Consummate it, and a penitent's prayer will bless you! I see
the impending catastrophe-"
"We may do without it; be quiet. Let your feelings calm. I have
consulted Franconia on the same subject. Woman can do much if she
will; and she has promised me she will. My knowledge of her womanly
nature tells me she will be true to Clotilda!" Maxwell speaks
assuringly, and his words seem as balm to a wounded spirit.
The bill of sale was among the things intended for a more profitable
use. Marston has satisfied Graspum's claim; but he knew that slavery
deadened the sensibilities of men. Yet, could it have so deadened
Graspum's feeling that he would have been found in a plot against
him? No! he could not believe it. He would not look for foul play
from that quarter. It might have been mislaid-if lost, all the
better. A second thought, and he begins to quiet himself with the
belief that it had become extinct; that, there not being evidence to
prove them property, his word would be sufficient to procure their
release. Somewhat relieved of the force of parental anxiety-we can
call it by no other name-the troubled planter, with his troubles
inherited, promises Maxwell, who has postponed his departure that he
may aid in saving Clotilda and her child, that he will proceed
direct to the sheriff's office, give notice of their freedom to that
functionary, and forbid the sale. Upon this resolution they part for
the night, and on the following morning, Marston, sick at heart,
leaves for the city, hoping to make arrangements with his attorney,
who will serve notice of freedom with all the expense and legality
of form.
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