Every-thing hangs upon a thread-a
political thread, a lawful thread-a thread that holds the fate of
thirty, forty, or fifty human beings-that separates them from that
verge of uncertainty upon which a straw may turn the weal or woe of
their lives. "When I get them comfortably cared for, Clotilda, I
will send for you. Nicholas's mother has gone, but you shall be a
mother to them both," he says, looking upon her seriously, as if
contemplating the trouble before him in the attempt to rescue his
children.
"You will not send Annette away without me?" she inquires, quickly,
falling on her knees at his side, and reiterating, "Don't send
Annette away without me,--don't, mas'r!"
"The separation will only be for a few days. Annette shall be
educated-I care not for the laws of our free land against it-and
together you shall go where your parentage will not shame you,--where
you may ornament society," he replies, as Clotilda's face lights up
with satisfaction. With such an assurance-she does not comprehend
the tenour of his troubles-her freedom seems at hand: it excites her
to joy. Marston retires and she takes his seat, writes a note to
Maxwell, who is then in the city, relating what has transpired, and
concluding with a request that he will call and see her.
A few days passed, and the two children were sent into the city and
placed in the charge of a free woman, with instructions to keep them
secreted for several weeks. This movement being discovered by
Romescos, was the first signal for an onset of creditors.
Pages:
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230