"I am now almost heart-broken, and fear it will soon be my lot to be
driven from under the roof of Colonel M'Carstrow, which is no longer
a home, but a mere place of durance to me. It would be needless for
me here to recount his conduct. Were I differently constituted I
might tolerate his abuse, and accept a ruffian's recompense in
consideration of his wealth.
"Go, my dear friend, save that child,
"Is the prayer of your affectionate
"FRANCONIA."
Mrs. Rosebrook reads and re-reads the letter; then heaves a sigh as
she lays it upon the table at her side. As if discussing the matter
in her mind, her face resumes a contemplative seriousness.
"And those children are to be sold in the market! Who won't they
sell, and sanctify the act? How can I relieve them? how can I be
their friend, for Franconia's sake? My husband is away on the
plantation, and I cannot brave the coarse slang of a slave mart; I
cannot mingle with those who there congregate.
"And, too, there are so many such cases-bearing on their front the
fallacy of this our democracy-that however much one may have claims
over another, it were impossible to take one into consideration
without inciting a hundred to press their demands. In this sense,
then, the whole accursed system would have to be uprooted before the
remedy could be applied effectually. Notwithstanding, I will go; I
will go: I'll see what can be done in the city," says Mrs.
Rosebrook, bristling with animation. "Our ladies must have something
to arouse their energies; they all have a deep interest to serve,
and can do much:" she will summon resolution and brave all.
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