Notwithstanding this, there is a faltering
nervousness in his manner, betraying all his efforts at
dissimulation. He reads the invoice of human property to the
listening crowd, dilates on its specific qualities with powers of
elucidation that would do credit to any member of the learned
profession. This opinion is confirmed by Romescos, the associations
of whose trade have gained for him a very intimate acquaintance with
numerous gentlemen of that very honourable profession.
"Now, gentlemen," continues the vender, "the honourable high sheriff
is anxious, and so am I-and it's no more than a feelin' of deserving
humanity, which every southern gentleman is proud to exercise-that
these children be sold to good, kind, and respectable owners; and
that they do not fall into the hands, as is generally the case, of
men who raise them up for infamous purposes. Gentlemen, I am
decidedly opposed to making licentiousness a means of profit."
"That neither means you nor me," mutters Romescos, touching Mr.
Seabrook on the arm, shaking his head knowingly, and stepping aside
to Graspum, in whose ear he whispers a word. The very distinguished
Mr. Graspum has been intently listening to the outpouring of the
vender's simplicity. What sublime nonsense it seems to him! He
suggests that it would be much more effectual if it came from the
pulpit,--the southern pulpit!
"Better sell 'um to some deacon's family," mutters a voice in the
crowd.
"That's precisely what we should like, gentlemen; any bidder of that
description would get them on more favourable terms than a trader,
he would," he returns, quickly.
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