tablished between
the different grades of society by universal politeness. A French
servant is familiar with his master at the same time that he is
respectful: and the master, in return, condescends to his inferior
without forgetting their relative positions. This runs through society
in general, and as no one can well be polite without some good-nature
(for politeness, frivolous as it may appear, is a strong check upon
those feelings of selfishness, too apt to be indulged in), it leads to a
general feeling of good will towards others. This has naturally been
practised by Frenchmen wherever they may be; and the consequence is,
that the slaves are treated with more consideration, and, in return,
have warmer feelings of attachment towards their owners than are to be
found in colonies belonging to other nations. Newton perceived and
acknowledged this, and, comparing the condition of the people at Lieu
Desiree with that of most of the peasantry of Europe, was unwillingly
obliged to confess that the former were in every respect the more
fortunate and the more happy of the two.

One morning, soon after Newton had breakfasted with Monsieur de
Fontanges, and had been summoned to the boudoir, a letter was brought
in. It was from the governor to Monsieur de Fontanges, stating that he
had heard with great surprise that Monsieur de Fontanges concealed an
English prisoner in his house, and desiring that he might be immediately
sent up to head-quarters. That there might be no delay or refusal, a
corporal, accompanied by two file of men, brought down the intimation to
the plantation.

Newton was in the very middle of a long story, Madame de Fontanges on
the ottoman, and her attendants collected round her, seated on the
floor--even Cupidon had advanced from his corner to within half
distance, his mouth and eyes wide open, when Monsieur de Fontanges
entered the boudoir, with anxiety and chagrin expressed in his
countenance.

"Qu'est ce qu'il y a, mon ami?" said Madame de Fontanges, rising hastily
and running up to her husband.

Monsieur de Fontanges answered by putting the governor's letter into his
wife's hands.

"Ah! les barbares!" cried Madame de Fontanges, "est il possible? Pauvre
Monsieur Nutong! on l'amene au cachot."

"Au cachot!" cried all the coloured girls at a breath, and bursting into
tears--"oh ciel!"

Monsieur de Fontanges then explained to Newton the order which he had
received. Newton replied that he ha