"Oh, yes; I am only a little faint. I wish he would never come. But, as he does, I must make the best of it."
"Yes, Marie, treat him well for my sake. He is the only relative I have who ever darkens our doors."
"I have no faith in his friendship for either myself or my children. I feel that while he makes himself agreeable to you he hates me from the bottom of his heart, and would do anything to get me out of the way. Oh, I am so glad I am your lawful wife, and that you married me before you brought me back to this State! I believe that if you were gone he wouldn't have the least scruple against trying to prove our marriage invalid and remanding us to slavery."
Leroy looked anxiously and soberly at his wife, and said: "Marie, I do not think so. Your life is too lonely here. Write your orders to New Orleans, get what you need for the journey, and let us spend the summer somewhere in the North."
Just then Marie's attention was drawn to some household matters, and it was a short time before she returned.
"Tom," continued Leroy, "has just brought the mail, and here is a letter from Iola."
Marie noticed that he looked quite sober as he read, and that an expression of vexation was lingering on his lips.
"What is the matter?" asked Marie.
"Nothing much; only a tempest in a teapot. The presence of a colored girl in Mr. Galen's school has caused a breeze of excitement. You know Mr. Galen is quite an Abolitionist, and, being true to his principles, |
