The fair Franconia, who has just been forced to accept the hand of a
mere charlatan, disclosed the secrets of her mind to him; it was she
who incited him to an act which might have sacrificed his freedom,
perhaps his life. But mankind is possessed of an innate feeling to
do good; and there is a charm added when the object to be served is
a fair creature about to be dragged into the miseries of slavery.
Even the rougher of our kind cannot resist it; and at times-we
except the servile opinion which slavery inflicts upon a people
through its profitable issues-prompts the ruffian to generous acts.
The little bark, bound for the haven of freedom, sailed onward over
the blue waters, and when daylight dawned had crossed the bar
separating the harbour from the ocean. Clotilda ascends to the deck,
sits on the companion-seat, and in a pensive mood watches the fading
hills where slavery stains the fair name of freedom,--where
oppression rears its dark monuments to for ever torture and disgrace
a harmless race. She looks intently upon them, as one by one they
fade in the obscure horizon, seeming to recall the many
associations, pleasant and painful, through which she has passed.
She turns from the contemplation to the deep blue sea, and the
unclouded arch of heaven, as they spread out before her: they are
God's own, man cannot pollute them; they are like a picture of glory
inspiring her with emotions she cannot suppress. As the last dim
sight of land is lost in the distance, she waves a handkerchief, as
if to bid it adieu for ever; then looking at Maxwell, who sits by
her side, she says, with a sigh, "I am beyond it! Free,--yes, free!
But, have I not left a sufferer behind? There is my poor Annette, my
child; I will clasp her to my bosom,--I will love her more when I
meet her again.
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