However, Elder, I suppose you go
upon the principle of what is not lost to sin being gained to the
Lord: and if your sick property die pious, the knowledge of it is a
sufficient recompense for the loss." Thus saying, she readily
accepted the Elder's kind invitation, and, ordering a basket of
prepared nourishment, which, together with the carriage, was soon
ready, she accompanied him to his infirmary. They drove through
narrow lanes and streets lined with small dilapidated cottages, and
reached a wooden tenement near the suburb of the city of C--. It was
surrounded by a lattice fence, the approach being through a gate, on
which was inscribed, "Mr. Praiseworthy's Infirmary;" and immediately
below this, in small letters, was the significant notice, "Planters
having the cholera and other prevailing diseases upon their
plantations will please take notice that I am prepared to pay the
highest price for the infirm and other negroes attacked with the
disease. Offers will be made for the most doubtful cases!"
"Elder Praiseworthy!" ejaculates the lady, starting back, and
stopping to read the strange sign. "'Offers will be made for the
most doubtful cases!'" she mutters, turning towards him with a look
of melancholy. "What thoughts, feelings, sentiments! That means,
that unto death you have a pecuniary interest in their bodies; and,
for a price, you will interpose between their owners and death. The
mind so grotesque as to conceive such a purpose should be
restrained, lest it trifle with life unconsciously.
Pages:
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220