hile a girl, and which, after she became a mother, she had placed
round her child's. It had even happened, that being, while pregnant,
abandoned by all the world, and constantly occupied in contemplating
the image of this benevolent recluse, her offspring had contracted some
resemblance to this revered object. She therefore bestowed upon him the
name of Paul, giving him for his patron a saint who had passed his life
far from mankind by whom he had been first deceived and then forsaken.
Virginia, on receiving this little present from the hands of Paul, said
to him, with emotion, "My dear brother, I will never part with this
while I live; nor will I ever forget that you have given me the only
thing you have in the world." At this tone of friendship,--this unhoped
for return of familiarity and tenderness, Paul attempted to embrace
her; but, light as a bird, she escaped him, and fled away, leaving him
astonished, and unable to account for conduct so extraordinary.

Meanwhile Margaret said to Madame de la Tour, "Why do we not unite our
children by marriage? They have a strong attachment for each other, and
though my son hardly understands the real nature of his feelings, yet
great care and watchfulness will be necessary. Under such circumstances,
it will be as well not to leave them too much together." Madame de la
Tour replied, "They are too young and too poor. What grief would it
occasion us to see Virginia bring into the world unfortunate children,
whom she would not perhaps have sufficient strength to rear! Your negro,
Domingo, is almost too old to labor; Mary is infirm. As for myself, my
dear friend, at the end of fifteen years, I find my strength greatly
decreased; the feebleness of age advances rapidly in hot climates, and,
above all, under the pressure of misfortune. Paul is our only hope: let
us wait till he comes to maturity, and his increased strength enables
him to support us by his labour: at present you well know that we have
only sufficient to supply the wants of the day: but were we to send Paul
for a short time to the Indies, he might acquire, by commerce, the
means of purchasing some slaves; and at his return we could unite him to
Virginia; for I am persuaded no one on earth would render her so happy
as your son. We will consult our neighbour on this subject."

They accordingly asked my advice, which was in accordance with Madame
de la Tour's opinion. "The Indian seas," I observed to them, "are calm,
and, i