The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-03-09

dressed in this manner, by the thought of the tri
fling balance I" IL were not for Constance, might
sell the girl, for she is of earthly except to
play with. 1t was never my policy to bring up
servants above their station. but this girl being,
you see, as white as my own child, came to be
considered almost like one of the family, at least
by Mr.. Herbert and Constance, and it is custom
ary you know for house servants to be left 10 tie
management of the ladies'"
Humph! " interjected the amiable Mooney.
"Angelique's mother was faithful, affectionate
creature, and in her last moments, my wife assur
ed her that her child should be well cared for and
she has often urged me to make out free papers
for her, which have neglected to do," (Ah Ralph
Herbert did you neglect it, Though to be sure
it has been my intention to free her before many
years.
"Oh don't free yer niggers Now I've seen
good deal of that in my time, and tell ye I've
pinion of 'mancipating niggers The fleet is bad
sir surprisin' bad.''
This probably being the only moral reflection
Mooney made in his life. he appeared to
plume himself upon it great DEAL
"Y You say you never promised the madam not
not to sell this here gal, did you he inquired af
ter moments silence
NO. not exactly, I believe, but it would be So
shock in her delicate state of health, if should
do so' returned the planter musingly; /" and then,
Constance's attachments are so strong!"
'Oh that's all fugdge! Children never rernem-
Der nothin' more'n day or two get the little Ia
dy heap o. new frocks and toys, and books if she
fancies 'em; or send her off on visit, somewhere.
No trouble about that.''
MIR. r erbert at first shook his head doubtingly;
but then he thought of his embarrassed afairs, OF
the hard-featured exacting creditor; into whose
power he had been by complication of reverses,
SO hopelessy thrown and lastly, he though OF the
liberal sum which this same man had offered to
give him in exchange for the body and soul, the
delicate form and queenly features, the beauty and
intelligence of that little slender child. Oh Ralph
Herbert how large, how very large and tempting
those few hundreds look to you just now, IN com
parison with the small useless chattel you call An
geliqne!
If can weather this difficulty in safety, if
caa recover my footing again." were the thoughts
which formed themsevesin his mind, but how ID
to be done! mast have money. This girl is OF
no possible use now, and if should keep her
a few years longer, why of course shouldn't sell
her then. OF course not" And Mr.. Herbert
credited himself with large amount of morality
for this consideration.
..IfI am ever to sell her f,uw is the time for
several reasons said he aloud and then quickly
deciding he added, " I think Mooney 1 will sell
the girl for---'' naming sum somewhat high
er than the offer made. "
To do the planter justice it must be stated that
he INDUCED half hope that this advance would
cause Mooney to withdraw his proposition but he
was mistaken, for after some little bantering, the
trader consented to the arrangement.
"But,' said he ss the business had best be done
up quick, before it spreads much round amongst
the niggers. Certainly - MIR. Herbert was
equally anxions to expedite tbs matter he deested
scenes.
81 hear their voices yonder in the arbor. We will
walk round there that you may see which one is
the quadroon; but mind-nota word before Con
stance. will manage to separate them.''
I" Yes, send the gipsey into the house for some
thing. FIX up some excuse. never like to buy
an article like this yer without handlin.'
They reached the arbor. There on the flower
strewn floor, half asleep, lay the two little fairies
and as Constance sprang quickly TO her feet, Mr..
Herbert smoothing her tangled curls, said !:
s.Didn't mamma send you for flowers to fill her
vases?" !"
:. Yes papa,o said Constance, looking down.
Then run quick-take them to the house and ar
range them as nicely as you can Angelque can
remain here till you come back"
/ Casting glance of encouragement at her COM
3 L. 4 ho7
ket of flowers, and then Mooney open-mouthed as
usual, with hands in his pockets and head inclined
eagerly forward stared at the quadroon girl in un-
disguised admiration, as she stood with eyes cast
down and arms modestly folded.
q. Wall this beats all, he managed to nrtculate
after he had gazed to his satisfaction. She's Q
regular built princess for beauty and no mistake
Tell ye what, now, I'l not go begging with her ir
Orleans. This yer trade gets better every year
as gals gets winter"
81 OF course > returned the planter indiferently
During all this Angelique stood looking up a
: her master, not comprehending word
"Turn around and look at me my gal,'' said th'
: trader touching her shoulder. The child obeyet
though shrinking with terror from the gross aspec
of the man-but as she raised her face to his, h'
inserted his great coarse finger between her lips
and lifting her chin in his left hand appeared to bt
: gazing down her throat.
/" Fine teeth,' he said releasing her, " white ant
l even. Know'd they must be! Taper fingers
that's the sort clinch the trade, eh?''
Angelique heard, and moaD comprehending all
stood with dlating eyes and parted lips stil-sti
cd 70
:, but irresistible power chained her feet 10 tn
- EARTH And this unseen power-what was it
is A thought! Ay! simply Thought, which burst
j. ing in upon her brain at that moment, seemed t.
IS scar its impression as with hot iron. The con
viction suddenly flashed upon her of what This ma
l. was, and whnt she was: for Angelque knew tn
nature Of slavery, and knew that she herself was
= slaye ihoIgh in her childish sirnplicY she ha