Hope carried him through
every trial,--hope prepared his heart for the time of his
delivery,--hope filled his soul with gratitude to his Maker, and
hope, which ever held its light of freedom before him, inspired him
with that prayer he so thankfully bestowed on the head of his
benefactor, whose presence was as the light of love borne to him on
angels' wings.
Moved to tears by his recital of past struggles, and the expression
of natural goodness exhibited in the resignation with which he bore
them, ever praying and trusting to Him who guides our course in
life, Franconia in turn commenced relating the misfortunes that had
befallen her uncle. She tells him how her uncle has been reduced to
poverty through Lorenzo's folly, and Graspum, the negro dealer's
undiscoverable mode of ensnaring the unwary. He has been importuned,
harassed, subjected to every degradation and shame, scouted by
society for attempting to save those beautiful children, Annette and
Nicholas, from the snares of slavery. And he now welters in a
debtor's prison, with few save his old faithful Daddy Bob for
friends.
"Master, and my old companion, Daddy Bob!" exclaims Harry,
interrupting her at the moment.
"Yes: Daddy takes care of him in his prison cell."
"How often old Bob's expressive face has looked upon me in my
dreams! how often he has occupied my thoughts by day!"
"Goodness belongs to him by nature."
"And master is in prison; but Daddy is still his friend and
faithful! Well, my heart sorrows for master: I know his proud heart
bleeds under the burden," he says, shaking his head sorrowfully.
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