the gold in the
morning, and, was the night not so far spent, ask admittance into the
cell her father occupies. But she reflects, and turns away; well knowing
how much more painful will be the smart of his troubles does she
disclose to him what has befallen her.

She continues sauntering up a narrow by-lane in the outskirts of the
city. A light suddenly flashes across her path, glimmers from the window
of a little cabin, and inspires her with new hopes. She quickens her
steps, reaches the door, meets a welcome reception, and is made
comfortable for the night by the mulatto woman who is its solitary
tenant. The woman, having given Maria of her humble cheer, seems only
too anxious to disclose the fact that she is the slave and cast-off
mistress of Judge Sleepyhorn, on whose head she invokes no few curses.
It does not touch her pride so much that he has abandoned her, as that
he has taken to himself one of another color. She is tall and straight
of figure, with prominent features, long, silky black hair, and a rich
olive complexion; and though somewhat faded of age, it is clear that she
possessed in youth charms of great value in the flesh market.

Maria discloses to her how she came in possession of the money, as also
her resolve to return it in the morning. Undine (for such is her name)
applauds this with great gusto. "Now, thar!" she says, "that's the
spirit I likes." And straightway she volunteers to be the medium of
returning the money, adding that she will show the hussy her contempt of
her by throwing it at her feet, and "letting her see a _slave_ knows all
about it."

Maria fully appreciates the kindness, as well as sympathizes with the
wounded pride of this slave daughter; nevertheless, there is an
humiliation in being driven to seek shelter in a negro cabin that
touches her feelings. For a white female to seek shelter under the roof
of a negro's cabin, is a deep disgrace in the eyes of our very refined
society; and having subjected herself to the humiliation, she knows full
well that it may be used against her--in fine, made a means to defame
her character.

Night passes away, and the morning ushers in soft and sunny, but brings
with it nothing to relieve her situation. She, however, returns the gold
to Anna through a channel less objectionable than that Undine would have
supplied, and sallies out to seek lodgings. In a house occupied by a
poor German family, she seeks and obtains a little room, wherein she