This is a consequence
inseparable from his sale. It matters not whether the blood of the
noblest patriot course in his veins, his hair be of flaxen
brightness, his eyes of azure blue, his skin of Norman whiteness,
and his features classic,--he can be no more than a slave, and as
such must yield to the debasing influences of an institution that
crushes and curses wherever it exists. In proof of this, we find the
bright eyes of our little Annette, glowing with kindliest love,
failing to thaw the frozen souls of man-dealers. Nay, bright eyes
only lend their aid to the law that debases her life. She has become
valuable only as a finely and delicately developed woman, whose
appearance in the market will produce sharp bidding, and a deal of
dollars and cents. Graspum never lost an opportunity of trimming up
these nice pieces of female property, making the money invested in
them turn the largest premium, and satisfying his customers that, so
far as dealing in the brightest kind of fancy stock was concerned,
he is not a jot behind the most careful selecter in the Charleston
market. Major John Bowling--who is very distinguished, having
descended from the very ancient family of that name, and is highly
thought of by the aristocracy--has made the selection of such
merchandise his particular branch of study for more than fourteen
years. In consequence of the major's supposed taste, his pen was
hitherto most frequented by gentlemen and connoisseur; but now
Graspum assures all respectable people, gentlemen of acknowledged
taste, and young men who are cultivating their way up in the world,
that his selections are second to none; of this he will produce
sufficient proof, provided customers will make him a call and look
into the area of his fold.
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