[CHAPTER XVI.]
This chapter will show how “Virginia beat-biscuit” procured for a man a home and friends in Paris.
One morning in the spring of 18— a singular looking man presented himself at our house. He was short of stature, and enveloped in furs although the weather was not cold. Everything about him was gold which could be gold, and so we called him “the gold-tipped-man.” He called for my mother, and when she went in the parlor said to her:
“Madam I have been stopping several weeks at the hotel in the town of L——, where I met a boy—Robert—who tells me he belongs to you. As I want such a servant, and he is anxious to travel, I come, at his request, to ask if you will let me buy him and take him to Europe. I will pay any price.”
“I could not think of it,” she replied. “I have determined never to sell one of my servants.”
“But,” continued the man, “he is anxious to go, and has sent me to beg you.”
“It is impossible,” said she, “for he is a great favorite with us, and the only child his mother has.”
Finding her determined, the man took his leave, and went back to the town, twenty-five miles off; but returned next day accompanied by Robert, who entreated his mother and mistress to let him go.