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 bid 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 purchase his
freedom. He had in his chest about a hundred and fifty dollars. His was
a heart that felt for others, and he had again and again wiped the
tears from his eyes while listening to Isabella's story.

"If she can get free with a little money, why not give her what I
have?" thought he, and then resolved to do it.

An hour after, he entered the quadroon's room, and, laying the money in
her lap, said,--

"There, Miss Isabella, you said just now that if you had the means you
would leave this place. There is money enough to take you to England,
where you will be free. You are much fairer than many of the white
women of the South, and can easily pass for a free white woman."

At first Isabella thought it was a plan by which the negro wished to
try her fidelity to her owner; but she was soon convinced, by his
earnest manner and the deep feeling he manifested, that he was entirely
sincere.

"I will take the money," said she, "only on one condition, and that is
that I effect your escape, as well as my own."

"How can that be done?" he inqui