If I had heard these particulars without knowing you, they mighthave repelled me. But I have admired you from the first moment; I havelately been learning to love you; and I am familiar with the thoughtof being your son. "

She raised her expressive eyes to his with such a look of love, thathe could not refrain from giving her a filial kiss and pressingher warmly to his heart. "I was so afraid you would regard me withdislike, " said she. "You can understand now why it made me so faintto think of singing '_M'odi! Ah, m'odi_!' with you at Mrs. Green'sparty. How could I have borne your tones of anguish when youdiscovered that you were connected with the Borgias? And how could Ihave helped falling on your neck when you sang '_Madre mia_'? But Imust not forget that the mother who tended your childhood has the bestclaim to your affection, " she added mournfully. 

"I love her, and always shall love her. It cannot be otherwise, "rejoined he. "It has been the pleasant habit of so many years. Butought I not to consider myself a lucky fellow to have two suchmothers? I don't know how I am to distinguish you. I must call youRose-mother and Lily-mother, I believe. "

She smiled as he spoke, and she said, "Then it has not made you so_very_ unhappy to know that you are my son?"

His countenance changed as he replied: "My only unhappiness is theloss of Eulalia. That disappointment I must bear as I can. "

"You are both very young, " rejoined she; "and perhaps you may seeanother--"

"I don't want to hear about that now, " he exclaimed impetuously, moving hastily toward the window, against which he leaned for amoment. When he turned, he saw that his mother was weeping; andhe stooped to kiss her forehead, with tender apologies for hisabruptness. 

"Thank God, " she said, "for these brief moments of happiness with myson. "

"Yes, they must be brief, " he replied. "I must go away and stay away. But I shall always think of you with affection, and cherish thedeepest sympathy for your wrongs and sufferings. "

Again she folded him in her arms, and they kissed and blessed eachother at parting. She gazed after him wistfully till he was out ofsight. "Alas!" murmured she, "he cannot be a son to me, and I cannotbe a mother to him. " She recalled the lonely, sad hours when sheembroidered his baby clothes, with none but Tulee to sympathize withher. She remembered how the little black silky head looked as shefirst fondled him on her arm; and the tears began to flow like rain. But she roused in a few moments, saying to herself: "This is all wrongand selfish. I ought to be glad that he loves his Lily-mother, that hecan live with her, and that her heart will not be made desolate by myfault. O Father of mercies! this is hard to bear. Help me to bear itas I ought!" She bowed her head in silence for a while; then, risingup, she said: "Have I not my lovely Eulalia? Poor child! I must bevery tender with her in this trial of her young heart. "

She saw there was need to be very tender, when a farewell card wassent the next day, with a bouquet of delicate flowers from GeraldFitzgerald. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

The next morning after these conversations, Mrs. Blumenthal, who wasas yet unconscious of the secret they had revealed, was singing in thegarden, while she gathered some flowers for her vases. Mr. Bright, whowas cutting up weeds, stopped and listened, keeping time on the handleof his hoe. When Flora came up to him, she glanced at the motion ofhis fingers and smiled. "Can't help it, ma'am, " said he. "When I hearyour voice, it's as much as ever I can do to keep from dancing; but ifI should do that, I should shock my neighbor the Deacon. Did yousee the stage stop there, last night? They've got visitors fromCarolina, --his daughter, and her husband and children. I reckon Istirred him up yesterday. He came to my shop to pay for some shoeinghe'd had done. So I invited him to attend our anti-slavery meetingto-morrow evening. He took it as an insult, and said he didn't need tobe instructed by such sort of men as spoke at our meetings. 'I knowsome of us are what they call mudsills down South, ' said I; 'but itmight do you good to go and hear 'em, Deacon. When a man's lamp's out, it's better to light it by the kitchen fire than to go blunderingabout in the dark, hitting himself against everything. ' He said weshould find it very convenient if we had slaves here; for Northernwomen were mere beasts of burden. I told him that was better than tobe beasts of prey. I thought afterward I wasn't very polite. I don'tmean to go headlong against other folks' prejudices; but the fact is, a man never knows with what impetus he _is_ going till he comes upagainst a post. I like to see a man firm as a rock in his opinions. Ihave a sort of a respect for a _rock_, even if it _is_ a little mossy. But when I come across a _post_, I like to give it a shaking, to findout whether it's rotten at the foundation. As to things in general, Icalculate to be an obliging neighbor; but I shall keep a lookout onthese Carolina folks. If they've brought any blacks with 'em, I shalllet 'em know what the laws of Massachusetts are; and then they maytake their freedom or not, just as they choose. "

"That's right, " replied Mrs. Blumenthal; "and when you and the Deaconhave another encounter, I hope I shall be near enough to hear it. "

As she walked away, tying up her bouquet with a spear of stripedgrass, she heard him whistling the tune she had been singing. When shereturned to the parlor, she seated herself near the open window, witha handkerchief, on which she was embroidering Mrs. Delano's initials. Mr. Bright's remarks had somewhat excited her curiosity, and fromtime to time she glanced toward Deacon Stillham's grounds. A hawthornhedge, neatly clipped, separated the two gardens; but here and therethe foliage had died away and left small open spaces. All at once, apretty little curly head appeared at one of these leafy lunettes, andan infantile voice called out, "You're a Bob-o-lith-o-nitht!"

"Do come here, Mamita Lila, and see this little darling, " said Flora, laughing. 

For a moment she was invisible. Then the cherub face came peeping outagain; and this time the little mouth was laughing, when it repeated, "You're a Bob-o-lith-o-nitht. "

"Isn't it amusing to hear such an infant trying to abuse us with abig mouthful of a word, to which she attaches no meaning?" said Mrs. Delano. 

Flora beckoned with her hand, and called out, "Come in and see theBobolithonithts, darling. " The little creature laughed and ran away. At that moment, a bright turban was seen moving along above thebushes. Then a black face became visible. Flora sprang up with a quickcry, and rushed out of the room, upsetting her basket, and leavingballs and thimble rolling about the floor. Placing her foot on astump, she leaped over the hedge like an opera-dancer, and the nextmoment she had the negro woman in her arms, exclaiming: "Bless you, Tulee! You _are_ alive, after all!"

The black woman was startled and bewildered for an instant; then sheheld her off at arm's length, and looked at her with astonishment, saying: "Bless the Lord! Is it you, Missy Flory? or is it a sperit?Well now, _is_ it you, little one?"

"Yes, Tulee; it is I, " she replied. "The same Missy Flory that used toplague your life out with her tricks. "

The colored woman hugged and kissed, and hugged and kissed, andlaughed and cried; ever and anon exclaiming, "Bless the Lord!"

Meanwhile, the playful cherub was peeping at Joe Bright throughanother hole in the hedge, all unconscious how pretty her little fairface looked in its frame of green leaves, but delighted with her ownsauciness, as she repeated, "You're a Bob-o-lith-o-nitht! you're aBob-o-lith-o-nitht!" When he tried to kiss her, she scampered away, but soon reappeared again to renew the fun. 

While this by-play was going on, a white servant came through theDeacon's grounds, and said to Tulee, "Mrs. Robbem wants you to come toher immediately, and bring Laura. "

"I must go now, darling, " said Tulee, clasping Flora's hand with awarm pressure. 

"Come again quickly, " said Flora. 

"As soon as I can, " she replied, and hurried away with her littlecharge. 

When Mr. Bright offered his hand to help Mrs. Blumenthal over thehedge, he burst into a hearty laugh. "Wasn't it funny, " said he, "tohear that baby calling us Bob-o-lith-o-nithts? They begin educationearly down South. Before the summer is out she'll be talking about thecuth o' Ham, and telling the story of Onethimuth. But they've found amare's nest now, Mrs. Blumenthal. The Deacon will be writing to hisCarolina friends how the Massachusetts ladies hug and kiss niggers. "

Flora smiled as she answered: "I suppose it must seem strange to them, Mr. Bright. But the fact is, that black woman tended me when I was achild; and I haven't seen her for twenty years. "

As soon as she entered the house, she explained the scene to Mrs. Delano, and then said to her daughter: "Now, Rosen Blumen, you mayleave your drawing and go to Aunt Rosa, and tell her I want to see herfor something special, and she must come as soon as possible. Don'ttell her anything more. You may stay and spend the day with Eulalia, if you like. "

"How many mysteries and surprises we have, " observed Mrs. Delano. "Adozen novels might be made out of your adventures. "

The hasty summons found Mrs. King still melancholy with the thoughtthat her newly found son could be no more to her than a shadow. Gladto have her thoughts turned in another direction, she sent RosenBlumen to her cousin, and immediately prepared to join her sister. Flora, who was watching for her, ran out to the gate to meet her, and before she entered the house announced that Tulee was alive. Thelittle that was known was soon communicated, and they watched with thegreatest anxiety for the reappearance of Tulee. But the bright turbanwas seen no more during the forenoon; and throughout the afternoon noone but the Deacon and his gardener were visible about the grounds. The hours of waiting were spent by the sisters and Mrs. Delano in afull explanation of the secret history of Gerald Fitzgerald, and Mrs. King's consequent depression of spirits. The evening wore away withoutany tidings from Tulee. Between nine and ten o'clock they heard thevoice of the Deacon loud in prayer. Joe Bright, who was passing theopen window, stopped to say: "He means his neighbors shall hear him, anyhow. I reckon he thinks it's a good investment for character. He'sa cute manager, the Deacon is; and a quickster, too, according to hisown account; for he told me when he made up his mind to have religion, he wasn't half an hour about it. I'd a mind to tell him I should thinkslave-trading religion was a job done by contract, knocked up in ahurry. "

"Mr. Bright, " said Flora, in a low voice, "if you see that coloredwoman, I wish you would speak to her, and show her the way in. "

The sisters sat talking over their affairs with their husbands, in lowtones, listening anxiously meanwhile to every sound. Mr. And Mrs. Kingwere just saying they thought it was best to return home, when Mr. Bright opened the door and Tulee walked in. Of course, there was ageneral exclaiming and embracing. There was no need of introducing thehusbands, for Tulee remembered them both. As soon as she could takebreath, she said: "I've had _such_ a time to get here! I've beentrying all day, and I couldn't get a chance, they kept such watch ofme. At last, when they was all abed and asleep, I crept down stairssoftly, and come out of the back door, and locked it after me. "

"Come right up stairs with me, " said Rosa. "I want to speak to you. "As soon as they were alone, she said, "Tulee, where is the baby?"

"Don't know no more than the dead what's become of the poor littlepicaninny, " she replied. "After ye went away, Missy Duroy's cousin, who was a sea-captain, brought his baby with a black nurse to boardthere, because his wife had died. I remember how ye looked at me whenye said, 'Take good care of the poor little baby. ' And I did try totake good care of him. I toted him about a bit out doors whenever Icould get a chance. One day, just as I was going back into the house, a gentleman o'horseback turned and looked at me. I didn't thinkanything about it then; but the next day, he come to the house, and hesaid I was Mr. Royal's slave, and that Mr. Fitzgerald bought me. Hewanted to know where ye was; and when I told him ye'd gone over thesea with Madame and the Signor, he cursed and swore, and said he'dbeen cheated. When he went away, Missis Duroy said it was Mr. Bruteman. I didn't think there was much to be 'fraid of, 'cause ye'dgot away safe, and I had free papers, and the picaninny was too smallto be sold. But I remembered ye was always anxious about his being aslave, and I was a little uneasy. One day when the sea-captain came tosee his baby, he was marking an anchor on his own arm with a needleand some sort of black stuff; and he said 't would never come out. Ithought if they should carry off yer picaninny, it would be more easyto find him again if he was marked. I told the captain I had heard yecall him Gerald; and he said he would mark G. F. On his arm. The poorlittle thing worried in his sleep while he was doing it, and MissisDuroy scolded at me for hurting him. The next week Massa Duroy wastaken with yellow-fever; and then Missis Duroy was taken, and then thecaptain's baby and the black nurse. I was frighted, and tried to keepthe picaninny out doors all I could. One day, when I'd gone a bit fromthe house, two men grabbed us and put us in a cart. When I screamed, they beat me, and swore at me for a runaway nigger. When I said I wasfree, they beat me more, and told me to shut up. They put us in thecalaboose; and when I told 'em the picaninny belonged to a whitelady, they laughed and said there was a great many white niggers. Mr. Bruteman come to see us, and he said we was his niggers. When I showedhim my free paper, he said 't want good for anything, and tore it topieces. O Missy Rosy, that was a dreadful dark time. The jailer's wifedidn't seem so hard-hearted as the rest. I showed her the mark on thepicaninny's arm, and gave her one of the little shirts ye embroidered;and I told her if they sold me away from him, a white lady wouldsend for him. They did sell me, Missy Rosy. Mr. Robbem, a Carolinyslave-trader bought me, and he's my massa now. I don't know what theydid with the picaninny. I didn't know how to write, and I didn't knowwhere ye was. I was always hoping ye would come for me some time; andat last I thought ye must be dead. "

"Poor Tulee, " said Rosa. "They wrote that Mr. And Mrs. Duroy and theblack woman and the white baby all died of yellow-fever; and we didn'tknow there was any other black woman there. I've sent to New Orleans, and I've been there; and many a cry I've had, because we couldn't findyou. But your troubles are all over now. You shall come and live withus. "

"But I'm Mr. Robbem's slave, " replied Tulee. 

"No, you are not, " answered Rosa. "You became free the moment theybrought you to Massachusetts. "

"Is it really so?" said Tulee, brightening up in look and tone. Then, with a sudden sadness, she added: "I've got three chil'ren inCarolina. They've sold two on 'em; but they've left me my littleBenny, eight years old. They wouldn't have brought me here, if theyhadn't known Benny would pull me back. "

"We'll buy your children, " said Rosa. 

"Bless ye, Missy Rosy!" she exclaimed. "Ye's got the same kind heartye always had. How glad I am to see ye all so happy!"

"O Tulee!" groaned Rosa, "I can never be happy till that poor littlebaby is found. I've no doubt that wicked Bruteman sold him. " Shecovered her face with her hands, and the tears trickled through herfingers. 

"The Lord comfort ye!" said Tulee, "I did all I could for yer poorlittle picaninny. "

"I know you did, Tulee, " she replied. "But I am _so_ sorry Madamedidn't take you with us! When she told me she had left you, I wasafraid something bad would happen; and I would have gone back foryou if I could. But it is too late to talk any more now. Mr. King iswaiting for me to go home. Why can't you go with us to-night?"

"I must go back, " rejoined Tulee. "I've got the key with me, and Ileft the picaninny asleep in my bed. I'll come again to-morrow night, if I can. "

"Don't say if you can, Tulee, " replied Mrs. King. "Remember you arenot a slave here. You can walk away at mid-day, and tell them you aregoing to live with us. "

"They'd lock me up and send me back to Caroliny, if I told 'em so, "said Tulee. "But I'll come, Missy Rosy. "

Rosa kissed the dark cheek she had so often kissed when they werechildren together, and they parted for the night. 

The next day and the next night passed without a visit from Tulee. Mr. And Mrs. Bright, who entered into the affair with the liveliestinterest, expressed the opinion that she had been spirited away andsent South. The sisters began to entertain a similar fear; and itwas decided that their husbands should call with them the followingmorning, to have a talk with Mr. And Mrs. Robbem. But not long afterbreakfast, Tulee stole into the back door with the cherub in her arms. 

"O Missy Flory, " said she, "I tried to get here last night. But MissisRobbem takes a heap o' care o' me. " She said this with a mischievoussmile. "When we was at the Astor House, she locked up my clothes inher room, 'cause New York was such a dreadful wicked place, she was'fraid they'd be stole; and she never let me out o' her sight, forfear the colored waiters in the hotel would be impudent to me. Lastnight she sent me away up into the cupola to sleep, 'cause she said Icould have more room there. And when I'd got the picaninny asleep, andwas watching for a chance to steal away, she come all the way up therevery softly, and said she'd brought me some hot drink, 'cause I didn'tseem to be well. Then she begun to advise me not to go near the nexthouse. She told me Abolitionists was very bad people; that theypretended to be great friends to colored folks, but all they wantedwas to steal 'em and sell 'em to the West Indies. I told her I didn'tknow nothing 'bout Abolitionists; that the lady I was hugging andkissing was a New Orleans lady that I used to wait upon when we waspicaninnies. She said if you had the feelings Southern ladies ought tohave, you wouldn't be boarding with Abolitionists. When she went downstairs I didn't dare to come here, for fear she'd come up again withsome more hot drink. This morning she told me to walk up street withthe picaninny; and she watched me till I was out o' sight. But I wentround and round and got over a fence, and come through Massa Bright'sbarn. "

Mr. And Mrs. King came in as she was speaking; and she turned to them, saying anxiously, "Do you think, Massa, if I don't go back with 'em, they'll let me have my chil'ren?"

"Don't call me Massa, " replied Mr. King, "I dislike the sound of it. Speak to me as other people do. I have no doubt we shall manage it sothat you will have your children. I will lead home this pretty littleTot, and tell them you are going to stay with us. "

With bonbons and funny talk he gained the favor of Tot, so that sheconsented to walk with him. Tulee often applied her apron to her eyes, as she watched the little creature holding by his finger, andstepping along in childish fashion, turning her toes inward. When shedisappeared through the Deacon's front door, she sat down and criedoutright. "I love that little picaninny, " sobbed she. "I've tended herever since she was born; and I love her. She'll cry for Tulee. But Idoes want to be free, and I does want to live with ye, Missy Rosy andMissy Flory. "

Mrs. Robbem met Mr. King as soon as he entered her father's door, andsaid in a tone of stern surprise, "Where is my servant, sir?"

He bowed and answered, "If you will allow me to walk in for a fewmoments, I will explain my errand. " As soon as they were seated hesaid: "I came to inform you that Tulee does not wish to go back toCarolina; and that by the laws of Massachusetts she has a perfectright to remain here. "

"She's an ungrateful wench!" exclaimed Mrs. Robbem. "She's always beentreated kindly, and she wouldn't have thought of taking such a step, if she hadn't been put up to it by meddlesome Abolitionists, who arealways interfering with gentlemen's servants. "

"The simple fact is, " rejoined Mr. King, "Tulee used to be theplaymate and attendant of my wife when both of them were children. They lived together many years, and are strongly attached to eachother. "

"If your wife is a Southern lady, " replied Mrs. Robbem, "she ought tobe above such a mean Yankee trick as stealing my servant from me. "

Her husband entered at that moment, and the visitor rose and bowed ashe said, "Mr. Robbem, I presume. "

He lowered his head somewhat stiffly in reply; and his wife hastenedto say, "The Abolitionists have been decoying Tulee away from us. "

Mr. King repeated the explanation he had already made. 

"I thought the wench had more feeling, " replied Mr. Robbem. "She leftchildren in Carolina. But the fact is, niggers have no more feelingfor their young than so many pigs. "

"I judge differently, " rejoined Mr. King; "and my principal motive forcalling was to speak to you about those children. I wish to purchasethem for Tulee. "

"She shall never have them, sir!" exclaimed the slave-trader, fiercely. "And as for you Abolitionists, all I wish is that we had youdown South. "

"Differences of opinion must be allowed in a free country, " repliedMr. King. "I consider slavery a bad institution, injurious to theSouth, and to the whole country. But I did not come here to discussthat subject. I simply wish to make a plain business statement to you. Tulee chooses to take her freedom, and any court in Massachusetts willdecide that she has a right to take it. But, out of gratitude forservices she has rendered my wife, I am willing to make you gratuitouscompensation, provided you will enable me to buy all her children. Will you name your terms now, or shall I call again?". 

"She shall never have her children, " repeated Mr. Robbem; "she hasnobody but herself and the Abolitionists to blame for it. "

"I will, however, call again, after you have thought of it morecalmly, " said Mr. King. "Good morning, sir; good morning, madam. "

His salutations were silently returned with cold, stiff bows. 

A second and third attempt was made with no better success. Tulee grewvery uneasy. "They'll sell my Benny, " said she. "Ye see they ain't gotany heart, 'cause they's used to selling picaninnies. "

"What, does this Mr. Robbem carry on the Deacon's old business?"inquired Mr. Bright. 

"Yes, Massa, " replied Tulee. "Two years ago, Massa Stillham come downto Caroliny to spend the winter, and he was round in the slave-penas brisk as Massa Robbem, counting the niggers, and telling how manydollars they ought to sell for. He had a dreadful bad fever while hewas down there, and I nursed him. He was out of his head half thetime, and he was calling out: 'Going! going! How much for this likelynigger? Stop that wench's squalling for her brat! Carry the brat off!'It was dreadful to hear him. "

"I suppose he calculated upon going to heaven if he died, " rejoinedMr. Bright; "and if he'd gone into the kingdom with such words in hismouth, it would have been a heavenly song for the four-and-twentyelders to accompany with their golden harps. "

"They'll sell my Benny, " groaned Tulee; "and then I shall never seehim again. "

"I have no doubt Mr. King will obtain your children, " replied Mr. Bright; "and you should remember that, if you go back South, just aslikely as not they will sell him where you will never see him or hearfrom him. "

"I know it, Massa, I know it, " answered she. 

"I am not your master, " rejoined he. "I allow no man to call memaster, and certainly not any woman; though I don't belong to thechivalry. "

His prediction proved true. The Deacon and his son-in-law heldfrequent consultations. "This Mr. King is rich as Croesus, " said theDeacon; "and if he thinks his wife owes a debt to Tulee, he'll bewilling to give a round sum for her children. I reckon you can make abetter bargain with him than you could in the New Orleans market. "

"Do you suppose he'd give five thousand dollars for the youngniggers?" inquired the trader. 

"Try him, " said the Deacon. 

The final result was that the sum was deposited by Mr. King, to bepaid over whenever Tulee's children made their appearance; and in duetime they all arrived. Tulee was full of joy and gratitude; but Mr. Bright always maintained it was a sin and a shame to pay slave-tradersso much for what never belonged to them. 

Of course there were endless questions to be asked and answeredbetween the sisters and their faithful servant; but all she could tellthrew no further light on the destiny of the little changeling whomshe supposed to be Rosa's own child. In the course of these privateconversations, it came out that she herself had suffered, as all womenmust suffer, who have the feelings of human beings, and the treatmentof animals. But her own humble little episode of love and separation, of sorrow and shame, was whispered only to Missy Rosy and Missy Flory. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery wasa very serious complication of existing difficulties. Thinking itprudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that mightoccur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conferencewith him. The young man received the news with unexpected composure. 

"It will annoy Lily-mother very much, " said he, "and on that accountI regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in somerespects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which Ifind myself. Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense Ihave been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and ofcourse that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practisinga fraud upon him. He is just now peculiarly vexed with me for leavingNorthampton so suddenly. He considers it an unaccountable caprice ofmine, and reproaches me with letting Eulalia slip through my fingers, as he expresses it. Of course, he has no idea how it cuts me. Thisstate of things is producing a great change in my views. My prevailingwish now is to obtain an independent position by my own exertions, andthus be free to become familiar with my new self. At present, I feelas if there were two of me, and that one was an impostor. "

"I heartily approve of your wish to rely upon your own resources, "replied Mr. King; "and I will gladly assist you to accomplish it. Ihave already said you should be to me as a son, and I stand by myword; but I advise you, as I would an own son, to devote yourselfassiduously to some business, profession, or art. Never be a gentlemanof leisure. It is the worst possible calling a man can have. Nothingbut stagnation of faculties and weariness of soul comes of it. But wewill talk about _your_ plans hereafter. The urgent business of thepresent moment is to obtain some clew to your missing brother. Myconscientious wife will suffer continual anxiety till he is found. Imust go to New Orleans and seek out Mr. Bruteman, to ascertain whetherhe has sold him. "

"Bruteman!" exclaimed the young man, with sudden interest. "Was he theone who seized that negro woman and the child?"

"Yes, " rejoined Mr. King. "But why does that excite your interest?"

"I am almost ashamed to tell you, " replied Gerald. "But you know Iwas educated in the prejudices of my father and grandfather. It wasnatural that I should be proud of being the son of a slaveholder, that I should despise the colored race, and consider abolition a veryvulgar fanaticism. But the recent discovery that I was myself born aslave has put me upon my thoughts, and made me a little uneasy abouta transaction in which I was concerned. The afternoon preceding Mrs. Green's splendid ball, where I first saw my beautiful Rose-mother, twofugitive slaves arrived here in one of grandfather's ships called 'TheKing Cotton. ' Mr. Bruteman telegraphed to grandfather about them, andthe next morning he sent me to tell Captain Kane to send the slavesdown to the islands in the harbor, and keep them under guard till avessel passed that would take them back to New Orleans. I did hiserrand, without bestowing upon the subjects of it any more thought orcare than I should have done upon two bales of cotton. At parting, Captain Kane said to me, 'By George, Mr. Fitzgerald, one of thesefellows looks so much like you, that, if you were a little tanned byexposure to the sun, I shouldn't know you apart. ' 'That's flattering, 'replied I, 'to be compared to a negro. ' And I hurried away, beingimpatient to make an early call upon your lady at the Revere House. Idon't suppose I should ever have thought of it again, if your presentconversation had not brought it to my mind. "

"Do you know whether Mr. Bruteman sold those slaves after they weresent back?" inquired Mr. King. 

"There is one fact connected with the affair which I will tell you, if you promise not to mention it, " replied the young man. "TheAbolitionists annoyed grandfather a good deal about those runaways, and he is nervously sensitive lest they should get hold of it, andpublish it in their papers. " Having received the desired promise, hewent on to say: "Those slaves were mortgaged to grandfather, and hesent orders to have them immediately sold. I presume Mr. Brutemanmanaged the transaction, for they were his slaves; but I don't knowwhether he reported the name of the purchaser. He died two monthsago, leaving his affairs a good deal involved; and I heard that somedistant connections in Mississippi were his heirs. "

"Where can I find Captain Kane?" inquired Mr. King. 

"He sailed for Calcutta a fortnight ago, " rejoined Gerald. 

"Then there is no other resource but to go to New Orleans, as soon asthe weather will permit, " was the reply. 

"I honor your zeal, " said the young man. "I wish my own record wasclean on the subject. Since I have taken the case home to myself, I have felt that it was mean and wrong to send back fugitives fromslavery; but it becomes painful, when I think of the possibility ofhaving helped to send back my own brother, --and one, too, whom I havesupplanted in his birthright. "

 * * * * *

When Mr. King returned to Northampton, the information he had obtainedsent a new pang to the heart of his wife. "Then he _is_ a slave!" sheexclaimed. "And while the poor fellow was being bound and sent backto slavery, I was dancing and receiving homage. Verily the Furies dopursue me. Do you think it is necessary to tell Mrs. Fitzgerald ofthis?"

"In a reverse of cases, I think you would feel that you ought to beinformed of everything, " he replied. "But I will save you from thatportion of the pain. It was most fitting that a woman should make thefirst part of the disclosure; but this new light on the subject can beas well revealed by myself. "

"Always kind and considerate, " she said. "This news will be peculiarlyannoying to her, and perhaps she will receive it better from you thanfrom me; for I can see that I have lost her favor. But you have taughtme that it is of more consequence to _deserve_ favor than to _have_it; and I shall do my utmost to deserve a kindly estimate from her. "

"I confess I am somewhat puzzled by this tangle, " rejoined herhusband. "But where there is both the will and the means to repair awrong, it will be strange if a way cannot be found. "

"I would like to sell my diamonds, and all my other expensiveornaments, to buy that young man, " said she. 

"That you can do, if it will be any gratification to you, " he replied;"but the few thousands I have invested in jewels for you would go butlittle way toward the full remuneration I intend to make, if he can befound. We will send the young people out of the way this evening, andlay the case before a family council of the elders. I should like toconsult Blumenthal. I have never known a man whose natural instinctswere so true as his; and his entire freedom from conventionalprejudices reminds me of my good father. I have great reliance alsoon Mrs. Delano's delicate perceptions and quiet good sense. And ourlively little Flora, though she jumps to her conclusions, always jumpsin a straight line, and usually hits the point. "

As soon as the council was convened, and the subject introduced, Mrs. Blumenthal exclaimed: "Why, Florimond, those slaves in 'The KingCotton' were the ones you and Mr. Goldwin tried so hard to help themfind. "

"Yes, " rejoined he; "I caught a hasty glimpse of one of the poorfellows just as they were seizing him with the cry of 'Stop thief!'and his Italian look reminded me so forcibly of the danger Flora wasonce in, that I was extremely troubled about him after I heard he wasa slave. As I recall him to my mind, I do think he resembled youngFitzgerald. Mr. Percival might perhaps throw some light on thesubject; for he was unwearied in his efforts to rescue thosefugitives. He already knows Flora's history. "

"I should like to have you go to Boston with me and introduce me tohim, " said Mr. King. 

"That I will do, " answered Blumenthal. "I think both Mr. Bell andMrs. Fitzgerald would prefer to have it all sink into unquestionedoblivion; but that does not change our duty with regard to the poorfellow. "

"Do you think they ought to be informed of the present circumstances?"inquired Mr. King. 

"If I were in their position, I should think I ought to know all theparticulars, " replied he; "and the golden rule is as good as it issimple. "

"Mrs. Fitzgerald has great dread of her father's knowing anythingabout it, " responded Rosa; "and I have an earnest desire to spare herpain as far as possible. It seems as if she had a right to judge inthe premises. "

Mrs. Delano took Mr. Blumenthal's view of the subject, and it wasdecided to leave that point for further consideration. Flora suggestedthat some difficulties might be removed by at once informing Eulaliathat Gerald was her brother. But Mrs. Delano answered: "Somedifficulties might be avoided for ourselves by that process; but thegood of the young people is a paramount consideration. You know noneof them are aware of all the antecedents in their family history, and it seems to me best that they should not know them till theircharacters are fully formed. I should have no objection to tellingthem of their colored ancestry, if it did not involve a knowledge oflaws and customs and experiences growing out of slavery, which might, at this early age, prove unsettling to their principles. Anything thatmystifies moral perceptions is not so easily removed from youthfulminds as breath is wiped from a mirror. "

"I have that feeling very deeply fixed with regard to our Eulalia, "observed Mr. King; "and I really see no need of agitating theiryoung, unconscious minds with subjects they are too inexperienced tounderstand. I will have a talk with Mrs. Fitzgerald, and then proceedto Boston. "

Mrs. Fitzgerald received the announcement with much less equanimitythan she had manifested on a former occasion. Though habituallypolite, she said very abruptly: "I was in hopes I should never betroubled any more with this vulgar subject. Since Mrs. King saw fit tochange the children, let her take care of the one she has chosen. Ofcourse, it would be very disagreeable to me to have a son who had beenbrought up among slaves. If I wished to make his acquaintance, I couldnot do it without exciting a great deal of remark; and there hasalready been too much talk about my husband's affairs. But I have nowish to see him. I have educated a son to my own liking, and everybodysays he is an elegant young man. If you would cease from telling methat there is a stain in his blood, I should never be reminded of it. "

"We thought it right to inform you of everything, " rejoined Mr. King, "and leave you to decide what was to be done. "

"Then, once for all, " said she, "please leave Gerald and me in peace;and do what you choose about the other one. We have had sufficientannoyance already; and I never wish to hear the subject mentionedagain. "

"I accept your decision, " replied Mr. King. "If the unfortunate youngman can be found, I will educate him and establish him in business, and do the same for him in all respects that you would have done if hehad been your acknowledged heir. "

"And keep him at a distance from me, " said the perturbed lady; "forif he resembles Gerald so strongly, it would of course give rise tounpleasant inquiries and remarks. "

The gentleman bowed, wished her good morning, and departed, thinkingwhat he had heard was a strange commentary on natural instincts. 

Mr. Percival was of course greatly surprised and excited when helearned the relation which one of the fugitives in "The King Cotton"bore to Mr. Bell. "We hear a good deal about poetical justice, " saidhe; "but one rarely sees it meted out in this world. The hardness ofthe old merchant when Mr. Jackson and I called upon him was a thing tobe remembered. He indorsed, with warm approbation, the declarationof the reverend gentleman who professed his willingness to send hismother or brother into slavery, if the laws of the United Statesrequired it. "

"If our friend Mr. Bright was with us, he would say the Lord took himat his word, " rejoined Mr. Blumenthal, smiling. 

An earnest discussion ensued concerning the possibilities of the case, and several days were spent in active investigation. But all theadditional light obtained was from a sailor, who had been one of theboat's crew that conveyed the fugitives to the islands in the harbor;and all he could tell was that he heard them call each other Georgeand Henry. When he was shown a colored photograph, which Gerald hadjust had taken for his Rose-mother, he at once said that was the onenamed George. 

"This poor fellow must be rescued, " said Mr. King, after they returnedfrom their unsatisfactory conference with the sailor. "Mr. Bell mayknow who purchased him, and a conversation with him seems to be theonly alternative. "

"Judging by my own experience, your task is not to be envied, "rejoined Mr. Percival. "He will be in a tremendous rage. But perhapsthe lesson will do him good. I remember Francis Jackson said at thetime, that if his dark-complexioned grandson should be sent intoslavery, it might bring him to a realizing sense of the state ofthings he was doing his utmost to encourage. "

The undertaking did indeed seem more formidable to Mr. King thananything he had yet encountered; but true to his sense of duty heresolved to go bravely through with it. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

The old merchant received Mr. King with marked politeness; for thoughhe suspected him of anti-slavery proclivities, and despised him forthat weakness, he had great respect for a man whose name was as goodas gold, and who was the father of such an eligible match as Eulalia. 

After some discursive conversation, Mr. King said, "I am desirous totell you a short story, if you will have patience to listen to it. "

"Certainly, sir, " replied the old gentleman. 

His visitor accordingly began by telling of Mr. Royal's having formedone of those quadroon alliances so common in New Orleans; of hishaving died insolvent; and of his two handsome octoroon daughtershaving been claimed as slaves by his creditors. 

"What the deuce do you suppose I care about his octoroon daughters?"interrupted Mr. Bell, impatiently. "I wasn't one of his creditors. "

"Perhaps you will take some interest in it, " rejoined Mr. King, "when I tell you that the eldest of them was married to Mr. GeraldFitzgerald of Savannah, and that she is still living. "

"Do you mean the Mr. Fitzgerald who married my daughter Lily?"inquired he. 

"I do mean him, " was the response. 

"It's false, " vociferated Mr. Bell, growing almost purple in the face. 

"No, sir, it is not false, " replied Mr. King. "But you need not be somuch excited. The first marriage did not render the second illegal;first, because a sham ceremony was performed to deceive theinexperienced girl; and secondly, because, according to the laws ofthe South, any marriage with a slave, however sanctified by religiousforms, is utterly void in law. "

"I consider such a law a very wise provision, " replied the merchant. "It is necessary to prevent the inferior race from being put on anequality with their superiors. The negroes were made to be servants, sir. _You_ may be an advocate for amalgamation, but I am not. "

"I would simply ask you to observe that the law you so much approve isnot a preventive of amalgamation. Mr. Fitzgerald married the daughterof the quadroon. The only effect of the law was to deprive her of alegal right to his support and protection, and to prevent her son fromreceiving any share of his father's property. By another Southern law, that 'the child shall follow the condition of the mother, ' her sonbecame a slave. "

"Well, sir, what interest do you suppose I can take in all this?"interrupted the merchant. "It's nothing to me, sir. The South iscompetent to make her own laws. "

Mr. King begged his attention a little longer. He then proceeded totell how Mr. Fitzgerald had treated the octoroon, at the time of hismarriage with Miss Bell; that he had subsequently sold her to a verybase man, in payment of a debt; that she, terrified and bewilderedby the prospect of such a fate, had, in a moment of frantic revenge, changed her babe for his daughter's; and that consequently the Geraldhe had been educating as his grandson was in fact the son of theoctoroon, and born a slave. 

"Really, sir, " said Mr. Bell, with a satirical smile, "that storymight sell for something to a writer of sensation novels; but Ishould hardly have expected to hear it from a sensible gentleman likeyourself. Pray, on whose testimony do you expect me to believe such animprobable fiction?"

"On that of the mother herself, " replied Mr. King. 

With a very contemptuous curl of his lip, Mr. Bell answered: "Andyou really suppose, do you, that I can be induced to disinherit mygrandson on the testimony of a colored woman? Not I, sir. Thank God, Iam not infected with this negro mania. "

"But you have not asked who the woman is, " rejoined Mr. King; "andwithout knowing that, you cannot judge candidly of the value of hertestimony. "

"I don't ask, because I don't care, " replied the merchant. "Thenegroes are a lying set, sir; and I am no Abolitionist, that I shouldgo about retailing their lies. "

Mr. King looked at him an instant, and then answered, very calmly:"The mother of that babe, whose word you treat so contemptuously, isMrs. King, my beloved and honored wife. "

The old merchant was startled from his propriety; and, forgetful ofthe gout in his feet, he sprung from his chair, exclaiming, "TheDevil!"

Mr. King, without noticing the abrupt exclamation, went on to relatein detail the manner of his first introduction to Miss Royal, hiscompassion for her subsequent misfortunes, his many reasons forbelieving her a pure and noble woman, and the circumstances whichfinally led to their marriage. He expressed his conviction that thechildren had been changed in a fit of temporary insanity, and dweltmuch on his wife's exceeding anxiety to atone for the wrong, as far aspossible. "I was ignorant of the circumstance, " said he, "until theincreasing attraction between Gerald and Eulalia made an avowalnecessary. It gives me great pain to tell you all this; but I thoughtthat, under a reverse of circumstances, I should myself prefer to knowthe facts. I am desirous to do my utmost to repair the mischief doneby a deserted and friendless woman, at a moment when she was crazedby distress and terror; a woman, too, whose character I have abundantreason to love and honor. If you choose to disinherit Gerald, I willprovide for his future as if he were my own son; and I will repay withinterest all the expense you have incurred for him. I hope that thisaffair may be kept secret from the world, and that we may amicablysettle it, in such a way that no one will be materially injured. "

Somewhat mollified by this proposal, the old gentleman inquired in amilder tone, "And where is the young man who you say is my daughter'sson?"

"Until very recently he was supposed to be dead, " rejoined Mr. King;"and unfortunately that circumstance led my wife to think there wasno need of speaking to me concerning this affair at the time of ourmarriage. But we now have reason to think he may be living; and thatis why I have particularly felt it my duty to make this unpleasantrevelation. " After repeating Tulee's story, he said, "You probablyhave not forgotten that last winter two slaves escaped to Boston inyour ship 'The King Cotton'?"

The old merchant started as if he had been shot. 

"Try not to be agitated, " said Mr. King. "If we keep calm, and assisteach other, we may perhaps extricate ourselves from this disagreeabledilemma, without any very disastrous results. I have but one reasonfor thinking it possible there may be some connection between the lostbabe and one of the slaves whom you sent back to his claimant. The twobabes were very nearly of an age, and so much alike that the exchangepassed unnoticed; and the captain of 'The King Cotton' told Geraldthat the eldest of those slaves resembled him so much that he shouldnot know them apart. "

Mr. Bell covered his face and uttered a deep groan. Such distress inan old man powerfully excited Mr. King's sympathy; and moving near tohim, he placed his hand on his and said: "Don't be so much troubled, sir. This is a bad affair, but I think it can be so managed as to dono very serious harm. My motive in coming to you at this time is toascertain whether you can furnish me with any clew to that young man. I will myself go in search of him, and I will take him to Europe andhave him educated in a manner suitable to his condition, as yourdescendant and the heir of your property. "

The drawn expression of the old merchant's mouth was something painfulto witness. It seemed as if every nerve was pulled to its utmosttension by the excitement in his soul. He obviously had to make astrong effort to speak when he said, "Do you suppose, sir, that amerchant of my standing is going to leave his property to negroes?"

"You forget that this young man is pure Anglo-Saxon, " replied Mr. King. 

"I tell you, sir, " rejoined Mr. Bell, "that the mulatto who was withhim was his wife; and if he is proved to be my grandson, I'll neversee him, nor have anything to do with him, unless he gives her up;not if you educate him with the Prince Royal of France or England. Apretty dilemma you have placed me in, sir. My property, it seems, musteither go to Gerald, who you say has negro blood in his veins, or tothis other fellow, who is a slave with a negro wife. "

"But she could be educated in Europe also, " pleaded Mr. King; "and Icould establish him permanently in lucrative business abroad. By thisarrangement--"

"Go to the Devil with your arrangements!" interrupted the merchant, losing all command of himself. "If you expect to arrange a pack ofmulatto heirs for _me_, you are mistaken, sir. "

He rose up and struck his chair upon the floor with a vengeance, andhis face was purple with rage, as he vociferated: "I'll have legalredress for this, sir. I'll expose your wife, sir. I'll lay my damagesat a million, sir. "

Mr. King bowed and said, "I will see you again when you are morecalm. "

As he went out, he heard Mr. Bell striding across the room andthrashing the furniture about. "Poor old gentleman!" thought he. "Ihope I shall succeed in convincing him how little I value money incomparison with righting this wrong, as far as possible. Alas! itwould never have taken place had there not been a great antecedentwrong; and that again grew out of the monstrous evil of slavery. "

He had said to the old merchant, "I will see you again when you arecalmer. " And when he saw him again, he was indeed calm, for he haddied suddenly, of a fit produced by violent excitement. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

A few weeks after the funeral of Mr. Bell, Gerald wrote the followingletter to Mr. King:--

"My honored and dear Friend, --Lily-mother has decided to go to Europethis fall, that I may have certain educational advantages which shehas planned for me. That is the only reason she assigns; but she isevidently nervous about your investigations, and I think a wish to beout of the country for the present has had some effect in producingthis decision. I have not sought to influence her concerning this, orthe other important point you wot of. My desire is to conform to herwishes, and promote her happiness in any way she chooses. This it ismy duty as well as my pleasure to do. She intends to remain in Europea year, perhaps longer. I wish very much to see you all; and Eulaliamight well consider me a very impolite acquaintance, if I should gowithout saying good by. If you do not return to Boston before wesail, I will, with your permission, make a short call upon you inNorthampton. I thank Rose-mother for her likeness. It will be veryprecious to me. I wish you would add your own and another; forwherever my lot may be cast, you three will always be among my dearestmemories. "

"I am glad of this arrangement, " said Mr. King. "At their age, I hopea year of separation will prove sufficient. "

The Rose-mother covered the wound in her heart, and answered, "Yes, it is best. " But the constrained tone of the letter pained her, andexcited her mind to that most unsatisfactory of all occupations, thethinking over what might have been. She had visions of her first-bornson, as he lay by her side a few hours before Chloe carried him awayfrom her sight; and then there rose before her the fair face of thatother son, whose pretty little body was passing into the roses ofProvence. Both of them had gone out of her life. Of one she receivedno tidings from the mysterious world of spirits; while the other waswalking within her vision, as a shadow, the reality of which wasintangible. 

Mr. King returned to Boston with his family in season for Geraldto make the proposed call before he sailed. There was a littleheightening of color when he and Eulalia met, but he had drilledhimself to perform the part of a polite acquaintance; and as shethought she had been rather negligently treated of late, she was casedin the armor of maidenly reserve. 

Both Mr. And Mrs. King felt it to be an arduous duty to call on Mrs. Fitzgerald. That lady, though she respected their conscientiousness, could not help disliking them. They had disturbed her relations withGerald, by suggesting the idea of another claim upon his affections;and they had offended her pride by introducing the vulgar phantom ofa slave son to haunt her imagination. She was continually jealous ofMrs. King; so jealous, that Gerald never ventured to show her thelikeness of his Rose-mother. But though the discerning eyes of Mr. AndMrs. King read this in the very excess of her polite demonstrations, other visitors who were present when they called supposed them to beher dearest friends, and envied her the distinguished intimacy. 

Such formal attempts at intercourse only increased the cravings ofRosa's heart, and Mr. King requested Gerald to grant her a privateinterview. Inexpressibly precious were these few stolen moments, whenshe could venture to call him son, and hear him call her mother. Hebrought her an enamelled locket containing some of his hair, inscribedwith the word "Gerald"; and she told him that to the day of her deathshe would always wear it next her heart. He opened a small moroccocase, on the velvet lining of which lay a lily of delicate silverfiligree. 

"Here is a little souvenir for Eulalia, " said he. 

Her eyes moistened as she replied, "I fear it would not be prudent, myson. "

He averted his face as he answered: "Then give it to her in mymother's name. It will be pleasant to me to think that my sister iswearing it. "

 * * * * *

A few days after Gerald had sailed for Europe, Mr. King started forNew Orleans, taking with him his wife and daughter. An auctioneer wasfound, who said he had sold to a gentleman in Natchez a runaway slavenamed Bob Bruteman, who strongly resembled the likeness of Gerald. They proceeded to Natchez and had an interview with the purchaser, whorecognized a likeness between his slave Bob and the picture ofGerald. He said he had made a bad bargain of it, for the fellow wasintelligent and artful, and had escaped from him two months ago. Inanswer to his queries, Mr. King stated that, if Bob was the one hesupposed, he was a white man, and had friends who wished to redeemhim; but as the master had obtained no clew to the runaway, he couldof course give none. So their long journey produced no result, exceptthe satisfaction of thinking that the object of their interest hadescaped from slavery. 

It had been their intention to spend the coldest months at the South, but a volcano had flared up all of a sudden at Harper's Ferry, andboiling lava was rolling all over the land. Every Northern man whovisited the South was eyed suspiciously, as a possible emissary ofJohn Brown; and the fact that Mr. King was seeking to redeem a runawayslave was far from increasing confidence in him. Finding that silencewas unsatisfactory, and that he must either indorse slavery orbe liable to perpetual provocations to quarrel, he wrote to Mr. Blumenthal to have their house in readiness for their return; anarrangement which Flora and her children hailed with merry shouts andclapping of hands. 

When they arrived, they found their house as warm as June, with Floraand her family there to receive them, backed by a small army ofservants, consisting of Tulee, with her tall son and daughter, andlittle Benny, and Tom and Chloe; all of whom had places providedfor them, either in the household or in Mr. King's commercialestablishment. Their tropical exuberance of welcome made him smile. When the hearty hand-shakings were over, he said to his wife, as theypassed into the parlor, "It really seemed as if we were landing on thecoast of Guinea with a cargo of beads. "

"O Alfred, " rejoined she, "I am so grateful to you for employing themall! You don't know, and never _can_ know, how I feel toward thesedusky friends; for you never had them watch over you, day after day, and night after night, patiently and tenderly leading you up from thevalley of the shadow of death. "

He pressed her hand affectionately, and said, "Inasmuch as they did itfor you, darling, they did it for me. "

This sentiment was wrought into their daily deportment to theirservants; and the result was an harmonious relation between employerand employed, which it was beautiful to witness. But there areskeletons hidden away in the happiest households. Mrs. King had hers, and Tom and Chloe had theirs. The death of Mr. Bell and the absence ofMrs. Fitzgerald left no one in Boston who would be likely to recognizethem; but they knew that the Fugitive Slave Act was still in force, and though they relied upon Mr. King's generosity in case ofemergency, they had an uncomfortable feeling of not being free. It wasnot so with Tulee. She had got beyond Mount Pisgah into the Canaan offreedom; and her happiness was unalloyed. Mr. King, though kind andliberal to all, regarded her with especial favor, on account of oldassociations. The golden hoops had been taken from her ears when shewas in the calaboose; but he had presented her with another pair, forhe liked to have her look as she did when she opened for him that doorin New Orleans, which had proved an entrance to the temple and palaceof his life. She felt herself to be a sort of prime minister in thesmall kingdom, and began to deport herself as one having authority. No empress ever had more satisfaction in a royal heir than she had inwatching her Benny trudging to school, with his spelling-book slungover his shoulder, in a green satchel Mrs. King had made for him. Thestylishness of the establishment was also a great source of pride toher; and she often remarked in the kitchen that she had always saidgold was none too good for Missy Rosy to walk upon. Apart from thisconsideration, she herself had an Oriental delight in things that werelustrous and gayly colored. Tom had learned to read quite fluently, and was accustomed to edify his household companions with chaptersfrom the Bible on Sunday evenings. The descriptions of King Solomon'ssplendor made a lively impression on Tulee's mind. When she dustedthe spacious parlors, she looked admiringly at the large mirrors, thegilded circles of gas lights, and the great pictures framed in crimsonand gold, and thought that the Temple of Solomon could not have beenmore grand. She could scarcely believe Mrs. Delano was wealthy. "She'sa beautiful lady, " said she to Flora; "but if she's got plenty o'money, what makes her dress so innocent and dull? There's Missy Rosynow, when _she_'s dressed for company, she looks like the Queen ofShebee. "

One morning Tulee awoke to look out upon a scene entirely new to herSouthern eyes, and far surpassing anything she had imagined of thesplendor of Solomon's Temple. On the evening previous, the air hadbeen full of mist, which, as it grew colder, had settled on the treesof the Common, covering every little twig with a panoply of ice. Avery light snow had fallen softly during the night, and sprinkled theice with a feathery fleece. The trees, in this delicate white vesture, standing up against a dark blue sky, looked like the glorified spiritsof trees. Here and there, the sun touched them, and dropped a showerof diamonds. Tulee gazed a moment in delighted astonishment, and ranto call Chloe, who exclaimed, "They looks like great white angels, andIse feared they'll fly away 'fore Missis gits up. "

Tulee was very impatient for the sound of Mrs. King's bell, and assoon as the first tinkle was heard she rushed into her dressing-room, exclaiming, "O, do come to the window, Missy Rosy! Sure this is silverland. "

Rosa was no less surprised when she looked out upon that wonderfulvision of the earth, in its transfigured raiment of snow-glory. "Why, Tulee, " said she, "it is diamond land. I've seen splendid fairy scenesin the theatres of Paris, but never anything so brilliant as this. "

"I used to think the woods down South, all covered with jess'mines, was the beautifullest thing, " responded Tulee; "but, Lors, MissyRosy, this is as much handsomer as Solomon's Temple was handsomer thana meetin'-house. "

But neither the indoor nor the outdoor splendor, nor all the personalcomforts they enjoyed, made this favored band of colored peopleforgetful of the brethren they had left in bondage. Every word aboutJohn Brown was sought for and read with avidity. When he was firsttaken captive, Chloe said: "The angel that let Peter out o' prisonha'n't growed old an' hard o' hearing. If we prays loud enough, he'llgo and open the doors for old John Brown. "

Certainly, it was not for want of the colored people's praying loudand long enough, that the prisoner was not supernaturally delivered. They did not relinquish the hope till the 2d of December: and whenthat sad day arrived, they assembled in their meeting-house to watchand pray. All was silent, except now and then an occasional groan, till the hands of the clock pointed to the moment of the martyr's exitfrom this world. Then Tom poured forth his soul in a mighty voice ofprayer, ending with the agonized entreaty, "O Lord, thou hast takenaway our Moses. Raise us up a Joshua!" And all cried, "Amen!"

Chloe, who had faith that could walk the stormiest waves, spoke wordsof fervent cheer to the weeping congregation. 

"I tell ye they ha'n't killed old John Brown, " said she; "'cause they_couldn't_ kill him. The angel that opened the prison doors for Peterhas let him out, and sent him abroad in a different way from what we'spected; that's all. "

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Through the following year, the political sky grew ever darker withimpending clouds, crinkled with lightning, and vocal with growlings ofapproaching thunder. The North continued to make servile concessions, which history will blush to record; but they proved unavailing. The arrogance of slaveholders grew by what it fed on. Though aconscientious wish to avoid civil war mingled largely with theselfishness of trade, and the heartless gambling of politicians, allwas alike interpreted by them as signs of Northern cowardice. Atlast, the Sumter gun was heard booming through the gathering storm. Instantly, the air was full of starry banners, and Northern pavementsresounded with the tramp of horse and the rolling of artillery wagons. A thrill of patriotic enthusiasm kindled the souls of men. No moresending back of slaves. All our cities became at once cities ofrefuge; for men had risen above the letter of the Constitution intothe spirit of the Declaration of Independence. 

Gerald and his Lily-mother arrived in New York to find the socialatmosphere all aglow. Under its exciting influence, he wrote to Mr. King:--

"Yesterday, I informed you of our arrival; and now I write to tellyou that they are forming a regiment here to march to the defence ofWashington, and I have joined it. Lily-mother was unwilling atfirst. But a fine set of fellows are joining, --all first-class younggentlemen. I told Lily-mother she would be ashamed to have me loiterbehind the sons of her acquaintance, and that Mr. Seward said it wasonly an affair of sixty days. So she has consented. I enclose a letterto Rose-mother, to ask her blessing on my enterprise, which I am quitesure I shall have, together with your own. "

Thus, with the unreflecting exhilaration of youth, Gerald went forthto the war, as light of heart as if he had been joining a boat-race ora hunting excursion; so little did he comprehend that ferocious systemof despotism which was fastening its fangs on free institutions withthe death-grapple of a bloodhound. 

For the next two months, his letters, though hurried, were frequent, and always cheerful; mostly filled with trifling gossipings aboutcamp-life, and affectionate remembrances to those he had left behind. At last, Mr. King received one of graver import, which ran thus:--

"I have met with a strange adventure. A number of us were on picketduty, with orders to keep a sharp lookout. We went pacing back andforth on our allotted ground, now passing under the shadow of trees, now coming out into the moonlight. I walked very erect, feeling myselfevery inch a soldier. Sometimes I cast scrutinizing glances intogroups of shrubbery, and sometimes I gazed absently on the sparklingPotomac, while memory was retracing the events of my life, andrecalling the dear ones connected with them. Just as I reached a largetree which formed the boundary of my prescribed course, the nextsentinel, whose walk began where mine ended, approached the same tree, and before he turned again we met face to face for an instant. Istarted, and I confess to a momentary feeling of superstition; for Ithought I had seen myself; and that, you know, is said to be a warningof approaching death. He could not have seen me very plainly, for Iwas in shadow, while he for an instant was clearly revealed by themoonlight. Anxious to be sure whether I had seen a vision or areality, when I again approached the tree I waited for him; and asecond time I saw such a likeness of myself as I never saw exceptingin the mirror. He turned quickly, and marched away with militarypromptitude and precision. I watched him for a moment, as his erectfigure alternately dipped into shadow and emerged into light. I neednot tell you what I was thinking of while I looked; for you can easilyconjecture. The third time we met, I said, 'What is your name?' Hereplied, 'George Falkner, ' and marched away. I write on a drumhead, ina hurry. As soon as I can obtain a talk with this duplicate of myself, I will write to you again. But I shall not mention my adventure toLily-mother. It would only make her unhappy. "

Another letter, which arrived a week after, contained merely thefollowing paragraph on the subject that interested them most:--

"We soldiers cannot command our own movements or our time. I have beenable to see G. F. But once, and then our interview was brief. He seemedvery reserved about himself. He says he came from New York; but hisspeech is Southern. He talks about 'toting' things, and says he'disremembers, ' I shall try to gain his confidence, and perhaps Ishall be able to draw him out. "

A fortnight later he wrote:--

"I have learned from G. F. That the first thing he remembers of himselfis living with an old negress, about ten miles from New Orleans, witheight other children, of various shades, but none so white as himself. He judges he was about nine years old when he was carried to NewOrleans, and let out by a rich man named Bruteman to a hotel-keeper, to black boots, do errands, &c. One of the children that the oldnegress brought up with him was a mulatto named Henriet. The boyscalled her Hen, he said. He used to 'tote' her about when she was ababy, and afterward they used to roll in the mud, and make mud-piestogether. When Hen was twelve years old, she was let out to work inthe same hotel where he was. Soon afterward, Mr. Bruteman put him outto learn the carpenter's trade, and he soon became expert at it. Butthough he earned five or six dollars a week, and finally nine or ten, he never received any portion of it; except that now and then Mr. Bruteman, when he counted his wages, gave him a fip. I never thoughtof _this_ side of the question when I used to hear grandfather talkabout the rights of slaveholders; but I feel now, if this had been myown case, I should have thought it confounded hard. He and Hen werevery young when they first begun to talk about being married; but hecouldn't bear the thoughts of bringing up a family to be slaves, andthey watched for an opportunity to run away. After several plans whichproved abortive, they went boldly on board 'The King Cotton, ' he as awhite gentleman, and she disguised as his boy servant. You know howthat attempt resulted. He says they were kept two days, with hands andfeet tied, on an island that was nothing but rock. They suffered withcold, though one of the sailors, who seemed kind-hearted, covered themwith blankets and overcoats. He probably did not like the business ofguarding slaves; for one night he whispered to G. F. , 'Can't you swim?'But George was very little used to the water, and Hen couldn't swim atall. Besides, he said, the sailors had loaded guns, and some of themwould have fired upon them, if they had heard them plunge; and evenif by a miracle they had gained the shore, he thought they would beseized and sent back again, just as they were in Boston. 

"You may judge how I felt, while I listened to this. I wanted to askhis forgiveness, and give him all my money, and my watch, and my ring, and everything. After they were carried back, Hen was sold to thehotel-keeper for six hundred dollars, and he was sold to a man inNatchez for fifteen hundred. After a while, he escaped in a woman'sdress, contrived to open a communication with Hen, and succeeded incarrying her off to New York. There he changed his woman's dress, andhis slave name of Bob Bruteman, and called himself George Falkner. When I asked him why he chose that name, he rolled up his sleeve andshowed me G. F. Marked on his arm. He said he didn't know who put themthere, but he supposed they were the initials of his name. He isevidently impressed by our great resemblance. If he asks me directlywhether I can conjecture anything about his origin, I hardly know howit will be best to answer. Do write how much or how little I ought tosay. Feeling unsafe in the city of New York, and being destitute ofmoney, he applied to the Abolitionists for advice. They sent him toNew Rochelle, where he let himself to a Quaker, called Friend JosephHouseman, of whom he hired a small hut. There, Hen, whom he now callsHenriet, takes in washing and ironing, and there a babe has been bornto them. When the war broke out he enlisted; partly because he thoughtit would help him to pay off some old scores with slaveholders, andpartly because a set of rowdies in the village of New Rochelle said hewas a white man, and threatened to mob him for living with a niggerwife. While they were in New York city, he and Henriet were regularlymarried by a colored minister. He said he did it because he hatedslavery and couldn't bear to live as slaves did. I heard him read afew lines from a newspaper, and he read them pretty well. He says alittle boy, son of the carpenter of whom he learned his trade, gavehim some instruction, and he bought a spelling-book for himself. He showed me some beef-bones, on which he practises writing with apencil. When he told me how hard he had tried to get what littlelearning he had, it made me ashamed to think how many cakes and toys Ireceived as a reward for studying my spelling-book. He is teaching anold negro, who waits upon the soldiers. It is funny to see how hardthe poor old fellow tries, and to hear what strange work he makes ofit. It must be 'that stolen waters are sweet, ' or slaves would nevertake so much more pains than I was ever willing to take to learn tospell out the Bible. Sometimes I help G. F. With his old pupil; and Ishould like to have Mrs. Blumenthal make a sketch of us, as I sit onthe grass in the shade of some tree, helping the old negro hammer hissyllables together. My New York companions laugh at me sometimes; butI have gained great favor with G. F. By this proceeding. He is suchan ingenious fellow, that he is always in demand to make or mendsomething. When I see how skilful he is with tools, I envy him. Ibegin to realize what you once told me, and which did not please memuch at the time, that being a fine gentleman is the poorest calling aman can devote himself to. 

"I have written this long letter under difficulties, and at varioustimes. I have omitted many particulars, which I will try to rememberin my next. Enclosed is a note for Rose-mother. I hold you all in mostaffectionate remembrance. "

Soon after the reception of this letter, news came of the defeat atBull Run, followed by tidings that Gerald was among the slain. Mr. King immediately waited upon Mrs. Fitzgerald to offer any servicesthat he could render, and it was agreed that he should forthwithproceed to Washington with her cousin, Mr. Green. They returned with along wooden box, on which was inscribed Gerald's name and regiment. Itwas encased in black walnut without being opened, for those who lovedhim dreaded to see him, marred as he was by battle. It was carried toStone Chapel, where a multitude collected to pay the last honors tothe youthful soldier. A sheathed sword was laid across the coffin, onwhich Mrs. Fitzgerald placed a laurel wreath. Just above it, Mrs. Kingdeposited a wreath of white roses, in the centre of which Eulaliatimidly laid a white lily. A long procession followed it to MountAuburn, with a band playing Beethoven's Funeral March. Episcopalservices were performed at the grave, which friends and relativesfilled with flowers; and there, by the side of Mr. Bell, the beautifulyoung man was hidden away from human sight. Mr. King's carriage hadfollowed next to Mrs. Fitzgerald's; a circumstance which the publicexplained by a report that the deceased was to have married hisdaughter. Mrs. Fitzgerald felt flattered to have it so understood, and she never contradicted it. After her great disappointment in herhusband, and the loss of her other children, all the affection shewas capable of feeling had centred in Gerald. But hers was not a deepnature, and the world held great sway over it. She suffered acutelywhen she first heard of her loss; but she found no small degree ofsoothing compensation in the praises bestowed on her young hero, inthe pomp of his funeral, and the general understanding that he wasbetrothed to the daughter of the quatro-millionnaire. 

The depth of Mrs. King's sorrow was known only to Him who made theheart. She endeavored to conceal it as far as possible, for she feltit to be wrong to cast a shadow over the home of her husband anddaughter. Gerald's likeness was placed in her chamber, where she sawit with the first morning light; but what were her reveries while shegazed upon it was told to no one. Custom, as well as sincere sympathy, made it necessary for her to make a visit of condolence to Mrs. Fitzgerald. But she merely took her hand, pressed it gently, and said, "May God comfort you. " "May God comfort you, also, " replied Mrs. Fitzgerald, returning the pressure; and from that time henceforth thename of Gerald was never mentioned between them. 

After the funeral it was noticed that Alfred Blumenthal appearedabstracted, as if continually occupied with grave thoughts. One day, as he stood leaning against the window, gazing on the stars andstripes that floated across the street, he turned suddenly andexclaimed: "It is wrong to be staying here. I ought to be fighting forthat flag. I _must_ supply poor Gerald's place. "

Mrs. Delano, who had been watching him anxiously, rose up and claspedhim round the neck, with stronger emotion than he had ever seen hermanifest. "_Must_ you go, my son?" she said. 

He laid his hand very gently on her head as he replied: "DearestMamita, you always taught me to obey the voice of duty; and surely itis a duty to help in rescuing Liberty from the bloody jaws of thisdragon Slavery. "

She lingered an instant on his breast then, raising her tearful face, she silently pressed his hand, while she looked into those kind andhonest eyes, that so strongly reminded her of eyes closed longago. "You are right, my son, " murmured she; "and may God give youstrength. "

Turning from her to hide the swelling of his own heart, Alfred sawhis mother sobbing on his father's bosom. "Dearest mamma, " said he, "Heaven knows it is hard for me. Do not make it harder. "

"It takes the manhood out of him to see you weep, darling, " said Mr. Blumenthal. "Be a brave little woman, and cheerfully give your dearestand best for the country. "

She wiped her eyes, and, fervently kissing Alfred's hand, replied, "Iwill. May God bless you, my dear, my only son!"

His father clasped the other hand, and said, with forced calmness:"You are right, Alfred. God bless you! And now, dear Flora, let usconsecrate our young hero's resolution by singing the Battle Song ofKorner. "

She seated herself at the piano, and Mrs. Delano joined in with herweak but very sweet voice, while they sang, "Father! I call on thee. "But when they came to the last verse, the voices choked, and thepiano became silent. Rosen Blumen and Lila came in and found them allweeping; and when their brother pressed them in his arms and whisperedto them the cause of all this sorrow, they cried as if their heartswere breaking. Then their mother summoned all her resolution, andbecame a comforter. While their father talked to them of the nobilityand beauty of self-sacrifice, she kissed them and soothed them withhopeful words. Then, turning to Mrs. Delano, she tenderly caressed herfaded hair, while she said: "Dearest Mamita, I trust God will restoreto us our precious boy. I will paint his picture as St. George slayingthe dragon, and you shall hang it in your chamber, in memory of whathe said to you. "

Alfred, unable to control his emotions, hid himself in the privacyof his own chamber. He struck his hand wildly against his forehead, exclaiming, "O my country, great is the sacrifice I make for thee!"Then, kneeling by the bed where he had had so many peaceful slumbers, and dreamed so many pleasant dreams, he prayed fervently that Godwould give him strength according to his need. 

And so he went forth from his happy home, self-consecrated to thecause of freedom. The women now had but one absorbing interest andoccupation. All were eager for news from the army, and all were busyworking for the soldiers. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

When Mr. King returned from his mournful journey to Washington, hesaid to his wife: "I saw George Falkner, and was pleased with him. Hisresemblance to poor Gerald is wonderful. I could see no difference, except a firmer expression of the mouth, which I suppose is owing tohis determined efforts to escape from slavery. Of course, he has notGerald's gracefulness; but his bearing seemed manly, and there wasno obvious stamp of vulgarity upon him. It struck me that histransformation into a gentleman would be an easy process. I was gladour interview was a hurried one, and necessarily taken up with detailsabout Gerald's death. It seems he carried him off in his own arms whenhe was wounded, and that he did his utmost to stanch the blood. Geraldnever spoke after the bullet struck him, though he pressed his hand, and appeared to try to say something. When he opened his vest to dressthe wound, he found this. "

Rosa looked at it, groaned out, "Poor Gerald!" and covered her face. It was the photograph of Eulalia, with the upper part shot away. Bothremained for some time with their heads bowed in silence. 

After a while, Mr. King resumed: "In answer to Mr. Green's inquiriesconcerning the mutilated picture, I replied that it was a likeness ofmy daughter; and he answered that he had heard a marriage was thoughtof between them. I was glad he happened to say that, for it will makeit seem natural to George that I should take a lively interest in himon Gerald's account. The funeral, and Alfred's departure for the army, have left me little time to arrange my thoughts on that subject. But Ihave now formed definite plans, that I propose we should this eveningtalk over at Blumenthal's. "

When the sisters met, and the girls had gone to another room to talkover their lessons, and imagine what Alfred was then doing, Mr. Kingbegan to speak of George Falkner. 

Rosa said: "My first wish is to go to New Rochelle and bring homeHenriet. She ought to be educated in a degree somewhat suitable to herhusband's prospects. I will teach her to read and write, and give herlessons on the piano. "

"I think that would prove too much for your finely attuned musicalnerves, " rejoined her husband. 

"Do you suppose you are going to make _all_ the sacrifices?" respondedshe, smiling. "It isn't at all like you to wish to engross everythingto yourself. "

"Rosa has a predilection for penance, " remarked Flora; "and if shelistens daily to a beginner knocking the scales up hill and down hill, I think it will answer instead of walking to Jerusalem with peas inher shoes. "

"Before I mention my plans, I should like to hear your view of thesubject, Blumenthal, " said Mr. King. 

His brother-in-law replied: "I think Rosa is right about taking chargeof Henriet and educating her. But it seems to me the worst thing youcould do for her or her husband would be to let them know that theyhave a claim to riches. Sudden wealth is apt to turn the heads of mucholder people than they are; and having been brought up as slaves, their danger would be greatly increased. If Henriet could be employedto sew for you, she might be gratified with easy work and generouswages, while you watched over her morals, and furnished her withopportunities to improve her mind. If George survives the war, someemployment with a comfortable salary might be provided for him, witha promise to advance him according to his industry and general goodhabits. How does that strike you, Mamita?"

"I agree perfectly with you, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. "I think it wouldbe far more prudent to have their characters formed by habits ofexertion and self-reliance, before they are informed that they arerich. "

"It gratifies me to have my own judgment thus confirmed, " said Mr. King. "You have given the outlines of a plan I had already formed. Butthis judicious process must not, of course, deprive the young man of asingle cent that is due to him. You are aware that Mr. Bell left fiftythousand dollars to his grandson, to be paid when he was twenty-twoyears of age. I have already invested that sum for George, and placedit in the care of Mr. Percival, with directions that the interestshall be added to it from that date. The remainder of Mr. Bell'sproperty, with the exception of some legacies, was unreservedly leftto his daughter. I have taken some pains to ascertain the amount, andI shall add a codicil to my will leaving an equal sum to George. IfI survive Mrs. Fitzgerald, the interest on it will date from herdecease; and I shall take the best legal advice as to the means ofsecuring her property from any claims, by George or his heirs, afterthey are informed of the whole story, as they will be whenever Mrs. Fitzgerald dies. "

"You are rightly named Royal King, " rejoined Mr. Blumenthal, "you dothings in such princely style. "

"In a style better than that of most royal kings, " replied he, "forit is simply that of an honest man. If this entanglement had neverhappened, I should have done as much for Gerald; and let me do what Iwill, Eulalia will have more money than is good for her. Besides, I rather expect this arrangement will prove a benefit to myself. Iintend to employ the young man as one of my agents in Europe; and ifhe shows as much enterprise and perseverance in business as he did inescaping from slavery, he will prove an excellent partner for me whenincreasing years diminish my own energies. I would gladly adopt him, and have him live with us; but I doubt whether such a great and suddenchange of condition would prove salutary, and his having a coloredwife would put obstructions in his way entirely beyond our power toremove. But the strongest objection to it is, that such an arrangementwould greatly annoy Mrs. Fitzgerald, whose happiness we are bound toconsult in every possible way. "

"Has she been informed that the young man is found?" inquired Mrs. Delano. 

"No, " replied Mr. King. "It occurred very near the time of Gerald'sdeath; and we deem it unkind to disturb her mind about it for somemonths to come. "

 * * * * *

The next week, Mr. And Mrs. King started for New York, and thenceproceeded to New Rochelle. Following the directions they had received, they hired a carriage at the steamboat-landing, to convey them to afarm-house a few miles distant. As they approached the designatedplace, they saw a slender man, in drab-colored clothes, lowering abucket into the well. Mr. King alighted, and inquired, "Is this Mr. Houseman's farm, sir?"

"My name is Joseph Houseman, " replied the Quaker. "I am usually calledFriend Joseph. "

Mr. King returned to the carriage, and saying, "This is the place, "he assisted his lady to alight. Returning to the farmer, he said:"We have come to ask you about a young colored woman, named HenrietFalkner. Her husband rendered service to a dear young friend of oursin the army, and we would be glad to repay the obligation by kindnessto her. "

"Walk in, " said the Quaker. He showed them into a neat, plainlyfurnished parlor. "Where art thou from?" he inquired. 

"From Boston, " was the reply. 

"What is thy name?"

"Mr. King. "

"All men are called Mister, " rejoined the Quaker. "What is thy givenname?"

"My name is Alfred Royal King; and this is my wife, Rosa King. "

"Hast thou brought a letter from the woman's husband?" inquired FriendJoseph. 

"No, " replied Mr. King. "I saw George Falkner in Washington, afortnight ago, when I went to seek the body of our young friend; but Idid not then think of coming here. If you doubt me, you can writeto William Lloyd Garrison or Wendell Phillips, and inquire of themwhether Alfred R. King is capable of deceiving. "

"I like thy countenance, Friend Alfred, and I think thou art honest, "rejoined the Quaker; "but where colored people are concerned, I haveknown very polite and fair-spoken men to tell falsehoods. "

Mr. King smiled as he answered: "I commend your caution, FriendJoseph. I see how it is. You suspect we may be slaveholders indisguise. But slaveholders are just now too busy seeking to destroythis Republic to have any time to hunt fugitives; and when they havemore leisure, my opinion is they will find that occupation gone. "

"I should have more hope of that, " replied the farmer, "if there wasnot so much pro-slavery here at the North. And thee knows that thegenerals of the United States are continually sending back fugitiveslaves to bleed under the lash of their taskmasters. "

"I honor your scruples, Friend Joseph, " responded Mr. King; "and thatthey may be completely removed, we will wait at the Metropolitan inNew York until you have received letters from Mr. Garrison and Mr. Phillips. And lest you should think I may have assumed the name ofanother, I will give you these to enclose in your letter. " He openedhis pocket-book and took out two photographs. 

"I shall ask to have them sent back to me, " replied the farmer; "forI should like to keep a likeness of thee and thy Rosa. They will bepleasant to look upon. As soon as I receive an answer, Friend Alfred, I will call upon thee at the Metropolitan. "

"We shall be pleased to see you, Friend Joseph, " said Rosa, withone of her sweetest smiles, which penetrated the Quaker's soul, assunshine does the receptive earth. Yet, when the carriage had rolledaway, he harnessed his sleek horses to the wagon, and conveyed Henrietand her babe to the house of a Friend at White Plains, till heascertained whether these stylish-looking strangers were what theyprofessed to be. 

A few days afterward, Friend Joseph called at the Metropolitan. Whenhe inquired for the wealthy Bostonian, the waiter stared at his plaindress, and said, "Your card, sir. "

"I have no card, " replied the farmer. "Tell him Friend Joseph wishesto see him. "

The waiter returned, saying, "Walk this way, sir, " and showed him intothe elegant reception-room. 

As he sat there, another servant, passing through, looked at him, andsaid, "All gentlemen take off their hats in this room, sir. "

"That may be, " quietly replied the Quaker; "but all _men_ do not, forthee sees I keep mine on. "

The entrance of Mr. King, and his cordial salutation, made animpression on the waiters' minds; and when Friend Joseph departed, they opened the door very obsequiously. 

The result of the conference was that Mr. And Mrs. King returned toBoston with Henriet and her little one. 

Tulee had proved in many ways that her discretion might be trusted;and it was deemed wisest to tell her the whole story of the babe, whohad been carried to the calaboose with her when Mr. Bruteman's agentseized her. This confidence secured her as a firm friend and allyof Henriet, while her devoted attachment to Mrs. King rendered hersecrecy certain. When black Chloe saw the newcomer learning to play onthe piano, she was somewhat jealous because the same privilege had notbeen offered to her children. "I didn't know Missy Rosy tought tharwar sech a mighty difference 'tween black an' brown, " said she. "Idon't see nothin' so drefful pooty in dat ar molasses color. "

"Now ye shut up, " rejoined Tulee. "Missy Rosy knows what she's 'bout. Ye see Mr. Fitzgerald was in love with Missy Eulaly; an' Henret'shusban' took care o' him when he was dying. Mr. King is going to sendhim 'cross the water on some gran' business, to pay him for 't; andMissy Rosy wants his wife to be 'spectable out there 'mong strangers. "

Henriet proved good-natured and unassuming, and, with occasionalpatronage from Tulee, she was generally able to keep her little boatin smooth water. 

When she had been there a few months Mr. King enclosed to Mrs. Fitzgerald the letters Gerald had written about George; and a few daysafterward he called to explain fully what he had done, and what heintended to do. That lady's dislike for her rival was much diminishedsince there was no Gerald to excite her jealousy of divided affection. There was some perturbation in her manner, but she received hervisitor with great politeness; and when he had finished his statementshe said: "I have great respect for your motives and your conduct;and I am satisfied to leave everything to your good judgment and kindfeelings. I have but one request to make. It is that this young manmay never know he is my son. "

"Your wishes shall be respected, " replied Mr. King. "But he sostrongly resembles Gerald, that, if you should ever visit Europeagain, you might perhaps like to see him, if you only recognized himas a relative of your husband. "

The lady's face flushed as she answered promptly: "No, sir. I shallnever recognize any person as a relative who has a colored wife. Muchas I loved Gerald, I would never have seen him again if he had formedsuch an alliance; not even if his wife were the most beautiful andaccomplished creature that ever walked the earth. "

"You are treading rather closely upon _me_, Mrs. Fitzgerald, " rejoinedMr. King, smiling. 

The lady seemed embarrassed, and said she had forgotten Mrs. King'sorigin. 

"Your son's wife is not so far removed from a colored ancestry as mineis, " rejoined Mr. King; "but I think you would soon forget her origin, also, if you were in a country where others did not think of it. Ibelieve our American prejudice against color is one of what Carlylecalls 'the phantom dynasties. '"

"It may be so, " she replied coldly; "but I do not wish to be convincedof it. "

And Mr. King bowed good morning. 

A week or two after this interview, Mrs. Fitzgerald called upon Mrs. King; for, after all, she felt a certain sort of attraction in thesecret history that existed between them; and she was unwillingto have the world suppose her acquaintance had been dropped by sodistinguished a lady. By inadvertence of the servant at the door, shewas shown into the parlor while Henriet was there, with her child onthe floor, receiving directions concerning some muslin flounces shewas embroidering. Upon the entrance of a visitor, she turned to takeup her infant and depart. But Mrs. King said, "Leave little Hettyhere, Mrs. Falkner, till you bring my basket for me to select thefloss you need. "

Hetty, being thus left alone, scrambled up, and toddled toward Mrs. King, as if accustomed to an affectionate reception. The black curlsthat clustered round her yellow face shook, as her uncertain stepshastened to a place of refuge; and when she leaned against herfriend's lap, a pretty smile quivered on her coral lips, and lightedup her large dark eyes. 

Mrs. Fitzgerald looked at her with a strange mixture of feelings. 

"Don't you think she's a pretty little creature?" asked Mrs. King. 

"She might be pretty if the yellow could be washed off, " replied Mrs. Fitzgerald. 

"Her cheeks are nearly the color of your hair, " rejoined Mrs. King;"and I always thought that beautiful. "

Mrs. Fitzgerald glanced at the mirror, and sighed as she said: "Ah, yes. My hair used to be thought very pretty when I was young; but Ican see that it begins to fade. "

When Henriet returned and took the child, she looked at her verycuriously. She was thinking to herself, "What _would_ my fathersay?" But she asked no questions, and made no remark. 

She had joined a circle of ladies who were sewing and knitting for thesoldiers; and after some talk about the difficulty she had found inlearning to knit socks, and how fashionable it was for everybody toknit now, she rose to take leave. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

The months passed on, and brought ever-recurring demands for moresoldiers. Mr. King watched the progress of the struggle with thedeepest anxiety. 

One day, when he had seen a new regiment depart for the South, hereturned home in a still more serious mood than was now habitual tohim. After supper, he opened the Evening Transcript, and read for awhile. Then turning to his wife, who sat near him knitting for thearmy, he said, "Dear Rosabella, during all the happy years that I havebeen your husband, you have never failed to encourage me in every goodimpulse, and I trust you will strengthen me now. "

With a trembling dread of what was coming, she asked, "What is it, dear Alfred. "

"Rosa, this Republic _must_ be saved, " replied he, with solemnemphasis. "It is the day-star of hope to the toiling masses of theworld, and it _must_ not go out in darkness. It is not enough for meto help with money. I ought to go and sustain our soldiers by cheeringwords and a brave example. It fills me with shame and indignation whenI think that all this peril has been brought upon us by that foulsystem which came so near making a wreck of _you_, my precious one, asit has wrecked thousands of pure and gentle souls. I foresee that thiswar is destined, by mere force of circumstances, to rid the Republicof that deadly incubus. Rosa, are you not willing to give me up forthe safety of the country, and the freedom of your mother's race?"

She tried to speak, but utterance failed her. After a struggle withherself, she said: "Do you realize how hard is a soldier's life? Youwill break down under it, dear Alfred; for you have been educated inease and luxury. "

"My education is not finished, " replied he, smiling, as he lookedround on the elegant and luxurious apartment. "What are all thesecomforts and splendors compared with the rescue of my country, and theredemption of an oppressed race? What is my life, compared with thelife of this Republic? Say, dearest, that you will give me willinglyto this righteous cause. "

"Far rather would I give my own life, " she said. "But I will neverseek to trammel your conscience, Alfred. "

They spoke together tenderly of the past, and hopefully of the future;and then they knelt and prayed together. 

Some time was necessarily spent in making arrangements for the comfortand safety of the family during his absence; and when those werecompleted, he also went forth to rescue Liberty from the jaws of thedevouring dragon. When he bade farewell to Flora's family, he said:"Look after my precious ones, Blumenthal; and if I never return, seeto it that Percival carries out all my plans with regard to GeorgeFalkner. "

Eight or ten weeks later, Alfred Blumenthal was lying in a hospital atWashington, dangerously wounded and burning with fever. His father andmother and Mrs. Delano immediately went to him; and the women remaineduntil the trembling balance between life and death was determined inhis favor. The soldier's life, which he at first dreaded, had becomefamiliar to him, and he found a terrible sort of excitement in itschances and dangers. Mrs. Delano sighed to observe that the gentleexpression of his countenance, so like the Alfred of her memory, waschanging to a sterner manhood. It was harder than the first partingto send him forth again into the fiery hail of battle; but they putstrong constraint upon themselves, and tried to perform bravely theirpart in the great drama. 

That visit to his suffering but uncomplaining son made a strongimpression on the mind of Mr. Blumenthal. He became abstracted andrestless. One evening, as he sat leaning his head on his hand, Florasaid, "What are you thinking of, Florimond?"

He answered: "I am thinking, dear, of the agony I suffered when Ihadn't money to save you from the auction-block; and I am thinking howthe same accursed system is striving to perpetuate and extend itself. The Republic has need of all her sons to stop its ravages; and I feelguilty in staying here, while our Alfred is so heroically offering uphis young life in the cause of freedom. "

"I have dreaded this, " she said. "I have seen for days that it wascoming. But, O Florimond, it is hard. "

She hid her face in his bosom, and he felt her heart beat violently, while he talked concerning the dangers and duties of the time. Mrs. Delano bowed her head over the soldier's sock she was knitting, andtears dropped on it while she listened to them. 

The weight that lay so heavily upon their souls was suddenly lifted upfor a time by the entrance of Joe Bright. He came in with a radiantface, and, bowing all round, said, "I've come to bid you good by; I'mgoing to defend the old flag. " He lifted up his voice and sang, "'Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave!" Flora went to thepiano, and accompanied him with instrument and voice. Her husband soonstruck in; and Rosen Blumen and Lila left their lessons to performtheir part in the spirit-stirring strain. When they had sung the lastline, Mr. Bright, without pausing to take breath, struck into "Scotswha hae wi' Wallace bled, " and they followed his lead. He put on allhis steam when he came to the verse, "By our country's woes and pains, By our sons in servile chains, We will drain our dearest veins, But they _shall_ be free!"

He emphasized the word _shall_, and brought his clenched hand downupon the table so forcibly, that the shade over the gas-light shook. 

In the midst of it, Mrs. Delano stole out of the room. She had a greatrespect and liking for Mr. Bright, but he was sometimes rather toodemonstrative to suit her taste. He was too much carried away withenthusiasm to notice her noiseless retreat, and he went on to theconclusion of his song with unabated energy. All earnestness ismagnetic. Mr. And Mrs. Blumenthal, and even the children, caught hisspirit. When the song ended, Mr. Blumenthal drew a long breath, andsaid: "One needs strong lungs to accompany you, Mr. Bright. You sangthat like the tramp of a regiment. "

"And you blazed away like an explosion of artillery, " rejoined he. 

"The fact is, " replied Blumenthal. "the war spirit pervades the air, and I've caught it. I'm going to join the army. "

"Are you?" exclaimed Mr. Bright, seizing his hand with so tight a gripthat it made him wince. "I hope you'll be my captain. "

Mr. Blumenthal rubbed his hand, and smiled as he said, "I pity theRebel that you get hold of, Mr. Bright. "

"Ask your pardon. Ask your pardon, " rejoined he. "But speaking of thetramp of a regiment, here it goes!" And he struck up "John Brown'sHallelujah. " They put their souls into it in such a manner, that thespirit of the brave old martyr seemed marching all through it. 

When it came to a conclusion, Mr. Bright remarked: "Only to think howthat incendiary song is sung in Boston streets, and in the parlorstoo, when only little more than a year ago a great mob was yellingafter Wendell Phillips, for speaking on the anniversary of JohnBrown's execution. I said then the fools would get enough of slaverybefore they'd done with it; and I reckon they're beginning to find itout, not only the rowdies, but the nabobs that set 'em on. War ain'ta blessing, but it's a mighty great teacher; that's a fact. No wonderthe slavites hated Phillips. He aims sure and hits hard. No use intrying to pass off shams upon _him_. If you bring him anything thatain't real mahogany, his blows'll be sure to make the veneering fly. But I'm staying too long. I only looked in to tell you I was going. "He glanced round for Mrs. Delano, and added: "I'm afraid I sung tooloud for that quiet lady. The fact is, I'm full of fight. "

"That's what the times demand, " replied Mr. Blumenthal. 

They bade him "Good night, " and smiled at each other to hear hisstrong voice, as it receded in the distance, still singing, "His soulis marching on. "

"Now I will go to Mamita, " said Flora. "Her gentle spirit suffers inthese days. This morning, when she saw a company of soldiers marchingby, and heard the boys hurrahing, she said to me so piteously, 'OFlora, these are wild times. ' Poor Mamita! she's like a dove in atornado. "

"_You_ seemed to be strong as an eagle while you were singing, "responded her husband. 

"I felt like a drenched humming-bird when Mr. Bright came in, "rejoined she; "but he and the music together lifted me up into theblue, as your Germans say. "

"And from that height can you say to me, 'Obey the call of duty, Florimond'?"

She put her little hand in his and answered, "I can. May God protectus all!"

Then, turning to her children, she said: "I am going to bring Mamita;and presently, when I go away to be alone with papa a little while, Iwant you to do everything to make the evening pleasant for Mamita. Youknow she likes to hear you sing, 'Now Phoebus sinketh in the west. '"

"And I will play that Nocturne of Mendelssohn's that she likes somuch, " replied Rosen Blumen. "She says I play it almost as well asAunt Rosa. "

"And she likes to hear me sing, 'Once on a time there was a king, '"said Lila. "She says she heard _you_ singing it in the woods a longtime ago, when she hadn't anybody to call her Mamita. "

"Very well, my children, " replied their mother. "Do everything you canto make Mamita happy; for there will never be such another Mamita. "

 * * * * *

During the anxious months that followed Mr. Blumenthal's departure, the sisters and their families were almost daily at the rooms of theSanitary Commission, sewing, packing, or writing. Henriet had becomeexpert with the sewing-machine, and was very efficient help; and evenTulee, though far from skilful with her needle, contrived to makedozens of hospital slippers, which it was the pride of her heart todeliver to the ladies of the Commission. Chloe added her quota ofsocks, often elephantine in shape, and sometimes oddly decorated withred tops and toes; but with a blessing for "the boys in blue" runningthrough all the threads. There is no need to say how eagerly theywatched for letters, and what a relief it was to recognize the writingof beloved hands, feeling each time that it might be the last. 

Mr. King kept up occasional correspondence with the officers of GeorgeFalkner's company, and sent from time to time favorable reports of hisbravery and good habits. Henriet received frequent letters from him, imperfectly spelled, but full of love and loyalty. 

Two years after Mr. King left his happy home, he was brought back witha Colonel's shoulder-strap, but with his right leg gone, and his rightarm in a sling. When the first joy of reunion had expressed itselfin caresses and affectionate words, he said to Rosa, "You see what acripple you have for a husband. "

"I make the same reply the English girl did to Commodore Barclay, " shereplied; "'You're dear as ever to me, so long as there's body enoughto hold the soul, '"

Eulalia wept tears of joy on her father's neck, while Flora, and RosenBlumen, and Lila clasped their arms round him, and Tulee stood peepingin at the door, waiting for her turn to welcome the hero home. 

"Flora, you see my dancing days are over, " said the Colonel. 

"Never mind, I'll do your dancing, " she replied. "Rosen Blumen, playuncle's favorite waltz. "

She passed her arm round Eulalia, and for a few moments they revolvedround the room to the circling music. She had so long been called thelife of the family, that she tried to keep up her claim to the title. But her present mirthfulness was assumed; and it was contrary to hernature to act a part. She kissed her hand to her brother-in-law, andsmiled as she whirled out of the room; but she ran up stairs andpressed the tears back, as she murmured to herself, "Ah, if I couldonly be sure Florimond and Alfred would come back, even mutilated ashe is!"

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Another year brought with it what was supposed to be peace, and thearmy was disbanded. Husband and son returned alive and well, and Florawas her young self again. In the exuberance of her joy she seemed morejuvenile than her girls; jumping from husband to son and from sonto husband, kissing them and calling them all manner of pet names;embracing Mrs. Delano at intervals, and exclaiming, "O Mamita, here weare all together again! I wish my arms were long enough to hug you allat once. "

"I thank God, my child, for your sake and for my own, " replied Mrs. Delano. She looked at Alfred, as she spoke, and the affectionateglance he returned filled her heart with a deep and quiet joy. Thestern shadow of war vanished from his face in the sunshine ofhome, and she recognized the same gentle expression that had beenphotographed on her memory long years ago. 

When the family from Beacon Street came, a few minutes later, withwelcomes and congratulations, Alfred bestowed a different sort ofglance on his cousin Eulalia, and they both blushed; as young peopleoften do, without knowing the reason why. Rosen Blumen and Lila hadbeen studying with her the language of their father's country; andwhen the general fervor had somewhat abated, the girls manifested somedisposition to show off the accomplishment. "Do hear them callingAlfred _Mein lieber bruder_, " said Flora to her husband, "while Rosaand I are sprinkling them all with pet names in French and Spanish. What a polyglot family we are! as _cher papa_ used to say. But, Florimond, did you notice anything peculiar in the meeting betweenAlfred and Eulalia?"

"I thought I did, " he replied. 

"How will Brother King like it?" she asked. "He thinks very highly ofAlfred; but you know he has a theory against the marriage of cousins. "

"So have I, " answered Blumenthal; "but nations and races have beenpretty thoroughly mixed up in the ancestry of our children. What withAfrican and French, Spanish, American, and German, I think the dangersof too close relationship are safely diminished. "

"They are a good-looking set, between you and I, " said Flora; "thoughthey _are_ oddly mixed up. See Eulalia, with her great blue eyes, and her dark eyebrows and eyelashes. Rosen Blumen looks just like ahandsome Italian girl. No one would think Lila Blumen was her sister, with her German blue eyes, and that fine frizzle of curly light hair. Your great-grandmother gave her the flax, and I suppose mine did thefrizzling. "

This side conversation was interrupted by Mr. King's saying:"Blumenthal, you haven't asked for news concerning Mrs. Fitzgerald. You know Mr. Green has been a widower for some time. Report saysthat he finds in her company great consolation for the death of hercousin. "

"That's what I call a capital arrangement, " said Flora; "and I didn'tmean any joke about their money, either. Won't they sympathizegrandly? Won't she be in her element? Top notch. No end to balls andparties; and a coat of arms on the coach. "

"The news made me very glad, " observed Rosa; "for the thought of herloneliness always cast a shadow over my happiness. "

"Even _they_ have grown a little during the war, " rejoined Mr. King. "Nabob Green, as they call him, did actually contribute money for theraising of colored regiments. He so far abated his prejudice as to bewilling that negroes should have the honor of being shot in his stead;and Mrs. Fitzgerald agreed with him. That was a considerable advance, you must admit. "

They went on for some time talking over news, public and private; notomitting the prospects of Tom's children, and the progress of Tulee's. But such family chats are like the showers of manna, delicious as theyfall, but incapable of preservation. 

The first evening the families met at the house in Beacon Street, Mr. Blumenthal expressed a wish to see Henriet, and she was summoned. Theimprovement in her appearance impressed him greatly. Having livedthree years with kindly and judicious friends, who never remindedher, directly or indirectly, that she was a black sheep in the socialflock, her faculties had developed freely and naturally; and belongingto an imitative race, she readily adopted the language and manners ofthose around her. Her features were not handsome, with the exceptionof her dark, liquid-looking eyes; and her black hair was too crisp tomake a soft shading for her brown forehead. But there was a winningexpression of gentleness in her countenance, and a pleasing degree ofmodest ease in her demeanor. A map, which she had copied very neatly, was exhibited, and a manuscript book of poems, of her own selection, written very correctly, in a fine flowing hand. "Really, this isencouraging, " said Mr. Blumenthal, as she left the room. "If half acentury of just treatment and free schools can bring them all up tothis level, our battles will not be in vain, and we shall deserve torank among the best benefactors of the country; to say nothing of acorresponding improvement in the white population. "

"Thitherward is Providence leading us, " replied Mr. King. "Not untous, but unto God, be all the glory. We were all of us working forbetter than we knew. "

 * * * * *

Mr. King had written to George Falkner, to inform him of a situationhe had in store for him at Marseilles, and to request a previousmeeting in New York, as soon as he could obtain his discharge from thearmy; being in this, as in all other arrangements, delicately carefulto avoid giving annoyance to Mrs. Fitzgerald. In talking this overwith his wife, he said: "I consider it a duty to go to Marseilles withhim. It will give us a chance to become acquainted with each other;it will shield him from possible impertinences on the passage, onHenriet's account; and it will be an advantage to him to be introducedas my friend to the American Consul, and some commercial gentlemen ofmy acquaintance. "

"I am to go with you, am I not?" asked Rosa. "I am curious to seethis young man, from whom I parted, so unconscious of all the strangefuture, when he was a baby in Tulee's arms. "

"I think you had better not go, dear, " he replied; "though the lossof your company will deprive me of a great pleasure. Eulalia wouldnaturally wish to go with us; and as she knows nothing of George'sprivate history, it would be unwise to excite her curiosity byintroducing her to such a striking likeness of Gerald. But she mightstay with Rosen Blumen while you go to New York and remain with metill the vessel sails. If I meet with no accidents, I shall return inthree months; for I go merely to give George a fair start, though, when there, I shall have an eye to some other business, and take a runto Italy to look in upon our good old friends, Madame and the Signor. "

The journey to New York was made at the appointed time, in companywith Henriet and her little one. George had risen to the rank oflieutenant in the army, and had acquired a military bearing thatconsiderably increased the manliness of his appearance. He was brownedby exposure to sun and wind; but he so strongly resembled her handsomeGerald, that Rosa longed to clasp him to her heart. His wife'sappearance evidently took him by surprise. "How you have changed!"he exclaimed. "What a lady you are! I can hardly believe this is thelittle Hen I used to make mud pies with. "

She laughed as she answered: "You are changed, too. If I haveimproved, it is owing to these kind friends. Only think of it, George, though Mrs. King is such a handsome and grand lady, she always calledme Mrs. Falkner. "

Mrs. King made several appropriate parting presents to Henriet andlittle Hetty. To George she gave a gold watch, and a very beautifulcolored photograph of Gerald, in a morocco case, as a souvenir oftheir brief friendship in the army. 

Mr. King availed himself of every hour of the voyage to gain theconfidence of the young man, and to instil some salutary lessons intohis very receptive mind. After they had become well acquainted, hesaid: "I have made an estimate of what I think it will be necessaryfor you to spend for rent, food, and clothing; also of what I think itwould be wise for you to spend in improving your education, andfor occasional amusements. I have not done this in the spirit ofdictation, my young friend, but merely with the wish of helping you bymy greater experience of life. It is important that you shouldlearn to write a good commercial hand, and also acquire, as soon aspossible, a very thorough knowledge of the French language. For theseyou should employ the best teachers that can be found. Your wife canhelp you in many ways. She has learned to spell correctly, to readwith fluency and expression, and to play quite well on the piano. Youwill find it very profitable to read good books aloud to each other. I advise you not to go to places of amusement oftener than once afortnight, and always to choose such places as will be suitable andpleasant for your wife. I like that young men in my employ shouldnever taste intoxicating drinks, or use tobacco in any form. Boththose habits are expensive, and I have long ago abjured them asinjurious to health. "

The young man bowed, and replied, "I will do as you wish in allrespects, sir; I should be very ungrateful if I did not. "

"I shall give you eight hundred dollars for the first year, " resumedMr. King; "and shall increase your salary year by year, according toyour conduct and capabilities. If you are industrious, temperate, andeconomical, there is no reason why you should not become a rich man intime; and it will be wise for you to educate yourself, your wife, andyour children, with a view to the station you will have it in yourpower to acquire. If you do your best, you may rely upon my influenceand my fatherly interest to help you all I can. "

The young man colored, and, after a little embarrassed hesitation, said: "You spoke of a fatherly interest, sir; and that reminds me thatI never had a father. May I ask whether you know anything about myparents?"

Mr. King had anticipated the possibility of such a question, and hereplied: "I will tell you who your father was, if you will give asolemn promise never to ask a single question about your mother. On that subject I have given a pledge of secrecy which it would bedishonorable for me to break. Only this much I will say, that neitherof your parents was related to me in any degree, or connected with mein any way. "

The young man answered, that he was of course very desirous to knowhis whole history, but would be glad to obtain any information, and was willing to give the required promise, which he would mostreligiously keep. 

Mr. King then went on to say: "Your father was Mr. Gerald Fitzgerald, a planter in Georgia. You have a right to his name, and I will sointroduce you to my friends, if you wish it. He inherited a handsomefortune, but lost it all by gambling and other forms of dissipation. He had several children by various mothers. You and the Gerald withwhom you became acquainted were brothers by the father's side. You areunmixed white; but you were left in the care of a negro nurse, and oneof your father's creditors seized you both, and sold you into slavery. Until a few months before you were acquainted with Gerald, it wassupposed that you died in infancy; and for that reason no efforts weremade to redeem you. Circumstances which I am not at liberty to explainled to the discovery that you were living, and that Gerald had learnedyour history as a slave. I feel the strongest sympathy with yourmisfortunes, and cherish a lively gratitude for your kindness to myyoung friend Gerald. All that I have told you is truth; and if it werein my power, I would most gladly tell you the _whole_ truth. "

The young man listened with the deepest interest; and, havingexpressed his thanks, said he should prefer to be called by hisfather's name; for he thought he should feel more like a man to bear aname to which he knew that he had a right. 

 * * * * *

When Mr. King again returned to his Boston home, as soon as the firsteager salutations were over, he exclaimed: "How the room is decoratedwith vines and flowers! It reminds me of that dear floral parlor inNew Orleans. "

"Didn't you telegraph that you were coming? And is it not yourbirthday?" inquired his wife. 

He kissed her, and said: "Well, Rosabella, I think you may now have atranquil mind; for I believe things have been so arranged that no oneis very seriously injured by that act of frenzy which has caused youso much suffering. George will not be deprived of any of his pecuniaryrights; and he is in a fair way to become more of a man than he wouldhave been if he had been brought up in luxury. He and Henriet are ashappy in their prospects as two mortals well can be. Gerald enjoyedhis short life; and was more bewildered than troubled by the discoverythat he had two mothers. Eulalia was a tender, romantic memory to him;and such, I think, he has become to our child. I don't believe Mrs. Fitzgerald suffered much more than annoyance. Gerald was always thesame to her as a son; and if he had been really so, he would probablyhave gone to the war, and have run the same chance of being killed. "

"Ah, Alfred, " she replied, "I should never have found my way out ofthat wretched entanglement if it had not been for you. You have reallyacted toward me the part of Divine Providence. It makes me ashamedthat I have not been able to do anything in atonement for my ownfault, except the pain I suffered in giving up my Gerald to hisLily-mother. When I think how that poor babe became enslaved bymy act, I long to sell my diamonds, and use the money to buildschool-houses for the freedmen. "

"Those diamonds seem to trouble you, dearest, " rejoined he, smiling. "I have no objection to your selling them. You become them, and theybecome you; but I think school-houses will shine as brighter jewels inthe better world. "

Here Flora came in with all her tribe; and when the welcomes wereover, her first inquiries were for Madame and the Signor. 

"They are well, " replied Mr. King, "and they seem to be as contentedas tabbies on a Wilton rug. They show signs of age, of course. TheSignor has done being peppery, and Madame's energy has visibly abated;but her mind is as lively as ever. I wish I could remember half thestories she repeated about the merry pranks of your childhood. Sheasked a great many questions about _Jolie Manon_; and she laughed tillshe cried while she described, in dramatic style, how you crazed thepoor bird with imitations, till she called you _Joli petit diable_"

"How I wish I had known mamma then! How funny she must have been!"exclaimed Lila. 

"I think you have heard some performances of hers that were equallyfunny, " rejoined Mrs. Delano. "I used to be entertained with a varietyof them; especially when we were in Italy. If any of the _pifferari_went by, she would imitate the drone of their bagpipes in a mannerirresistibly comic. And if she saw a peasant-girl dancing, sheforthwith went through the performance to the life. "

"Yes, Mamita, " responded Flora; "and you know I fancied myself a greatmusical composer in those days, --a sort of feminine Mozart; but the_qui vive_ was always the key I composed in. "

"I used to think the fairies helped you about that, as well as otherthings, " replied Mrs. Delano. 

"I think the fairies help her now, " said Mr. Blumenthal; "and wellthey may, for she is of their kith and kin. "

This playful trifling was interrupted by the sound of thefolding-doors rolling apart; and in the brilliantly lighted adjoiningroom a tableau became visible, in honor of the birthday. Underfestoons of the American flag, surmounted by the eagle, stood Eulalia, in ribbons of red, white, and blue, with a circle of stars round herhead. One hand upheld the shield of the Union, and in the other thescales of Justice were evenly poised. By her side stood Rosen Blumen, holding in one hand a gilded pole surmounted by a liberty-cap, whileher other hand rested protectingly on the head of Tulee's Benny, whowas kneeling and looking upward in thanksgiving. 

Scarcely had the vision appeared before Joe Bright's voice was heardleading invisible singers through the tune "Hail to the Chief, " whichAlfred Blumenthal accompanied with a piano. As they sang the last linethe striped festoons fell and veiled the tableau. Then Mr. Bright, whohad returned a captain, appeared with his company, consisting of Tomand Chloe with their children, and Tulee with her children, singing aparody composed by himself, of which the chorus was:--

 "Blow ye the trumpet abroad o'er the sea, Columbia has triumphed, the negro is free! Praise to the God of our fathers! 'twas He, Jehovah, that triumphed, Columbia, through thee. "

To increase the effect, the director of ceremonies had added aflourish of trumpets behind the scenes. 

Then the colored band came forward, hand in hand, and sang together, with a will, Whittier's immortal "Boat Song":--

 "We own de hoe, we own de plough, We own de hands dat hold; We sell de pig, we sell de cow; But nebber _chile_ be sold. De yam will grow, de cotton blow, We'll hab de rice an' corn: O, nebber you fear, if nebber you hear De driver blow his horn!"

All the family, of all ages and colors, then joined in singing "TheStar-spangled Banner"; and when Mr. King had shaken hands with themall, they adjourned to the breakfast-room, where refreshments wereplentifully provided. 

At last Mr. Bright said: "I don't want to bid you good night, friends;but I must. I don't generally like to go among Boston folks. Just lookat the trees on the Common. They're dying because they've rolled thesurface of the ground so smooth. That's just the way in Boston, Ireckon. They take so much pains to make the surface smooth, thatit kills the roots o' things. But when I come here, or go to Mrs. Blumenthal's, I feel as if the roots o' things wa'n't killed. Goodnight, friends. I haven't enjoyed myself so well since I found OldHundred and Yankee Doodle in the Harmolinks. "

The sound of his whistling died away in the streets; the young peoplewent off to talk over their festival; the colored troop retiredto rest; and the elders of the two families sat together in thestillness, holding sweet converse concerning the many strangeexperiences that had been so richly crowned with blessings. 

A new surprise awaited them, prepared by the good taste of Mr. Blumenthal. A German Liederkrantz in the hall closed the ceremonies ofthe night with Mendelssohn's "Song of Praise. "