How in contrast with that
waging of passion, and every element of evil that has its source in
injustice, so rife of plantation life, was the picture here
presented!
The service ended, Rosebrook addresses a few remarks to his people;
after which they gather around him and pour forth their gratitude in
genial sentiments. Old and young have a "Heaven save master!" for
Rosebrook, and a "God bless missus!" for his noble-hearted lady, to
whom they cling, shaking her hand with warmest affection.
How enviable to her sex is the position of that woman who labours
for the fallen, and whose heart yields its kindred sympathy for the
oppressed!
After congratulations and tokens of affection had been exchanged,
master, missus, and the people-for such they now were-repaired to
the green in front of the plantation mansion, where a sumptuous
collation was spread out, to which all sat down in one harmonious
circle. Then the festivities of the day-a 4th of July in
miniature-ended with a gathering at Dad Daniel's cabin, where he
profoundly laid down a system of rules for the future observance of
the people.
Six months have passed under the new r‚gime; and Rosebrook, feeling
that to require labour of his people for a sum much beneath its
value must in time become a source from which evil results would
flow, awarded them a just and adequate remuneration, and finds it
work well. Harry had not been included among those who were enrolled
as candidates for the enjoyment offered by the new system; but
missus as well as master had confidentially promised him he should
be free before many years, and with his family, if he desired, sent
to Liberia, to work for the enlightenment of his fellow Africans.
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