Graspum, however, had secured himself in
the real estate, and gave little heed to the epidemic that was
carrying off the negro property. Finally, to pass over several
stages in the decline of Marston's affairs, the ravages of the
disease continued until but forty-three negroes, old and young,
were left on the old homestead. The culminating point had arrived.
He was in the grasp of Graspum, and nothing could save him from
utter ruin. It had lately been proved that the Rovero family,
instead of being rich, were extremely poor, their plantation having
long been under a mortgage, the holder of which was threatening
foreclosure.
With Marston, an amount of promiscuous debts had accumulated so far
beyond his expectation that he was without means of discharging
them. His affairs became more and more confused, while the amount of
his liabilities remained a perfect obscurity to the community.
Rumour began to disseminate his troubles, suspicion summoned her
charges, and town-talk left little unadded; while those of his
creditors who had been least suspicious of his wealth and honour
became the most importunate applicants for their claims. At length,
driven by the pressure of the times, he calls Clotilda to him, and
tells her that he is resolved to send Annette and Nicholas into the
city, where they will remain in the care of a coloured woman, until
an opportunity offers of sending them to the north. He is fond of
Clotilda,--tells her of the excitement concerning his business
affairs, and impresses her with the necessity of preserving
calmness; it is requisite to the evasion of any ulterior consequence
that may be brought upon him.
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