It was soon known by every member of the family, that great preparations were expected for the coming wedding.  Deeds were drawn up, the land transferred into the hands of Mr. Benson at an extravagant price, a large house erected upon it, and many carpenters employed to finish one room, and a bed-room, so that they could occupy it till the rest could be completed.

And so the shuttle was played to weave the woof into the meshy warp that had thus been spread.

Hannah wept long after her father left her.  She felt convinced it was through his means William was pressed to go with Colonel Somers, and her heart rebelled against his tyranny; and nothing would have induced her to yield but her father’s assurance that that alone could save him from beggary.  And she felt she would make the sacrifice for her father’s sake.

As she entered the kitchen, Sarah, the black slave, met her with,

“Why, Miss Hanner, ’pears to me I should not like to swap Mr. Lawrence for Mr. Benson; ’pears he aint haff so perticler like.”

“It is my father’s wish, and I suppose it must be complied with,” and she passed out of the room to bury her feelings in her own bosom, and nerve herself for the coming trial.

“Massa is doing good business, Sambo,” said Sarah to a black man that sat preparing some peas to plant, “he selling tu gals at once.”

“Yes, yes; but I guess Miss Hanner hab no choice,” and he rolled up the whites of his eyes, and fetched a pompous nod of the head, as he glanced at his sable companion.

“That does make some differ; now tree year don’t seem bery long when we bese so much wid one tother.”

“The tree year most out now, white man buy his gal wid gold; but poor nigger hab to work hard for his’n.  Well, we be free then.”

The conversation was closed by Capt.  Currier’s sharp voice calling Sambo to bring the peas.  He hastily obeyed the summons, as he did so displaying by his open smile his ivory teeth to Sarah, who returned the compliment in a very satisfactory manner.

All was bustle, stir, and preparation during the week.  Dress makers, milliners, and almost all classes of people were called into requisition.

Mr. Benson strove hard to play the agreeable; but Hannah could scarcely endure him.  And the week passed away, as all weeks will pass, whether laden with joy or sorrow; and the pale bride stood trembling by the altar of Hymen, and the solemn words were passed that united the destinies of two immortal spirits, and the recording angel registered them in heaven.

After partaking of a sumptuous dinner, according to the custom of those days, they entered a splendid carriage Mr. Benson had purchased for the occasion, and with Sambo for a driver and Sarah for a waiting maid, set out upon their wedding tour.  But we will not accompany them.

Suffice it to say, it was productive of little happiness to the new married pair.  Sambo and Sarah enjoyed it very well, as she often rode with him upon the driver’s box, and they thus had a delightful view of the country.