The Gonzales inquirer. [volume] (Gonzales, Tex.) 1853-current, 1854-05-13
Consistency.
A SKETCH FROM REAL LIFE.
ny "a LADY OF MAINLAND"

her home in Philadelphia, "how do you like
the Viiginiansr"
"Oh, very well, very much indeed they
are hospitablc, generous, and generally intel
ligent, and but for one thing, should have
enjoyed my visit exccedinglyW
"And what is that one thingt"
"Tbe odious system Of slavery which OBJ.
tains in the South. You cannot imagine how
my feelings were shocked 10y being compelled
TO be waited on by slaves Poor creatures! /
sympathized with them so sincerely that
could not enjoy the luxuries procured by their
labor"
"Did they appear to be unhappy, or to be
treated with sevcrity!"
No, OH the contrary, they seemed cheer
(ul and contented, and apparently were treated
with kindness; but for all that, know they
could not be really satisfied with their con-
dition, and ] could not help advising Flora,
Mrs. Carleton's woman, who waited on mo
particularly, to take the first opportunity of
escaping"
"Did you not think that was rather an un-
grateful return for Mrs. Csretons hospitality"
1T might appear so--but II was matter
Of conscience with me. ! felt II to be my duty
to do all in my power to rescue my oppressed
fellow creatures from bonds unjustly imposed
on them, and as | had constant opportunities
of convcrsing with Flora, did my best to en-
tighten her mind, and to point out the only
mode by which she could possibly obtain the
inestimablc blessing Of liberty"
In other words you strovc to render her
| discontcntcd with her situation, and TO induce
her to take step which would probably re.
suit in unhappiness to herself and would GER
tainly occasion much Inconvenience to her
mistress; but how did she receive your sug.
gcstionsP"
"Why very strangely indeed. She did not
even appear grateful for the interesteI felt for
her, She told me very plainly that she was
perfectly happy In her present condition; that
her mistress was kind and indugcnt; that her
comforts were all attended to, and finally she
inimated that she did not wish any one to
give themselves any trouble about her, and
that those who concerned themselves 30 much
about the slaves would do well to mind their
own business. l was quito disgustcd at her
| impertinence, but such conduct only shows
the debasing effects Of slavery"
| The conversation was here interrupted by a
low knocking at the door, and on It's being
| opened, delicate looking female, apparently
about twenty years old, entered the apartment
Mrs Moreand did not ask her to sit down, but
after surveying her in siIence moment or two,
said coldly-
care yousshs young person who was re-
1 ~
reng"
"Yes, ma'am," answered the girl, timidly,
and without raising her eyes
"You appear to be very young-have you
been accustomed to teachingY"
81 have never taught any one except my
| little sisters.
"lumph should think they did not re-
iurc much teaching Well, as you are so in
experienced, | suppose you will not expect
the usual salary"
"Whatever you think right to give me,
maa am, shall BIZ satisfied with"
"Wcll. then, we might az well make our
arrangements at once shall expect you TO
teach the three elder girls music, drawing,
French, and t;ne needle work, besides attend
ing TO their clothes, and assisting them In
dressing. The two little children you will
| have to wash aud dress, aud occasionally you
will not object to taking charge of the baby.
| feu will take your meals in the nursery, and
when the weather is fine, and you are not
busy, you will walk ont with the children
The beds you can make before breakfast, and
when we have company, your will of courae
| have TO lend your assistance. There Ia, per
| haps bc seine other little services rcqui I'd Of
| you, but | cannot now remember them, and
they will bc very tri1ing. For this am will
ing TO give you tifty dollars year, and you
will have n comfortable home"
The poor girl colored, and af,er few mo.
mcnts hesitation, said
But, madam, have never been accustom.
cd TO doug tho kind of work you speak OF,
I and am afraid should not be able 10 give
satisfaction.
"oh, as to that, You will soon learn IL you
are willing to try, and have no foolish pride
about you, as too many of your class have.
But then II You have to bc taught, Of course
| you cannot expect to receive fllli wages -
! finy dollars is great deal OF money in these
I hard times"
I al, will he barely sufficient to cothe me,
I madam, and have an invalid mother and two
+ little sisters, who are IN some measure depend.
/ eai on my exertions.'
/ with that have nothing 10 do The sum
/ | have mentioned is the utmost can afford
/ TO give, and more. dare say, than you will
I he abe TO earn, for sou arc very young, and
by yoar own confession, quite inexperienced
in teaching"
"Tha, IA true, madam, bu, have been we'll
educated and | hope the strict attention I
should pay to my pupils, would ccsrrsnsate
I for my NAN, Of ineSperience'
/ A silence Of some minutes ensucd, which
was =, length hrckea 10y the young girl. who
said in low voice
"whh you allow me few days 10 consider
/ of your p,opoSitcnsfT
"yes," said Mfs Morrlsnd, "hut must
have your tlual determination before Monday,
What u ycns nameg'
+ Helen osl,erne, madam. Sna shall hrsr
srpu. INC On Saturday" and with low conr,e,
~ The hunlble stranger Withdrew fsosa the
apartment
soon kiicr, Mrs, lsndon also took leave,
pondcfine deeply en the Inconsistency es char.
Acttr which could indsec her friend to eypena
hrs iimt aud MONEY In vain a..emIt 20 alter