“Oh, yes; that is true, but the white blood would not count in America if it were known there was one drop of black blood in my mother. But no one need know it; I go from France, I will speak only French, and if you would only help me a little.”
She grew prettier in her eagerness, and her eyes brightened. The Marquise smiled at the change enthusiasm made.
“You must tell me the object for which you go.”
“It is the war, Madame; in time this war must free the colored folks; it is talked of already; it is said the North will put colored soldiers in the field; that will be the little, thin edge of the wedge, and if I could only get there, if you would help me to some position, or a recommendation to people in New Orleans; any way so that people would not ask questions or be curious about me––if you would only do that madame!”
“But what will you do when there?”
The girl glanced about the room and spoke more softly.
“I am trusting you, Madame, without asking who you side with in our war, but even if you are against us I––I trust you! They tell me the South is the strongest. They have been getting ready for this a long time. The North will need agents in the South. I have learned some things here––people talk so much. I am going to Washington. 111 From there I will go south. No one will know me in New Orleans. I will change my name, and I promise not to bring discredit on any recommendation you may give me.”
“It is a plan filled with difficulties and dangers. What has moved you to contemplate such sacrifices?”
“You, Madame!” The Marquise flushed slightly. “From the time you talked to me I wanted to do something, be something better. But, you know, it seemed no use; there was no need of me anywhere but in Paris. That is all over. I can go now, and I have some information worth taking to the Federal government. The South has commissioners here now. I have learned all they have accomplished, and the people they have interested, so if I had a little help––”
“You shall have it!” declared the Marquise. “I have been dying of ennui. Your plan is a cure for me––better than a room full of courtiers! But if I give you letters it must be to my lawyers in New Orleans––clever, shrewd men––and I should have to trust you entirely, remember.”