What does the vision say to thee, oh! aged woman?  “There is still more for thee to do, more for thee to suffer.  It is not yet enough of this mortal strife!  Thou mayest again see a fair flower crushed by the rude wind of death; perchance she may precede thee, to open for thine entrance the eternal gates!”

And what to thee, thou faithful servant?

“There are tears in thine eye, and for me.  For me!  Whom thou thoughtest above a touch of aught that could bring sorrow or pain.  Thou seest, not alone on thy doomed race rests a curse; the fierce anger of God, denounced against sin—­the curse, falls upon his dearest children.  I must, like you, abide by God’s dealing with the children of men.  But we shall be redeemed.”

What to thee, oh, mother?  Thou canst not read the interpretation—­a cloud of darkness sweeps by thy soul’s vision.  Will it pass, or will it rest upon thee forever?

Yet the voice of God speaks to each one; faintly it may be to the mother, but even to her.  There is a rainbow of hope in the deluge of her sorrow; she sees death in the multitude that passes her sight, but there is another there, one whose form is like unto the Son of God.  She remembers how He wept over Lazarus, and raised him from the dead; oh! what comfort to place her case in his pitying bosom!

Many were the friends who wept, and hoped, and prayed with them.  Full of grief were the affectionate servants, but most of all, Phillis.

It was useless to try and persuade her to take her usual rest, to remind her of her children, and her cares; to offer her the choice morsel to tempt her appetite, the refreshing drink she so much required.  She wanted nothing but to weep with those who wept—­nor rest, nor food, nor refreshing.

* * * * *

It is universal, the consideration that is shown to the servants at the South, as regards their times of eating and of rest.  Whatever may have occurred, whatever fatigue the different members of the family may feel obliged to undergo, a servant is rarely called upon for extra attendance.  In the Northern country the whole labor of a family is frequently performed by one female, while five or six will do the same amount of work in the South.  A servant at the South is rarely called upon at night; only in cases of absolute necessity.  Negroes are naturally sleepy-headed—­they like to sit up late at night,—­in winter, over a large fire, nodding and bumping their heads against each other, or in summer, out of doors; but they take many a nap before they can get courage to undress and go regularly to bed.  They may be much interested in a conversation going on, but it is no violation of their code of etiquette to smoke themselves to sleep while listening.  Few of the most faithful servants can keep awake well enough to be of real service in cases of sickness.  There is a feeling among their owners, that they work hard during the day and should be allowed more rest than