The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1859-08-13
Candaoe set Free.

/ N"H'N"' hf"l9r 4Hf +hiHiffrfH NnDiHVi now
/ publishing IN the Atlantic Monthly, begin.
ming with the January number The scene
is laid in Connecticut Ia unte-reyolutiunary
/ times The Doctor is the pastor Of the par.
/ ish, and his conscience being aroused 10 the
/ evil Of African slavery, then existing Ia that
commonwealth, calls upon a member Of his
church, Mr. Marvin, 10 obtain his practical
cooperation, Mr., Marvin II conscientious
man, and although the idea Is new to him,
does not blink Il,
my dear, call Candncc, and let the Doc,
tor put the question 10 her"
/ Candaee vas At this moment sitting before
/ the ample Fireplace iu the kitchen, with two
/ iron kettles before her, nestled each in ils
bed of hickory Goals, which CLEANED out from
their white ashes like sleepy, red eyes, open
ing and shutting. In one Was coffee which
she was burning, stirring vigorously with a
/ pudding sliek,-and In the other, puffy
Lloughnuis, In shapes Of rings, hearts, aud
! marvellous twists which Candacc had such q
special proci,ily Tor making that Mrs Mar
| wins table and closets never knew an inter
mission Of their presence.
"Candace, the Doctor wishes to see YOU"
said Mrs, Marvin,
"lire~ his heart" said C1ndace, looking
up perpleScd. Wants to see me, does hc (?
Can't nobody hab me till dis yer cofTcc's
dorc minnil's a minuil In coffee hut III
he in dcrccily," she added, in palronizing
tone. "Missis, you jest 60 long in, an III
bc dar dcrccly"
A few moments aher, Candacc joined the
group in the sitting.foom, having has,il, tied
clean, white apron over her blue linscy
workinR'dress, and donucd the hrillian, Ma.
dmEWhtcii james had lately given her, and
which she had barhnrc fashion Of arrang.
ing so as give her head the air Of gigantic
butterfly, She sunk dutful curtsy, and
stood twirling her thumbs,whns the doctor
surveyed her gravely
"Candacc," said he edo you think It right
that the black race should be slaves to the
whitcP"
The face and air Of Candncc presented
curious picture nt this moments sort Of
rude sense Of dclicncy embarrassed her. and
she turned a dcprecntng look, first on Mrs.
Marvin and then on her master.
Don't mind us, Candacc," said Mrs. Mar
vim tell the Doeiar the exact truth.
Candoce stood still a moment, and the
p'oaior saw deeper shadow roll over her
sable face, Ike a cloud over a dark pool Of
water, and her immense person hcaycd with
laborcd breathing.
III -I-'e"-' -i'erh, r-rriHt, > SiIr saiyi II
stands to reason. Why, hook Mt rr,r,---T ant
crtier Is ncider huGs nor horns. Is
much a woman as anybody" she said, hold
ing up her head with an air as majestic rs
palm. tree IAN Cato,-hc's a man, born free
an equal, ef dars any truth in what you read
-dot's ALL"
"Candace you've always been contcntcd
and happy with us, have you no, ?" said Mrs.
Marvin.
YES Mass'r,-I ha'n't got muffin to com
plain Of in dat matter. couldn't hab no
better friendsn you an NIssis"
Would you like. your liberty, If you could I
get it, thought" said Mr. Marvin AN
swcr me honestly"
"Why to be sure should who would .
NIP Mind ye," she said, earnestly raising
her black, heavy hand, "ta'nt dat want to
go Oft or want to shirk work; bu, want to .
feel tree. Dem dat isn't free has muffin to
give to nobody ;-dey can't show .whatd,y
would do"
"Well Candacc, from this day you are free"
said Mr.. Marvin, solcmnly.
Candnce covered her face with both her fat
hands, and shook and trcmblcd, and finally
throwing her apron over her head made a
desperate rush for the door, and threw her.
self down in the kitchen in perfect tropical
torrent of tears and sobs.
"You see" said the Doctor, '.what freedom
is to every human creature. The blessing
Of the Lord will be on this deed, Mr. Mas.
vim. 1.-The steps Of a just man are ordered
by tho Lord, and he delighteth in his way"
At this moment, Candace re-nppeared at
he door, her butterfly turban somewhat de-
-anged with the violence Of her prostration,
giving n whimsical air to her portly per
son.
81 want We all to know" she said, with a ,
'learing-up snuff, "dat it's my will an pleas {
ire to go right on doin my work Jest de
amei an, Missis, please, III alters put three
'ggs in de crullers now an won't turn de ,
down in the sink but hang it
jam up on de nail an | won't pick up chips I
n de miIk-pan if I'm in ever so big n hurry q
III do eberyting jest as ye tell me. Now we q
ry me an see ef | wontw
Candace here alluded 70 some Of tho litile -
,rivate wilfuness which she had always OBJ !
tinately cherished as reserved rights, in pur- (
uing domestic matters with her mistress. +
81 intend said Mr.. Marvin, "to make the 4
anne offer TO your husband, whcn~he returns f
rom work tonight" a