He was so
delighted with their appearance that he could not keep from admiring
them, and does not wonder the good lady took so great an interest in
their welfare. He knows the ministerial-looking gentleman who bought
them is a kind master; he has an acute knowledge of human nature,
and judges from his looks. And he will further assure the good lady
that the auctioneer proved himself a gentleman-every inch of him! He
wouldn't take a single bid from a trader, not even from old Graspum
(he dreads to come in contact with such a brute as he is, when he
gets his eye on a good piece o' nigger property), with all his
money. As soon as he heard the name of a deacon among the bidders,
something in his heart forbade his bidding against him.
"You were not as good as your word, Mr. Seabrook," says the good
lady, still holding Mr. Seabrook by the hand. "But, are you sure
there was no disguise about the sale?"
"Not the least, madam!" interrupts Mr. Seabrook, emphatically.
"Bless me, madam, our people are too sensitive not to detect
anything of that kind; and too generous to allow it if they did
discover it. The children-my heart feels for them-are in the very
best hands; will be brought up just as pious and morally. Can't go
astray in the hands of a deacon-that's certain!" Mr. Seabrook rubs
his hands, twists his fingers in various ways, and gives utterance
to words of consolation, most blandly. The anxious lady seems
disappointed, but is forced to accept the assurance.
Pages:
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486