along to do it.  My husband, sir, drinks a good deal, and he couldn’t do it on that account; so, a year or two ago his master sent for him, and told him that he was worthless, and unless he could buy himself in three years he would sell him.  He said he might have himself for five hundred dollars, and he could have earned it, if he hadn’t loved whiskey so, but ’pears as if he can’t do without that.  We aint got no children, thank God! so when the Abolitionists advised me to go off, and told me they would take care of me until I got out of my master’s reach, and I could soon make a sight of money to buy my husband, I thought I would go; and you see, sir, what’s come of it.”

Sarah tried to assume the same look of unconcern, and again she wept bitterly.

“I don’t mean to reproach you, now that you are in trouble,” said Mr. Weston, “but you colored people in this city have got into bad hands.  God has made you slaves, and you should be willing to abide by his will, especially if he give you a good master.”

“Yes, sir, it was mighty hard though, to think of my poor husband’s being sold,—­he and I don’t belong to the same person.”

“So, I suppose,” said Mr. Weston; “but you have only made your condition worse.”

“Yes, sir; but I didn’t think things would turn out so.  The Abolitionists said they would see that I got off free.”

“They ought to be cotched, and tied up, and have a good whaling besides,” said Bacchus, indignantly.

“’Taint no use wishin ’em harm,” said Sarah; “the Lord’s will be done,” at the same time her pale lips quivered with emotion.

Mr. Weston paused a few moments in deep thought, then went into the other room.  When he returned, she was sitting as when he first entered, her face buried in her lap.

“Sarah,” he said, and she looked up as before, without any doubt, in his open countenance, “are you a good worker?”

“I am, at washin and ironin.  I have been makin a good deal for my master that way.”

“Well,” said Mr. Weston, “if I were to purchase you, so as you could be near your husband, would you conduct yourself properly; and if I wish it, endeavor to repay me what I have given for you?”

Such a thought had not entered the despairing woman’s mind.  She was impressed with the idea that she should never see her husband again; other things did not effect her.  It was necessary, therefore, for Mr. Weston to repeat what he had said before she comprehended his meaning.  When she heard and understood, every energy of her soul was aroused.  Starting from her seat, she clasped her hands convulsively together; her face became deathlike with agitation.

“Would I, sir?  Oh! try me!  Work! what is work if I could be near my poor husband as long as I can.  Buy me, sir, only for Jesus’ sake, buy me.  I will work day and night to pay you, and the blessing of God Almighty will pay you too, better than any money I could earn.”