; it seemed as if he would go beside himself at
the thought of having his young massa home once more, for everything had
appeared so different since he went away; there had been so many
changes, that the fellow had really had his fears that it might be his
turn next to be taken off, and he had often had visions of his old slave
massa in nearer proximity than was at all consistent with his ideas
of liberty.

"De good Lord be praised!" exclaimed the negro, as Sea-flower ceased
reading; "dis am too good news for old black man live me! but I knew de
bright sunshine not be contented to stay away from missy Sea-flower
long. I tinks missy get along better widout him, dan he can widout her;
but dar am some poor souls dat neber sees de shine, making dem feel as
full ob sing as a camp-meeting!" and the negro gave a deep sigh at the
remembrance of his poor old Phillis, who was, for aught he knew, still
wearing the accursed yoke of slavery.

"Poor things! poor things!" sighed the Sea-flower; "I would willingly
share with them my joys, were it in my power. Theirs would be a lighter
burden to those who have learned of that glorious home, where the
resplendent shining of its bright ones is forever! But they, alas, have
no bright future to look forward to, giving them renewed strength to
bear their cross; or if they ever hear of that All-Father who hears the
cry of the most wretched of his children, their masters would have them
believe that he is but the white man's God! Oh, Vingo, how could you
have had the heart to believe that God would disown his children?"

"Dunno, missy; but 'pears like de slabe jus' no more chilen dan de oder
animals; and I tinks old massa done teach de hounds about de big bible,
sooner dan he niggers."

"What became of your wife, Vingo, when father took you away? Could you
not prevail on your master to let her come with you?"

"O, missy, old Bingo hoe in de cotton field great many long years since
he sot eyes on poor, torn-down Phillis, or the young uns."

"The little ones! and had you some children, Vingo?"

"Ah! if I known how to praise de good Lord in dem days, I specks I
shouted for joy, when I see de wee creters burstin' wid de laugh; and
Phillis, she clean tuck ober, to see them fist each oder wid dar little
feet, 'pearing like dey hab inherit all de peruigilinations ob dar
daddy; and den de little creters change dar minds, and burst into de
smiles again. O, dem was happy days! and I and Phillis t