acquits me of the debt I owe you;" giving him at the same time a written certificate, extolling his invaluable qualities. "Go now, my worthy friend," said he, "and seek your fortune with a master who may be better enabled to recompense your merits than I can."
No sooner had De Brooke finished speaking, than Robert, who had stood absorbed in thought, approached the table, and laying the money on it, "No", said he, "me will hab none of dis; of wat use is dis to Robert? Do not be angry, massa, if me refuse to take wat you may please to call de wages of my servitude, and as such my due. It was from my heart me served massa; it was my lub to him and for my pleasure; let dem who serve for interest, it is for dem to seek deir hire. Mine was free service, and seeks for noting; na recompense but wat comes from de heart. Let dose who lub demselves more dan deir massas accept the lucre for which dey sold deir labour, 'Tis not mine dat selfish feeling."
Though deeply affected, De Brooke attempted to expostulate, with an air that nevertheless carried with it decision. Whilst the honest African, the big tear rolling from his large dark eye, exclaimed, "Do not force it upon me, do not oblige me to take it; let me feel dat I have acted
