.

But the degradation and harsh treatment Isabella experienced in her new
home was nothing compared to the grief she underwent at being separated
from her dear child. Taken from her with scarcely a moment's warning,
she knew not what had become of her.

This deep and heartfelt grief of Isabella was soon perceived by her
owners, and fearing that her refusal to take proper food would cause
her death, they resolved to sell her. Mr. French found no difficulty in
securing a purchaser for the quadroon woman, for such are usually the
most marketable kind of property. Isabella was sold at private sale to a
young man for a housekeeper; but even he had missed his aim.

Mr. Gordon, the new master, was a man of pleasure. He was the owner of
a large sugar plantation, which he had left under the charge of an
overseer, and was now giving himself up to the pleasures of a city
life. At first Mr. Gordon sought to win Isabella's favor by flattery
and presents, knowing that whatever he gave her he could take from her
again. The poor innocent creature dreaded every moment lest the scene
should change. At every interview with Gordon she stoutly maintained
that she had left a husband in Virginia, and could never think of taking
another. In this she considered that she was truthful, for she had
ever regarded Henry as her husband. The gold watch and chain and other
glittering presents which Gordon gave to her were all kept unused.

In the same house with Isabella was a man-servant who had from time to
time hired himself from his master. His name was William. He could feel
for Isabella, for he, like her, had been separated from near and
dear relatives, and he often tried to console the poor woman. One day
Isabella observed to him that her hair was growing out again.

"Yes," replied William; "you look a good deal like a man with your short
hair."

"Oh," rejoined she, "I have often been told that I would make a better
looking man than woman, and if I had the money I might avail myself of
it to big farewell to this place."

In a moment afterwards, Isabella feared that she had said too much, and
laughingly observed, "I am always talking some nonsense; you must not
heed me."

William was a tall, full-blooded African, whose countenance beamed with
intelligence. Being a mechanic, he had by industry earned more money
than he had paid to his owner for his time, and this he had laid aside,
with the hope that he might some day get enough to purch