The messenger's arrival is made known to Mrs.
Tuttlewell, who must duly consider the nature of the immediate
demand. She had reason to expect the services of the children would
have been at her command for some years to come. However, she must
make the very best of it; they are Graspum's property, and he can do
what he pleases with them. She suggests, with great politeness, that
the messenger take a seat in the lower veranda. Her house is located
in a most fashionable street, and none knew better than good lady
Tuttlewell herself the value of living up to a fashionable nicety;
for, where slavery exists, it is a trade to live.
Both children have been "waiting on table," and, on hearing the
summons, repair to their cabin in the yard. Mrs. Tuttlewell,
reconsidering her former decision, thinks the messenger better
follow them, seeing that he is a nigger with kindly looks. "Uncle!"
says Annette, looking up at the old Negro, as he joins them: "Don't
you want me too?"
"No," returns the man, coolly shaking his head.
"I think they must be going to take us back to the old plantation,
where Daddy Bob used to sing so. Then I shall see mother-how I do
want to see her!" she exclaims, her little heart bounding with
ecstasy. Three years or more have passed since she prattled on her
mother's knee.
The negro recognizes the child's simplicity. "I on'e wants dat
child; but da'h an't gwine t' lef ye out on da plantation, nohow!"
he says.
"Not going to take us home!" she says, with a sigh.
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