It was scarcely worth while to trouble a respectable
jury with the paltry case-and then, they were so frequent! We need
scarcely tell the reader that he was honourably acquitted, and borne
from the court amid great rejoicing. His crime was only that of
murder in self-defence; and, as two tyrants had met, the successful
had the advantage of public opinion, which in the slave world soars
high above law. Romescos being again on the world, making his
cleverness known, we must beg the reader's indulgence, and request
him to accompany us while we return to the children.
Annette and Nicholas are, and have been since the sale, the property
of Graspum. They develope in size and beauty-two qualities very
essential in the man-market of our democratic world, the South.
Those beautiful features, intelligence, and reserve, are much
admired as merchandise; for southern souls are not lifted above this
grade of estimating coloured worth. Annette's cherub face, soft blue
eyes, clear complexion, and light auburn hair, add to the sweetness
of a countenance that education and care might make brilliant; and
yet, though reared on Marston's plantation, with unrestricted
indulgence, her childish heart seems an outpouring of native
goodness. She speaks of her mother with the affection of one of
maturer years; she grieves for her return, wonders why she is left
alone, remembers how kind that mother spoke to her when she said
good by, at the cell door. How sweet is the remembrance of a mother!
how it lingers, sparkling as a dewdrop, in a child's memory.
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