ndoning the "critter," which had been his greatest bane. For three
years he served our New Englander faithfully on the farm, at the end of
which period his desire to get ahead prompted him to take a buxom Irish
girl to his bosom, and go to farming on his own hook. A visit of Henry
and Emily, about this time, to the worthy farmer, contributed to forward
this end; for Pat, with Celtic candor and boldness, stated to them his
views and purposes. Before the heiress left, Pat's farm was bought and
paid for, besides being well stocked, by her princely liberality.

Jerry Swinger and his wife, who had rendered such important services to
Emily, were not forgotten. The honest woodman disdained to receive
compensation for any service he or his good wife had rendered, but Emily
found a way to render them comfortable for life, without any sacrifice
of pride on their part.

One year after the events which close our history the great mansion at
Bellevue was the scene of gay festivities. Dr. Vaudelier and his
daughter, and Dalhousie, and Jerry Swinger and all his family, were
there, because, in the hour of its owner's greatest happiness, she could
not be without those who had been her friends in the season of
adversity. All the country round was there,--New Orleans was
there,--everybody was there, to witness the nuptials of the fair heiress
and the gallant Captain Carroll.

The great drawing-room was brilliantly illuminated. The happy couple
entered the room, and stood up before Mr. Faxon. A step behind Emily,
watching the proceedings with as much interest as a fond father would
witness the espousal of a beloved daughter, stood Hatchie. Race and
condition did not exclude him from the proud and brilliant assemblage
that had gathered to honor the nuptials of his mistress.

They were married, and, ere the good minister had concluded his
congratulations, the huge yellow palm of the faithful slave was extended
to receive the white-gloved hand of the bride. Nor did she shrink from
him. With a sweet smile, and a look which told how deep were her respect
and admiration, she gave him her hand, heedless of the proud circle
which had gathered around her to be first in their offering of good
wishes.

"God bless you, Miss Emily! Bless you!" said he, and the tear stole into
his eye, as he withdrew from the crowd.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HATCHIE, THE GUARDIAN SLAVE; OR, THE
HEIRESS OF BELLEVUE***

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