Christian of the South, remember who it was that bore thy Saviour’s cross, when, toiling, and weary, and fainting beneath it, he trod the hill of Calvary.  Not one of the rich, learned, or great; not one of thine ancestors, though thou mayest boast of their wealth, and learning, and heroic acts—­it was a black man who relieved him of his heavy burden; Simon of Cyrene was his name.

Christian of the North, canst thou emancipate the Southern slave?  Canst thou change his employments, and elevate his condition?  Impossible.  Beware then, lest thou add to his burden, and tighten his bonds, and deprive him of the simple enjoyments which are now allowed him.

* * * * *

Esther, seated on the steps of a small porch attached to the side of the house, was mentally treating with great contempt the amusements of the other servants.  She had her mother’s disposition, and disliked any thing like noisy mirth, having an idea it was not genteel; seeing so little of it in her master’s family.  She was an active, cheerful girl, but free from any thing like levity in her manner.

She had a most devoted admirer in the neighborhood; no less a personage than Mrs. Kent’s coachman.  His name was Robert, after Mrs. Kent’s father.  Assuming the family name, he was known as Robert Carter.  Phillis called him a harmless goose of a fellow, and this gives the best idea of his character.  He understood all about horses, and nothing else, if we except the passion of love, which was the constant subject of his conversation.  He had made up his mind to court Esther, and with that in view he dressed himself in full livery, as if he were going to take his mistress an airing.  He asks Mrs. Kent’s permission to be married, though he had not the slightest reason to suppose Esther would accept him, with a confidence and self-exultation that man in general is apt to feel when he has determined to bestow himself upon some fortunate fair one.  He went his way, passing the dancers without any notice, and going straight to that part of the house where he supposed he should find Esther.

Esther received him with politeness, but with some reserve; not having a chair to offer him, and not intending him to take a seat on the steps beside her, she stood up, and leaned against the porch.

They talked a little of the weather, and the health of the different members of their respective families, during which, Robert took the opportunity to say, “His master, (Mr. Kent) had a bilious attack, and he wished to the Lord, he’d never get better of it.”  Finally, he undid one of the buttons of his coat, which was getting too small for him, and drawing a long breath, proceeded to lay himself (figuratively) at Esther’s feet.

He did not come to the point at once, but drove round it, as if there might be some impediment in the way, which, though it could not possibly upset the whole affair, might make a little unnecessary delay.  Esther thought he was only talking nonsense, as usual, but when he waxed warm and energetic in his professions, she interrupted him with, “Look here, Robert, you’re out of your head, aint you?”