The service ended, Rosebrook addresses a few remarks to his people; after which they gather around him and pour forth their gratitude in genial sentiments.  Old and young have a “Heaven save master!” for Rosebrook, and a “God bless missus!” for his noble-hearted lady, to whom they cling, shaking her hand with warmest affection.

How enviable to her sex is the position of that woman who labours for the fallen, and whose heart yields its kindred sympathy for the oppressed!

After congratulations and tokens of affection had been exchanged, master, missus, and the people-for such they now were-repaired to the green in front of the plantation mansion, where a sumptuous collation was spread out, to which all sat down in one harmonious circle.  Then the festivities of the day-a 4th of July in miniature-ended with a gathering at Dad Daniel’s cabin, where he profoundly laid down a system of rules for the future observance of the people.

Six months have passed under the new r‚gime; and Rosebrook, feeling that to require labour of his people for a sum much beneath its value must in time become a source from which evil results would flow, awarded them a just and adequate remuneration, and finds it work well.  Harry had not been included among those who were enrolled as candidates for the enjoyment offered by the new system; but missus as well as master had confidentially promised him he should be free before many years, and with his family, if he desired, sent to Liberia, to work for the enlightenment of his fellow Africans.  Harry was not altogether satisfied that the greater amount of labour to be done by him for the unfortunate of his race was beyond the southern democratic states of America; and, with this doubt instinctively before him, he was not restless for the consummation.

Some three months after the introduction of the new state of affairs, Dad Daniel was observed to have something weighing heavily on his mind.  At times he was seen consulting seriously with Harry; but of the purport of these consultations no one, except themselves, was made acquainted.  That very many venerable uncles and aunts were curious to know Daddy’s secret contemplations was equally evident.  At length Daniel called a meeting of his more aged and sagacious brethren, and with sage face made known his cherished project.  Absalom and Uncle Cato listened with breathless suspense as the sage sayings fell from his lips.  His brethren had all felt the sweet pleasures of justice, right, freedom, and kindness.  “Well, den, broderin, is’t ’um right in de sight ob de Lord, dat ye forgets dat broder what done so much fo’h ye body and ye soul too?”

“No, No! dat tisn’t!” interrupted a dozen voices.