"Were you happy at home?"
"I was;" and the words were scarcely audible.
"Did they treat you kindly there?"
"Indeed they did; and there I had a mother, and was not lonely."
"They did not beat you?"
"No, no, they did not," and large tears gushed from my burning eyes;—for I remembered with anguish, how many a smarting blow had been given to me by Mr. Jones, how many a cuff by Mr. Peterkin, and ten thousand knocks, pinches, and tortures, by the young ladies.
"Don't weep, child," said Miss Bradly, in a soothing tone, and she laid her arm caressingly around my neck. This kindness was too much for my fortitude, and bursting through all restraints I gave vent to my feelings in a violent shower of tears. She very wisely allowed me some time for the gratification of this luxury. I at length composed myself, and begged her pardon for this seeming disrespect.
"But ah, my dear lady, you have spoken so kindly to me that I forgot myself."
"No apology, my child, I tell you again that I am your friend, and with me you can be perfectly free. Look upon me as a sister; but now that your excited feelings have become allayed, let me ask you why your master sold you?"
I explained to her that it was necessary to the equal division of the estate that some of the slaves should be sold, and that I was among the number.