his city have got into bad hands. God
has made you slaves, and you should be willing to abide by his will,
especially if he give you a good master."

"Yes, sir, it was mighty hard though, to think of my poor husband's being
sold,--he and I don't belong to the same person."

"So, I suppose," said Mr. Weston; "but you have only made your condition
worse."

"Yes, sir; but I didn't think things would turn out so. The Abolitionists
said they would see that I got off free."

"They ought to be cotched, and tied up, and have a good whaling besides,"
said Bacchus, indignantly.

"'Taint no use wishin 'em harm," said Sarah; "the Lord's will be done," at
the same time her pale lips quivered with emotion.

Mr. Weston paused a few moments in deep thought, then went into the other
room. When he returned, she was sitting as when he first entered, her face
buried in her lap.

"Sarah," he said, and she looked up as before, without any doubt, in his
open countenance, "are you a good worker?"

"I am, at washin and ironin. I have been makin a good deal for my master
that way."

"Well," said Mr. Weston, "if I were to purchase you, so as you could be
near your husband, would you conduct yourself properly; and if I wish it,
endeavor to repay me what I have given for you?"

Such a thought had not entered the despairing woman's mind. She was
impressed with the idea that she should never see her husband again; other
things did not effect her. It was necessary, therefore, for Mr. Weston to
repeat what he had said before she comprehended his meaning. When she heard
and understood, every energy of her soul was aroused. Starting from her
seat, she clasped her hands convulsively together; her face became
deathlike with agitation.

"Would I, sir? Oh! try me! Work! what is work if I could be near my poor
husband as long as I can. Buy me, sir, only for Jesus' sake, buy me. I will
work day and night to pay you, and the blessing of God Almighty will pay
you too, better than any money I could earn."

Bacchus, the tears rolling down his cheeks, looked earnestly at his
master's face.

"Buy her, master, buy her, for the love of God," he said.

"Sarah," said Mr. Weston, "I do not like to be in a public place; do not,
therefore, become excited, and say any thing that will draw observation to
me. I have bought you, and I will not require you to repay me. Come to me
to-night, at Willard's, and I will give you your free papers; I will see
also wha