Kentuck
Ourreadersmaynotbeunwillingtoglanceback，forabriefinterval，atUncleTom’sCabin，ontheKentuckyfarm，andseewhathasbeentranspiringamongthosewhomhehadleftbehind。
Itwaslateinthesummerafternoon，andthedoorsandwindowsofthelargeparlorallstoodopen，toinviteanystraybreeze，thatmightfeelinagoodhumor，toenter。Mr。Shelbysatinalargehallopeningintotheroom，andrunningthroughthewholelengthofthehouse，toabalconyoneitherend。Leisurelytippedbackononechair，withhisheelsinanother，hewasenjoyinghisafter-dinnercigar。Mrs。Shelbysatinthedoor，busyaboutsomefinesewing；sheseemedlikeonewhohadsomethingonhermind，whichshewasseekinganopportunitytointroduce。
“Doyouknow，”shesaid，“thatChloehashadaletterfromTom？”
“Ah！hasshe？Tom’sgotsomefriendthere，itseems。Howistheoldboy？”
“Hehasbeenboughtbyaveryfinefamily，Ishouldthink，”saidMrs。Shelby，—“iskindlytreated，andhasnotmuchtodo。”
“Ah！well，I’mgladofit，—veryglad，”saidMr。Shelby，heartily。“Tom，Isuppose，willgetreconciledtoaSouthernresidence；—hardlywanttocomeuphereagain。”
“Onthecontraryheinquiresveryanxiously，”saidMrs。Shelby，“whenthemoneyforhisredemptionistoberaised。”
“I’msureIdon’tknow，”saidMr。Shelby。“Oncegetbusinessrunningwrong，theredoesseemtobenoendtoit。It’slikejumpingfromonebogtoanother，allthroughaswamp；borrowofonetopayanother，andthenborrowofanothertopayone，—andtheseconfoundednotesfallingduebeforeamanhastimetosmokeacigarandturnround，—dunninglettersanddunningmessages，—allscamperandhurry-scurry。”
“Itdoesseemtome，mydear，thatsomethingmightbedonetostraightenmatters。Supposeweselloffallthehorses，andselloneofyourfarms，andpayupsquare？”
“O，ridiculous，Emily！YouarethefinestwomaninKentucky；butstillyouhaven’tsensetoknowthatyoudon’tunderstandbusiness；—womenneverdo，andnevercan。
“But，atleast，”saidMrs。Shelby，“couldnotyougivemesomelittleinsightintoyours；alistofallyourdebts，atleast，andofallthatisowedtoyou，andletmetryandseeifIcan’thelpyoutoeconomize。”
“O，bother！don’tplagueme，Emily！—Ican’ttellexactly。Iknowsomewhereaboutwhatthingsarelikelytobe；butthere’snotrimmingandsquaringmyaffairs，asChloetrimscrustoffherpies。Youdon’tknowanythingaboutbusiness，Itellyou。”
AndMr。Shelby，notknowinganyotherwayofenforcinghisideas，raisedhisvoice，—amodeofarguingveryconvenientandconvincing，whenagentlemanisdiscussingmattersofbusinesswithhiswife。
Mrs。Shelbyceasedtalking，withsomethingofasigh。Thefactwas，thatthoughherhusbandhadstatedshewasawoman，shehadaclear，energetic，practicalmind，andaforceofcharactereverywaysuperiortothatofherhusband；sothatitwouldnothavebeensoveryabsurdasupposition，tohaveallowedhercapableofmanaging，asMr。Shelbysupposed。HerheartwassetonperformingherpromisetoTomandAuntChloe，andshesighedasdiscouragementsthickenedaroundher。
“Don’tyouthinkwemightinsomewaycontrivetoraisethatmoney？PoorAuntChloe！herheartissosetonit！”
“I’msorry，ifitis。IthinkIwasprematureinpromising。I’mnotsure，now，butit’sthebestwaytotellChloe，andlethermakeuphermindtoit。Tom’llhaveanotherwife，inayearortwo；andshehadbettertakeupwithsomebodyelse。”
“Mr。Shelby，Ihavetaughtmypeoplethattheirmarriagesareassacredasours。InevercouldthinkofgivingChloesuchadvice。”
“It’sapity，wife，thatyouhaveburdenedthemwithamoralityabovetheirconditionandprospects。Ialwaysthoughtso。”
“It’sonlythemoralityoftheBible，Mr。Shelby。”
“Well，well，Emily，Idon’tpretendtointerferewithyourreligiousnotions；onlytheyseemextremelyunfittedforpeopleinthatcondition。”
“Theyare，indeed，”saidMrs。Shelby，“andthatiswhy，frommysoul，Ihatethewholething。Itellyou，mydear，IcannotabsolvemyselffromthepromisesImaketothesehelplesscreatures。IfIcangetthemoneynootherwayIwilltakemusic-scholars；—Icouldgetenough，Iknow，andearnthemoneymyself。”
“Youwouldn’tdegradeyourselfthatway，Emily？Inevercouldconsenttoit。”
“Degrade！woulditdegrademeasmuchastobreakmyfaithwiththehelpless？No，indeed！”
“Well，youarealwaysheroicandtranscendental，”saidMr。Shelby，“butIthinkyouhadbetterthinkbeforeyouundertakesuchapieceofQuixotism。”
HeretheconversationwasinterruptedbytheappearanceofAuntChloe，attheendoftheverandah。
“Ifyouplease，Missis，”saidshe。
“Well，Chloe，whatisit？”saidhermistress，rising，andgoingtotheendofthebalcony。
“IfMissiswouldcomeandlookatdisyerloto’poetry。”
Chloehadaparticularfancyforcallingpoultrypoetry，—anapplicationoflanguageinwhichshealwayspersisted，notwithstandingfrequentcorrectionsandadvisingsfromtheyoungmembersofthefamily。
“Lasakes！”shewouldsay，“Ican’tsee；onejisgoodasturry，—poetrysuthingood，anyhow；”andsopoetryChloecontinuedtocallit。
Mrs。Shelbysmiledasshesawaprostratelotofchickensandducks，overwhichChloestood，withaverygravefaceofconsideration。
“I’mathinkinwhetherMissiswouldbeahavinachickenpieo’deseyer。”
“Really，AuntChloe，Idon’tmuchcare；—servethemanywayyoulike。”
Chloestoodhandlingthemoverabstractedly；itwasquiteevidentthatthechickenswerenotwhatshewasthinkingof。Atlast，withtheshortlaughwithwhichhertribeoftenintroduceadoubtfulproposal，shesaid，
“Lawsme，Missis！whatshouldMas’randMissisbeatroublintheirselves’boutdemoney，andnotausinwhat’srightinderhands？”andChloelaughedagain。
“Idon’tunderstandyou，Chloe，”saidMrs。Shelby，nothingdoubting，fromherknowledgeofChloe’smanner，thatshehadheardeverywordoftheconversationthathadpassedbetweenherandherhusband。
“Why，lawsme，Missis！”saidChloe，laughingagain，“otherfolkshiresoutderniggersandmakesmoneyon’em！Don’tkeepsichatribeeatin’emoutofhouseandhome。”
“Well，Chloe，whodoyouproposethatweshouldhireout？”
“Laws！Ian’taproposinnothin；onlySamhesaidderwasoneofdeseyerperfectioners，deycalls’em，inLouisville，saidhewantedagoodhandatcakeandpastry；andsaidhe’dgivefourdollarsaweektoone，hedid。”
“Well，Chloe。”
“Well，laws，I’sathinkin，Missis，it’stimeSallywasputalongtobedoin’something。Sally’sbeenundermycare，now，dissometime，andshedoesmostaswellasme，considerin；andifMissiswouldonlyletmego，Iwouldhelpfetchupdemoney。Ian’tafraidtoputmycake，norpiesnother，’longsidenoperfectioner’s。
“Confectioner’s，Chloe。”
“Lawsakes，Missis！’tan’tnoodds；—wordsissocuris，can’tneverget’emright！”
“But，Chloe，doyouwanttoleaveyourchildren？”
“Laws，Missis！deboysisbigenoughtododay’sworks；deydoeswellenough；andSally，she’lltakedebaby，—she’ssuchapeartyoungun，shewon’ttakenolookinarter。”
“Louisvilleisagoodwayoff。”
“Lawsakes！who’safeard？—it’sdownriver，somernearmyoldman，perhaps？”saidChloe，speakingthelastinthetoneofaquestion，andlookingatMrs。Shelby。
“No，Chloe；it’smanyahundredmilesoff，”saidMrs。Shelby。
Chloe’scountenancefell。
“Nevermind；yourgoingthereshallbringyounearer，Chloe。Yes，youmaygo；andyourwagesshalleverycentofthembelaidasideforyourhusband’sredemption。”
Aswhenabrightsunbeamturnsadarkcloudtosilver，soChloe’sdarkfacebrightenedimmediately，—itreallyshone。
“Laws！ifMissisisn’ttoogood！Iwasthinkingofdatarverything；causeIshouldn’tneednoclothes，norshoes，nornothin，—Icouldsaveeverycent。Howmanyweeksisderinayear，Missis？”
“Fifty-two，”saidMrs。Shelby。
“Laws！now，dereis？andfourdollarsforeachonem。Why，howmuch’ddatarbe？”
“Twohundredandeightdollars，”saidMrs。Shelby。
“Why-e！”saidChloe，withanaccentofsurpriseanddelight；“andhowlongwouldittakemetoworkitout，Missis？”
“Somefourorfiveyears，Chloe；but，then，youneedn’tdoitall，—Ishalladdsomethingtoit。”
“Iwouldn’theartoMissis’givinlessonsnornothin。Mas’r’squiterightindatar；—’twouldn’tdo，noways。Ihopenoneourfamilyeverbebroughttodatar，whileI’sgothands。”
“Don’tfear，Chloe；I’lltakecareofthehonorofthefamily，”saidMrs。Shelby，smiling。“Butwhendoyouexpecttogo？”
“Well，Iwantspectinnothin；onlySam，he’sagwinetoderiverwithsomecolts，andhesaidIcouldgolongwithhim；soIjesputmythingstogether。IfMissiswaswillin，I’dgowithSamtomorrowmorning，ifMissiswouldwritemypass，andwritemeacommendation。”
“Well，Chloe，I’llattendtoit，ifMr。Shelbyhasnoobjections。Imustspeaktohim。”
Mrs。Shelbywentupstairs，andAuntChloe，delighted，wentouttohercabin，tomakeherpreparation。
“Lawsakes，Mas’rGeorge！yedidn’tknowI’sagwinetoLouisvilletomorrow！”shesaidtoGeorge，asenteringhercabin，hefoundherbusyinsortingoverherbaby’sclothes。“IthoughtI’djislookoversis’sthings，andget’emstraightenedup。ButI’mgwine，Mas’rGeorge，—gwinetohavefourdollarsaweek；andMissisisgwinetolayitallup，tobuybackmyoldmanagin！”
“Whew！”saidGeorge，“here’sastrokeofbusiness，tobesure！Howareyougoing？”
“Tomorrow，widSam。Andnow，Mas’rGeorge，Iknowsyou’lljissitdownandwritetomyoldman，andtellhimallaboutit，—won’tye？”
“Tobesure，”saidGeorge；“UncleTom’llberightgladtohearfromus。I’llgorightinthehouse，forpaperandink；andthen，youknow，AuntChloe，Icantellaboutthenewcoltsandall。”
“Sartin，sartin，Mas’rGeorge；yougo’long，andI’llgetyeupabito’chicken，orsomesich；yewon’thavemanymoresupperswidyerpooroldaunty。”
“TheGrassWithereth—theFlowerFadeth”
Lifepasses，withusall，adayatatime；soitpassedwithourfriendTom，tilltwoyearsweregone。Thoughpartedfromallhissoulhelddear，andthoughoftenyearningforwhatlaybeyond，stillwasheneverpositivelyandconsciouslymiserable；for，sowellistheharpofhumanfeelingstrung，thatnothingbutacrashthatbreakseverystringcanwhollymaritsharmony；and，onlookingbacktoseasonswhichinreviewappeartousasthoseofdeprivationandtrial，wecanrememberthateachhour，asitglided，broughtitsdiversionsandalleviations，sothat，thoughnothappywholly，wewerenot，either，whollymiserable。
Tomread，inhisonlyliterarycabinet，ofonewhohad“learnedinwhatsoeverstatehewas，therewithtobecontent。”Itseemedtohimgoodandreasonabledoctrine，andaccordedwellwiththesettledandthoughtfulhabitwhichhehadacquiredfromthereadingofthatsamebook。
Hisletterhomeward，aswerelatedinthelastchapter，wasinduetimeansweredbyMasterGeorge，inagood，round，school-boyhand，thatTomsaidmightberead“mostacrosttheroom。”Itcontainedvariousrefreshingitemsofhomeintelligence，withwhichourreaderisfullyacquainted:statedhowAuntChloehadbeenhiredouttoaconfectionerinLouisville，whereherskillinthepastrylinewasgainingwonderfulsumsofmoney，allofwhich，Tomwasinformed，wastobelaiduptogotomakeupthesumofhisredemptionmoney；MoseandPetewerethriving，andthebabywastrottingallaboutthehouse，underthecareofSallyandthefamilygenerally。
Tom’scabinwasshutupforthepresent；butGeorgeexpatiatedbrilliantlyonornamentsandadditionstobemadetoitwhenTomcameback。
TherestofthislettergavealistofGeorge’sschoolstudies，eachoneheadedbyaflourishingcapital；andalsotoldthenamesoffournewcoltsthatappearedonthepremisessinceTomleft；andstated，inthesameconnection，thatfatherandmotherwerewell。Thestyleoftheletterwasdecidedlyconciseandterse；butTomthoughtitthemostwonderfulspecimenofcompositionthathadappearedinmoderntimes。Hewasnevertiredoflookingatit，andevenheldacouncilwithEvaontheexpediencyofgettingitframed，tohangupinhisroom。Nothingbutthedifficultyofarrangingitsothatbothsidesofthepagewouldshowatoncestoodinthewayofthisundertaking。
ThefriendshipbetweenTomandEvahadgrownwiththechild’sgrowth。Itwouldbehardtosaywhatplacesheheldinthesoft，impressibleheartofherfaithfulattendant。Helovedherassomethingfrailandearthly，yetalmostworshippedherassomethingheavenlyanddivine。HegazedonherastheItaliansailorgazesonhisimageofthechildJesus，—withamixtureofreverenceandtenderness；andtohumorhergracefulfancies，andmeetthosethousandsimplewantswhichinvestchildhoodlikeamany-coloredrainbow，wasTom’schiefdelight。Inthemarket，atmorning，hiseyeswerealwaysontheflower-stallsforrarebouquetsforher，andthechoicestpeachororangewasslippedintohispockettogivetoherwhenhecameback；andthesightthatpleasedhimmostwashersunnyheadlookingoutthegateforhisdistantapproach，andherchildishquestions，—“Well，UncleTom，whathaveyougotformetoday？”
NorwasEvalesszealousinkindoffices，inreturn。Thoughachild，shewasabeautifulreader；—afinemusicalear，aquickpoeticfancy，andaninstinctivesympathywithwhat’sgrandandnoble，madehersuchareaderoftheBibleasTomhadneverbeforeheard。Atfirst，shereadtopleaseherhumblefriend；butsoonherownearnestnaturethrewoutitstendrils，andwounditselfaroundthemajesticbook；andEvalovedit，becauseitwokeinherstrangeyearnings，andstrong，dimemotions，suchasimpassioned，imaginativechildrenlovetofeel。
ThepartsthatpleasedhermostweretheRevelationsandtheProphecies，—partswhosedimandwondrousimagery，andferventlanguage，impressedherthemore，thatshequestionedvainlyoftheirmeaning；—andsheandhersimplefriend，theoldchildandtheyoungone，feltjustalikeaboutit。Allthattheyknewwas，thattheyspokeofaglorytoberevealed，—awondroussomethingyettocome，whereintheirsoulrejoiced，yetknewnotwhy；andthoughitbenotsointhephysical，yetinmoralsciencethatwhichcannotbeunderstoodisnotalwaysprofitless。Forthesoulawakes，atremblingstranger，betweentwodimeternities，—theeternalpast，theeternalfuture。Thelightshinesonlyonasmallspacearoundher；therefore，sheneedsmustyearntowardstheunknown；andthevoicesandshadowymovingswhichcometoherfromoutthecloudypillarofinspirationhaveeachoneechoesandanswersinherownexpectingnature。Itsmysticimageryaresomanytalismansandgemsinscribedwithunknownhieroglyphics；shefoldstheminherbosom，andexpectstoreadthemwhenshepassesbeyondtheveil。
Atthistimeinourstory，thewholeSt。Clareestablishmentis，forthetimebeing，removedtotheirvillaonLakePontchartrain。Theheatsofsummerhaddrivenallwhowereabletoleavethesultryandunhealthycity，toseektheshoresofthelake，anditscoolsea-breezes。
St。Clare’svillawasanEastIndiancottage，surroundedbylightverandahsofbamboo-work，andopeningonallsidesintogardensandpleasure-grounds。Thecommonsitting-roomopenedontoalargegarden，fragrantwitheverypicturesqueplantandflowerofthetropics，wherewindingpathsrandowntotheveryshoresofthelake，whosesilverysheetofwaterlaythere，risingandfallinginthesunbeams，—apictureneverforanhourthesame，yeteveryhourmorebeautiful。
Itisnowoneofthoseintenselygoldensunsetswhichkindlesthewholehorizonintooneblazeofglory，andmakesthewateranothersky。Thelakelayinrosyorgoldenstreaks，savewherewhite-wingedvesselsglidedhitherandthither，likesomanyspirits，andlittlegoldenstarstwinkledthroughtheglow，andlookeddownatthemselvesastheytrembledinthewater。
TomandEvawereseatedonalittlemossyseat，inanarbor，atthefootofthegarden。ItwasSundayevening，andEva’sBiblelayopenonherknee。Sheread，—“AndIsawaseaofglass，mingledwithfire。”
“Tom，”saidEva，suddenlystopping，andpointingtothelake，“there’tis。”
“What，MissEva？”
“Don’tyousee，—there？”saidthechild，pointingtotheglassywater，which，asitroseandfell，reflectedthegoldenglowofthesky。“There’sa‘seaofglass，mingledwithfire。’”
“Trueenough，MissEva，”saidTom；andTomsang—
“O，hadIthewingsofthemorning，
I’dflyawaytoCanaan’sshore；
Brightangelsshouldconveymehome，
TothenewJerusalem。”
“WheredoyousupposenewJerusalemis，UncleTom？”saidEva。
“O，upintheclouds，MissEva。”
“ThenIthinkIseeit，”saidEva。“Lookinthoseclouds！—theylooklikegreatgatesofpearl；andyoucanseebeyondthem—far，faroff—it’sallgold。Tom，singabout‘spiritsbright。’”
Tomsungthewordsofawell-knownMethodisthymn，
“Iseeabandofspiritsbright，
Thattastethegloriesthere；
Theyallarerobedinspotlesswhite，
Andconqueringpalmstheybear。”
“UncleTom，I’veseenthem，”saidEva。
Tomhadnodoubtofitatall；itdidnotsurprisehimintheleast。IfEvahadtoldhimshehadbeentoheaven，hewouldhavethoughtitentirelyprobable。
“Theycometomesometimesinmysleep，thosespirits；”andEva’seyesgrewdreamy，andshehummed，inalowvoice，
“Theyareallrobedinspotlesswhite，
Andconqueringpalmstheybear。”
“UncleTom，”saidEva，“I’mgoingthere。”
“Where，MissEva？”
Thechildrose，andpointedherlittlehandtothesky；theglowofeveninglithergoldenhairandflushedcheekwithakindofunearthlyradiance，andhereyeswerebentearnestlyontheskies。
“I’mgoingthere，”shesaid，“tothespiritsbright，Tom；I’mgoing，beforelong。”
Thefaithfuloldheartfeltasuddenthrust；andTomthoughthowoftenhehadnoticed，withinsixmonths，thatEva’slittlehandshadgrownthinner，andherskinmoretransparent，andherbreathshorter；andhow，whensheranorplayedinthegarden，assheoncecouldforhours，shebecamesoonsotiredandlanguid。HehadheardMissOpheliaspeakoftenofacough，thatallhermedicamentscouldnotcure；andevennowthatferventcheekandlittlehandwereburningwithhecticfever；andyetthethoughtthatEva’swordssuggestedhadnevercometohimtillnow。
HasthereeverbeenachildlikeEva？Yes，therehavebeen；buttheirnamesarealwaysongrave-stones，andtheirsweetsmiles，theirheavenlyeyes，theirsingularwordsandways，areamongtheburiedtreasuresofyearninghearts。Inhowmanyfamiliesdoyouhearthelegendthatallthegoodnessandgracesofthelivingarenothingtothepeculiarcharmsofonewhoisnot。Itisasifheavenhadanespecialbandofangels，whoseofficeitwastosojournforaseasonhere，andendeartothemthewaywardhumanheart，thattheymightbearitupwardwiththemintheirhomewardflight。Whenyouseethatdeep，spirituallightintheeye，—whenthelittlesoulrevealsitselfinwordssweeterandwiserthantheordinarywordsofchildren，—hopenottoretainthatchild；forthesealofheavenisonit，andthelightofimmortalitylooksoutfromitseyes。
Evenso，belovedEva！fairstarofthydwelling！Thouarepassingaway；buttheythatlovetheedearestknowitnot。
ThecolloquybetweenTomandEvawasinterruptedbyahastycallfromMissOphelia。
“Eva—Eva！—why，child，thedewisfalling；youmustn’tbeoutthere！”
EvaandTomhastenedin。
MissOpheliawasold，andskilledinthetacticsofnursing。ShewasfromNewEngland，andknewwellthefirstguilefulfootstepsofthatsoft，insidiousdisease，whichsweepsawaysomanyofthefairestandloveliest，and，beforeonefibreoflifeseemsbroken，sealsthemirrevocablyfordeath。
Shehadnotedtheslight，drycough，thedailybrighteningcheek；norcouldthelustreoftheeye，andtheairybuoyancybornoffever，deceiveher。
ShetriedtocommunicateherfearstoSt。Clare；buthethrewbackhersuggestionswitharestlesspetulance，unlikehisusualcarelessgood-humor。
“Don’tbecroaking，Cousin，—Ihateit！”hewouldsay；“don’tyouseethatthechildisonlygrowing。Childrenalwayslosestrengthwhentheygrowfast。”
“Butshehasthatcough！”
“O！nonsenseofthatcough！—itisnotanything。Shehastakenalittlecold，perhaps。”
“Well，thatwasjustthewayElizaJanewastaken，andEllenandMariaSanders。”
“O！stopthesehobgoblin’nurselegends。Youoldhandsgotsowise，thatachildcannotcough，orsneeze，butyouseedesperationandruinathand。Onlytakecareofthechild，keepherfromthenightair，anddon’tletherplaytoohard，andshe’lldowellenough。”
SoSt。Claresaid；buthegrewnervousandrestless。HewatchedEvafeverishlydaybyday，asmightbetoldbythefrequencywithwhichherepeatedoverthat“thechildwasquitewell”—thattherewasn’tanythinginthatcough，—itwasonlysomelittlestomachaffection，suchaschildrenoftenhad。Buthekeptbyhermorethanbefore，tookheroftenertoridewithhim，broughthomeeveryfewdayssomereceiptorstrengtheningmixture，—“not，”hesaid，“thatthechildneededit，butthenitwouldnotdoheranyharm。”
Ifitmustbetold，thethingthatstruckadeeperpangtohisheartthananythingelsewasthedailyincreasingmaturityofthechild’smindandfeelings。Whilestillretainingallachild’sfancifulgraces，yetsheoftendropped，unconsciously，wordsofsuchareachofthought，andstrangeunworldlywisdom，thattheyseemedtobeaninspiration。Atsuchtimes，St。Clarewouldfeelasuddenthrill，andclaspherinhisarms，asifthatfondclaspcouldsaveher；andhisheartroseupwithwilddeterminationtokeepher，nevertolethergo。
Thechild’swholeheartandsoulseemedabsorbedinworksofloveandkindness。Impulsivelygenerousshehadalwaysbeen；buttherewasatouchingandwomanlythoughtfulnessabouthernow，thateveryonenoticed。ShestilllovedtoplaywithTopsy，andthevariouscoloredchildren；butshenowseemedratheraspectatorthananactoroftheirplays，andshewouldsitforhalfanhouratatime，laughingattheoddtricksofTopsy，—andthenashadowwouldseemtopassacrossherface，hereyesgrewmisty，andherthoughtswereafar。
“Mamma，”shesaid，suddenly，tohermother，oneday，“whydon’tweteachourservantstoread？”
“Whataquestionchild！Peopleneverdo。”
“Whydon’tthey？”saidEva。
“Becauseitisnouseforthemtoread。Itdon’thelpthemtoworkanybetter，andtheyarenotmadeforanythingelse。”
“ButtheyoughttoreadtheBible，mamma，tolearnGod’swill。”
“O！theycangetthatreadtothemalltheyneed。”
“Itseemstome，mamma，theBibleisforeveryonetoreadthemselves。Theyneeditagreatmanytimeswhenthereisnobodytoreadit。”
“Eva，youareanoddchild，”saidhermother。
“MissOpheliahastaughtTopsytoread，”continuedEva。
“Yes，andyouseehowmuchgooditdoes。TopsyistheworstcreatureIeversaw！”
“Here’spoorMammy！”saidEva。“ShedoeslovetheBiblesomuch，andwishessoshecouldread！AndwhatwillshedowhenIcan’treadtoher？”
Mariewasbusy，turningoverthecontentsofadrawer，assheanswered，
“Well，ofcourse，byandby，Eva，youwillhaveotherthingstothinkofbesidesreadingtheBibleroundtoservants。Notbutthatisveryproper；I’vedoneitmyself，whenIhadhealth。Butwhenyoucometobedressingandgoingintocompany，youwon’thavetime。Seehere！”sheadded，“thesejewelsI’mgoingtogiveyouwhenyoucomeout。Iworethemtomyfirstball。Icantellyou，Eva，Imadeasensation。”
Evatookthejewel-case，andliftedfromitadiamondnecklace。Herlarge，thoughtfuleyesrestedonthem，butitwasplainherthoughtswereelsewhere。
“Howsoberyoulookchild！”saidMarie。
“Aretheseworthagreatdealofmoney，mamma？”
“Tobesure，theyare。FathersenttoFranceforthem。Theyareworthasmallfortune。”
“IwishIhadthem，”saidEva，“todowhatIpleasedwith！”
“Whatwouldyoudowiththem？”
“I’dsellthem，andbuyaplaceinthefreestates，andtakeallourpeoplethere，andhireteachers，toteachthemtoreadandwrite。”
Evawascutshortbyhermother’slaughing。
“Setupaboarding-school！Wouldn’tyouteachthemtoplayonthepiano，andpaintonvelvet？”
“I’dteachthemtoreadtheirownBible，andwritetheirownletters，andreadlettersthatarewrittentothem，”saidEva，steadily。“Iknow，mamma，itdoescomeveryhardonthemthattheycan’tdothesethings。Tomfeelsit—Mammydoes，—agreatmanyofthemdo。Ithinkit’swrong。”
“Come，come，Eva；youareonlyachild！Youdon’tknowanythingaboutthesethings，”saidMarie；“besides，yourtalkingmakesmyheadache。”
Mariealwayshadaheadacheonhandforanyconversationthatdidnotexactlysuither。
Evastoleaway；butafterthat，sheassiduouslygaveMammyreadinglessons。
Henrique
Aboutthistime，St。Clare’sbrotherAlfred，withhiseldestson，aboyoftwelve，spentadayortwowiththefamilyatthelake。
Nosightcouldbemoresingularandbeautifulthanthatofthesetwinbrothers。Nature，insteadofinstitutingresemblancesbetweenthem，hadmadethemoppositesoneverypoint；yetamysterioustieseemedtounitetheminacloserfriendshipthanordinary。
Theyusedtosaunter，arminarm，upanddownthealleysandwalksofthegarden。Augustine，withhisblueeyesandgoldenhair，hisethereallyflexibleformandvivaciousfeatures；andAlfred，dark-eyed，withhaughtyRomanprofile，firmly-knitlimbs，anddecidedbearing。Theywerealwaysabusingeachother’sopinionsandpractices，andyetneverawhitthelessabsorbedineachother’ssociety；infact，theverycontrarietyseemedtounitethem，liketheattractionbetweenoppositepolesofthemagnet。
Henrique，theeldestsonofAlfred，wasanoble，dark-eyed，princelyboy，fullofvivacityandspirit；and，fromthefirstmomentofintroduction，seemedtobeperfectlyfascinatedbythespirituellegracesofhiscousinEvangeline。
Evahadalittlepetpony，ofasnowywhiteness。Itwaseasyasacradle，andasgentleasitslittlemistress；andthisponywasnowbroughtuptothebackverandahbyTom，whilealittlemulattoboyofaboutthirteenledalongasmallblackArabian，whichhadjustbeenimported，atagreatexpense，forHenrique。
Henriquehadaboy’sprideinhisnewpossession；and，asheadvancedandtookthereinsoutofthehandsofhislittlegroom，helookedcarefullyoverhim，andhisbrowdarkened。
“What’sthis，Dodo，youlittlelazydog！youhaven’trubbedmyhorsedown，thismorning。”
“Yes，Mas’r，”saidDodo，submissively；“hegotthatdustonhisownself。”
“Yourascal，shutyourmouth！”saidHenrique，violentlyraisinghisriding-whip。“Howdareyouspeak？”
Theboywasahandsome，bright-eyedmulatto，ofjustHenrique’ssize，andhiscurlinghairhungroundahigh，boldforehead。Hehadwhitebloodinhisveins，ascouldbeseenbythequickflushinhischeek，andthesparkleofhiseye，asheeagerlytriedtospeak。
“Mas’rHenrique！—”hebegan。
Henriquestruckhimacrossthefacewithhisriding-whip，and，seizingoneofhisarms，forcedhimontohisknees，andbeathimtillhewasoutofbreath。
“There，youimpudentdog！NowwillyoulearnnottoanswerbackwhenIspeaktoyou？Takethehorseback，andcleanhimproperly。I’llteachyouyourplace！”
“YoungMas’r，”saidTom，“Ispecswhathewasgwinetosaywas，thatthehorsewouldrollwhenhewasbringinghimupfromthestable；he’ssofullofspirits，—that’sthewayhegotthatdirtonhim；Ilookedtohiscleaning。”
“Youholdyourtonguetillyou’reaskedtospeak！”saidHenrique，turningonhisheel，andwalkingupthestepstospeaktoEva，whostoodinherriding-dress。
“DearCousin，I’msorrythisstupidfellowhaskeptyouwaiting，”hesaid。“Let’ssitdownhere，onthisseattilltheycome。What’sthematter，Cousin？—youlooksober。”
“HowcouldyoubesocruelandwickedtopoorDodo？”askedEva。
“Cruel，—wicked！”saidtheboy，withunaffectedsurprise。“Whatdoyoumean，dearEva？”
“Idon’twantyoutocallmedearEva，whenyoudoso，”saidEva。
“DearCousin，youdon’tknowDodo；it’stheonlywaytomanagehim，he’ssofullofliesandexcuses。Theonlywayistoputhimdownatonce，—notlethimopenhismouth；that’sthewaypapamanages。”
“ButUncleTomsaiditwasanaccident，andhenevertellswhatisn’ttrue。”
“He’sanuncommonoldnigger，then！”saidHenrique。“Dodowilllieasfastashecanspeak。”
“Youfrightenhimintodeceiving，ifyoutreathimso。”
“Why，Eva，you’vereallytakensuchafancytoDodo，thatIshallbejealous。”
“Butyoubeathim，—andhedidn’tdeserveit。”
“O，well，itmaygoforsometimewhenhedoes，anddon’tgetit。AfewcutsnevercomeamisswithDodo，—he’saregularspirit，Icantellyou；butIwon’tbeathimagainbeforeyou，ifittroublesyou。”
Evawasnotsatisfied，butfounditinvaintotrytomakeherhandsomecousinunderstandherfeelings。
Dodosoonappeared，withthehorses。
“Well，Dodo，you’vedoneprettywell，thistime，”saidhisyoungmaster，withamoregraciousair。“Come，now，andholdMissEva’shorsewhileIputherontothesaddle。”
DodocameandstoodbyEva’spony。Hisfacewastroubled；hiseyeslookedasifhehadbeencrying。
Henrique，whovaluedhimselfonhisgentlemanlyadroitnessinallmattersofgallantry，soonhadhisfaircousininthesaddle，and，gatheringthereins，placedtheminherhands。
ButEvabenttotheothersideofthehorse，whereDodowasstanding，andsaid，asherelinquishedthereins，—“That’sagoodboy，Dodo；—thankyou！”
Dodolookedupinamazementintothesweetyoungface；thebloodrushedtohischeeks，andthetearstohiseyes。
“Here，Dodo，”saidhismaster，imperiously。
Dodosprangandheldthehorse，whilehismastermounted。
“There’sapicayuneforyoutobuycandywith，Dodo，”saidHenrique；“gogetsome。”
AndHenriquecantereddownthewalkafterEva。Dodostoodlookingafterthetwochildren。Onehadgivenhimmoney；andonehadgivenhimwhathewantedfarmore，—akindword，kindlyspoken。Dodohadbeenonlyafewmonthsawayfromhismother。Hismasterhadboughthimataslavewarehouse，forhishandsomeface，tobeamatchtothehandsomepony；andhewasnowgettinghisbreakingin，atthehandsofhisyoungmaster。
ThesceneofthebeatinghadbeenwitnessedbythetwobrothersSt。Clare，fromanotherpartofthegarden。
Augustine’scheekflushed；butheonlyobserved，withhisusualsarcasticcarelessness。
“Isupposethat’swhatwemaycallrepublicaneducation，Alfred？”
“Henriqueisadevilofafellow，whenhisblood’sup，”saidAlfred，carelessly。
“Isupposeyouconsiderthisaninstructivepracticeforhim，”saidAugustine，drily。
“Icouldn’thelpit，ifIdidn’t。Henriqueisaregularlittletempest；—hismotherandIhavegivenhimup，longago。But，then，thatDodoisaperfectsprite，—noamountofwhippingcanhurthim。”
“AndthisbywayofteachingHenriquethefirstverseofarepublican’scatechism，‘Allmenarebornfreeandequal！’”
“Poh！”saidAlfred；“oneofTomJefferson’spiecesofFrenchsentimentandhumbug。It’sperfectlyridiculoustohavethatgoingtheroundsamongus，tothisday。”
“Ithinkitis，”saidSt。Clare，significantly。
“Because，”saidAlfred，“wecanseeplainlyenoughthatallmenarenotbornfree，norbornequal；theyarebornanythingelse。Formypart，Ithinkhalfthisrepublicantalksheerhumbug。Itistheeducated，theintelligent，thewealthy，therefined，whooughttohaveequalrightsandnotthecanaille。”
“Ifyoucankeepthecanailleofthatopinion，”saidAugustine。“Theytooktheirturnonce，inFrance。”
“Ofcourse，theymustbekeptdown，consistently，steadily，asIshould，”saidAlfred，settinghisfootharddownasifhewerestandingonsomebody。
“Itmakesaterribleslipwhentheygetup，”saidAugustine，—“inSt。Domingo，forinstance。”
“Poh！”saidAlfred，“we’lltakecareofthat，inthiscountry。Wemustsetourfaceagainstallthiseducating，elevatingtalk，thatisgettingaboutnow；thelowerclassmustnotbeeducated。”
“Thatispastprayingfor，”saidAugustine；“educatedtheywillbe，andwehaveonlytosayhow。Oursystemiseducatingtheminbarbarismandbrutality。Wearebreakingallhumanizingties，andmakingthembrutebeasts；and，iftheygettheupperhand，suchweshallfindthem。”
“Theyshallnevergettheupperhand！”saidAlfred。
“That’sright，”saidSt。Clare；“putonthesteam，fastendowntheescape-valve，andsitonit，andseewhereyou’llland。”
“Well，”saidAlfred，“wewillsee。I’mnotafraidtositontheescape-valve，aslongastheboilersarestrong，andthemachineryworkswell。”
“ThenoblesinLouisXVI。’stimethoughtjustso；andAustriaandPiusIX。thinksonow；and，somepleasantmorning，youmayallbecaughtuptomeeteachotherintheair，whentheboilersburst。”
“Diesdeclarabit，”saidAlfred，laughing。
“Itellyou，”saidAugustine，“ifthereisanythingthatisrevealedwiththestrengthofadivinelawinourtimes，itisthatthemassesaretorise，andtheunderclassbecometheupperone。”
“That’soneofyourredrepublicanhumbugs，Augustine！Whydidn’tyouevertaketothestump；—you’dmakeafamousstumporator！Well，IhopeIshallbedeadbeforethismillenniumofyourgreasymassescomeson。”
“Greasyornotgreasy，theywillgovernyou，whentheirtimecomes，”saidAugustine；“andtheywillbejustsuchrulersasyoumakethem。TheFrenchnoblessechosetohavethepeople‘sansculottes，’andtheyhad‘sansculotte’governorstotheirhearts’content。ThepeopleofHayti—”
“O，come，Augustine！asifwehadn’thadenoughofthatabominable，contemptibleHayti！1TheHaytienswerenotAngloSaxons；iftheyhadbeentherewouldhavebeenanotherstory。TheAngloSaxonisthedominantraceoftheworld，andistobeso。”
“Well，thereisaprettyfairinfusionofAngloSaxonbloodamongourslaves，now，”saidAugustine。“ThereareplentyamongthemwhohaveonlyenoughoftheAfricantogiveasortoftropicalwarmthandfervortoourcalculatingfirmnessandforesight。IfevertheSanDomingohourcomes，AngloSaxonbloodwillleadontheday。Sonsofwhitefathers，withallourhaughtyfeelingsburningintheirveins，willnotalwaysbeboughtandsoldandtraded。Theywillrise，andraisewiththemtheirmother’srace。”
“Stuff！—nonsense！”
“Well，”saidAugustine，“theregoesanoldsayingtothiseffect，‘AsitwasinthedaysofNoahsoshallitbe；—theyate，theydrank，theyplanted，theybuilded，andknewnottillthefloodcameandtookthem。’”
“Onthewhole，Augustine，Ithinkyourtalentsmightdoforacircuitrider，”saidAlfred，laughing。“Neveryoufearforus；possessionisourninepoints。We’vegotthepower。Thissubjectrace，”saidhe，stampingfirmly，“isdownandshallstaydown！Wehaveenergyenoughtomanageourownpowder。”
“SonstrainedlikeyourHenriquewillbegrandguardiansofyourpowder-magazines，”saidAugustine，—“socoolandself-possessed！Theproverbsays，“‘Theythatcannotgovernthemselvescannotgovernothers。’”
“Thereisatroublethere”saidAlfred，thoughtfully；“there’snodoubtthatoursystemisadifficultonetotrainchildrenunder。Itgivestoofreescopetothepassions，altogether，which，inourclimate，arehotenough。IfindtroublewithHenrique。Theboyisgenerousandwarm-hearted，butaperfectfire-crackerwhenexcited。IbelieveIshallsendhimNorthforhiseducation，whereobedienceismorefashionable，andwherehewillassociatemorewithequals，andlesswithdependents。”
“Sincetrainingchildrenisthestapleworkofthehumanrace，”saidAugustine，“Ishouldthinkitsomethingofaconsiderationthatoursystemdoesnotworkwellthere。”
“Itdoesnotforsomethings，”saidAlfred；“forothers，again，itdoes。Itmakesboysmanlyandcourageous；andtheveryvicesofanabjectracetendtostrengtheninthemtheoppositevirtues。IthinkHenrique，now，hasakeenersenseofthebeautyoftruth，fromseeinglyinganddeceptiontheuniversalbadgeofslavery。”
“AChristian-likeviewofthesubject，certainly！”saidAugustine。
“It’strue，Christian-likeornot；andisaboutasChristian-likeasmostotherthingsintheworld，”saidAlfred。
“Thatmaybe，”saidSt。Clare。
“Well，there’snouseintalking，Augustine。Ibelievewe’vebeenroundandroundthisoldtrackfivehundredtimes，moreorless。Whatdoyousaytoagameofbackgammon？”
Thetwobrothersranuptheverandahsteps，andweresoonseatedatalightbamboostand，withthebackgammon-boardbetweenthem。Astheyweresettingtheirmen，Alfredsaid，
“Itellyou，Augustine，ifIthoughtasyoudo，Ishoulddosomething。”
“Idaresayyouwould，—youareoneofthedoingsort，—butwhat？”
“Why，elevateyourownservants，foraspecimen，”saidAlfred，withahalf-scornfulsmile。
“YoumightaswellsetMount？tnaonthemflat，andtellthemtostandupunderit，astellmetoelevatemyservantsunderallthesuperincumbentmassofsocietyuponthem。Onemancandonothing，againstthewholeactionofacommunity。Education，todoanything，mustbeastateeducation；ortheremustbeenoughagreedinittomakeacurrent。”
“Youtakethefirstthrow，”saidAlfred；andthebrothersweresoonlostinthegame，andheardnomoretillthescrapingofhorses’feetwasheardundertheverandah。
“Therecomethechildren，”saidAugustine，rising。“Lookhere，Alf！Didyoueverseeanythingsobeautiful？”And，intruth，itwasabeautifulsight。Henrique，withhisboldbrow，anddark，glossycurls，andglowingcheek，waslaughinggaylyashebenttowardshisfaircousin，astheycameon。Shewasdressedinablueridingdress，withacapofthesamecolor。Exercisehadgivenabrillianthuetohercheeks，andheightenedtheeffectofhersingularlytransparentskin，andgoldenhair。
“Goodheavens！whatperfectlydazzlingbeauty！”saidAlfred。“Itellyou，Auguste，won’tshemakesomeheartsache，oneofthesedays？”
“Shewill，tootruly，—GodknowsI’mafraidso！”saidSt。Clare，inatoneofsuddenbitterness，ashehurrieddowntotakeheroffherhorse。
“Evadarling！you’renotmuchtired？”hesaid，asheclaspedherinhisarms。
“No，papa，”saidthechild；buthershort，hardbreathingalarmedherfather。
“Howcouldyouridesofast，dear？—youknowit’sbadforyou。”
“Ifeltsowell，papa，andlikeditsomuch，Iforgot。”
St。Clarecarriedherinhisarmsintotheparlor，andlaidheronthesofa。
“Henrique，youmustbecarefulofEva，”saidhe；“youmustn’tridefastwithher。”
“I’lltakeherundermycare，”saidHenrique，seatinghimselfbythesofa，andtakingEva’shand。
Evasoonfoundherselfmuchbetter。Herfatheranduncleresumedtheirgame，andthechildrenwerelefttogether。
“Doyouknow，Eva，I’msorrypapaisonlygoingtostaytwodayshere，andthenIshan’tseeyouagainforeversolong！IfIstaywithyou，I’dtrytobegood，andnotbecrosstoDodo，andsoon。Idon’tmeantotreatDodoill；but，youknow，I’vegotsuchaquicktemper。I’mnotreallybadtohim，though。Igivehimapicayune，nowandthen；andyouseehedresseswell。Ithink，onthewhole，Dodo’sprettywelloff。”
“Wouldyouthinkyouwerewelloff，iftherewerenotonecreatureintheworldnearyoutoloveyou？”
“I？—Well，ofcoursenot。”
“AndyouhavetakenDodoawayfromallthefriendsheeverhad，andnowhehasnotacreaturetolovehim；—nobodycanbegoodthatway。”
“Well，Ican’thelpit，asIknowof。Ican’tgethismotherandIcan’tlovehimmyself，noranybodyelse，asIknowof。”
“Whycan’tyou？”saidEva。
“LoveDodo！Why，Eva，youwouldn’thaveme！Imaylikehimwellenough；butyoudon’tloveyourservants。”
“Ido，indeed。”
“Howodd！”
“Don’ttheBiblesaywemustloveeverybody？”
“O，theBible！Tobesure，itsaysagreatmanysuchthings；but，then，nobodyeverthinksofdoingthem，—youknow，Eva，nobodydoes。”
Evadidnotspeak；hereyeswerefixedandthoughtfulforafewmoments。
“Atanyrate，”shesaid，“dearCousin，dolovepoorDodo，andbekindtohim，formysake！”
“Icouldloveanything，foryoursake，dearCousin；forIreallythinkyouaretheloveliestcreaturethatIeversaw！”AndHenriquespokewithanearnestnessthatflushedhishandsomeface。Evareceiveditwithperfectsimplicity，withoutevenachangeoffeature；merelysaying，“I’mgladyoufeelso，dearHenrique！Ihopeyouwillremember。”
Thedinner-bellputanendtotheinterview。
1InAugust1791，asaconsequenceoftheFrenchRevolution，theblackslavesandmulattoesonHaitiroseinrevoltagainstthewhites，andintheperiodofturmoilthatfollowedenormouscrueltieswerepractisedbybothsides。The“Emperor”Dessalines，cometopowerin1804，massacredallthewhitesontheisland。HaitianbloodshedbecameanargumenttoshowthebarbarousnatureoftheNegro，adoctrineWendellPhillipssoughttocombatinhiscelebratedlectureonToussaintL’Ouverture。
Foreshadowings
Twodaysafterthis，AlfredSt。ClareandAugustineparted；andEva，whohadbeenstimulated，bythesocietyofheryoungcousin，toexertionsbeyondherstrength，begantofailrapidly。St。Clarewasatlastwillingtocallinmedicaladvice，—athingfromwhichhehadalwaysshrunk，becauseitwastheadmissionofanunwelcometruth。
But，foradayortwo，Evawassounwellastobeconfinedtothehouse；andthedoctorwascalled。
MarieSt。Clarehadtakennonoticeofthechild’sgraduallydecayinghealthandstrength，becauseshewascompletelyabsorbedinstudyingouttwoorthreenewformsofdiseasetowhichshebelievedsheherselfwasavictim。ItwasthefirstprincipleofMarie’sbeliefthatnobodyeverwasorcouldbesogreatasuffererasherself；and，therefore，shealwaysrepelledquiteindignantlyanysuggestionthatanyonearoundhercouldbesick。Shewasalwayssure，insuchacase，thatitwasnothingbutlaziness，orwantofenergy；andthat，iftheyhadhadthesufferingshehad，theywouldsoonknowthedifference。
MissOpheliahadseveraltimestriedtoawakenhermaternalfearsaboutEva；buttonoavail。
“Idon’tseeasanythingailsthechild，”shewouldsay；“sherunsabout，andplays。”
“Butshehasacough。”
“Cough！youdon’tneedtotellmeaboutacough。I’vealwaysbeensubjecttoacough，allmydays。WhenIwasofEva’sage，theythoughtIwasinaconsumption。Nightafternight，Mammyusedtositupwithme。O！Eva’scoughisnotanything。”
“Butshegetsweak，andisshort-breathed。”
“Law！I’vehadthat，yearsandyears；it’sonlyanervousaffection。”
“Butshesweatsso，nights！”
“Well，Ihave，thesetenyears。Veryoften，nightafternight，myclotheswillbewringingwet。Therewon’tbeadrythreadinmynight-clothesandthesheetswillbesothatMammyhastohangthemuptodry！Evadoesn’tsweatanythinglikethat！”
MissOpheliashuthermouthforaseason。But，nowthatEvawasfairlyandvisiblyprostrated，andadoctorcalled，Marie，allonasudden，tookanewturn。
“Sheknewit，”shesaid；“shealwaysfeltit，thatshewasdestinedtobethemostmiserableofmothers。Hereshewas，withherwretchedhealth，andheronlydarlingchildgoingdowntothegravebeforehereyes；”—andMarieroutedupMammynights，andrumpussedandscolded，withmoreenergythanever，allday，onthestrengthofthisnewmisery。
“MydearMarie，don’ttalkso！”saidSt。Clare。Yououghtnottogiveupthecaseso，atonce。”
“Youhavenotamother’sfeelings，St。Clare！Younevercouldunderstandme！—youdon’tnow。”
“Butdon’ttalkso，asifitwereagonecase！”
“Ican’ttakeitasindifferentlyasyoucan，St。Clare。Ifyoudon’tfeelwhenyouronlychildisinthisalarmingstate，Ido。It’sablowtoomuchforme，withallIwasbearingbefore。”
“It’strue，”saidSt。Clare，“thatEvaisverydelicate，thatIalwaysknew；andthatshehasgrownsorapidlyastoexhaustherstrength；andthathersituationiscritical。Butjustnowsheisonlyprostratedbytheheatoftheweather，andbytheexcitementofhercousin’svisit，andtheexertionsshemade。Thephysiciansaysthereisroomforhope。”
“Well，ofcourse，ifyoucanlookonthebrightside，praydo；it’samercyifpeoplehaven’tsensitivefeelings，inthisworld。IamsureIwishIdidn’tfeelasIdo；itonlymakesmecompletelywretched！IwishIcouldbeaseasyastherestofyou！”
Andthe“restofthem”hadgoodreasontobreathethesameprayer，forMarieparadedhernewmiseryasthereasonandapologyforallsortsofinflictionsoneveryoneabouther。Everywordthatwasspokenbyanybody，everythingthatwasdoneorwasnotdoneeverywhere，wasonlyanewproofthatshewassurroundedbyhard-hearted，insensiblebeings，whowereunmindfulofherpeculiarsorrows。PoorEvaheardsomeofthesespeeches；andnearlycriedherlittleeyesout，inpityforhermamma，andinsorrowthatsheshouldmakehersomuchdistress。
Inaweekortwo，therewasagreatimprovementofsymptoms，—oneofthosedeceitfullulls，bywhichherinexorablediseasesooftenbeguilestheanxiousheart，evenonthevergeofthegrave。Eva’sstepwasagaininthegarden，—inthebalconies；sheplayedandlaughedagain，—andherfather，inatransport，declaredthattheyshouldsoonhaveherasheartyasanybody。MissOpheliaandthephysicianalonefeltnoencouragementfromthisillusivetruce。Therewasoneotherheart，too，thatfeltthesamecertainty，andthatwasthelittleheartofEva。Whatisitthatsometimesspeaksinthesoulsocalmly，soclearly，thatitsearthlytimeisshort？Isitthesecretinstinctofdecayingnature，orthesoul’simpulsivethrob，asimmortalitydrawson？Beitwhatitmay，itrestedintheheartofEva，acalm，sweet，propheticcertaintythatHeavenwasnear；calmasthelightofsunset，sweetasthebrightstillnessofautumn，thereherlittleheartreposed，onlytroubledbysorrowforthosewholovedhersodearly。
Forthechild，thoughnursedsotenderly，andthoughlifewasunfoldingbeforeherwitheverybrightnessthatloveandwealthcouldgive，hadnoregretforherselfindying。
Inthatbookwhichsheandhersimpleoldfriendhadreadsomuchtogether，shehadseenandtakentoheryounghearttheimageofonewholovedthelittlechild；and，asshegazedandmused，Hehadceasedtobeanimageandapictureofthedistantpast，andcometobealiving，all-surroundingreality。Hisloveenfoldedherchildishheartwithmorethanmortaltenderness；anditwastoHim，shesaid，shewasgoing，andtohishome。
Butherheartyearnedwithsadtendernessforallthatshewastoleavebehind。Herfathermost，—forEva，thoughsheneverdistinctlythoughtso，hadaninstinctiveperceptionthatshewasmoreinhisheartthananyother。Shelovedhermotherbecauseshewassolovingacreature，andalltheselfishnessthatshehadseeninheronlysaddenedandperplexedher；forshehadachild’simplicittrustthathermothercouldnotdowrong。TherewassomethingaboutherthatEvanevercouldmakeout；andshealwayssmootheditoverwiththinkingthat，afterall，itwasmamma，andshelovedherverydearlyindeed。
Shefelt，too，forthosefond，faithfulservants，towhomshewasasdaylightandsunshine。Childrendonotusuallygeneralize；butEvawasanuncommonlymaturechild，andthethingsthatshehadwitnessedoftheevilsofthesystemunderwhichtheywerelivinghadfallen，onebyone，intothedepthsofherthoughtful，ponderingheart。Shehadvaguelongingstodosomethingforthem，—toblessandsavenotonlythem，butallintheircondition，—longingsthatcontrastedsadlywiththefeeblenessofherlittleframe。
“UncleTom，”shesaid，oneday，whenshewasreadingtoherfriend，“IcanunderstandwhyJesuswantedtodieforus。”
“Why，MissEva？”
“BecauseI’vefeltso，too。”
“WhatisitMissEva？—Idon’tunderstand。”
“Ican’ttellyou；but，whenIsawthosepoorcreaturesontheboat，youknow，whenyoucameupandI，—somehadlosttheirmothers，andsometheirhusbands，andsomemotherscriedfortheirlittlechildren—andwhenIheardaboutpoorPrue，—oh，wasn’tthatdreadful！—andagreatmanyothertimes，I’vefeltthatIwouldbegladtodie，ifmydyingcouldstopallthismisery。Iwoulddieforthem，Tom，ifIcould，”saidthechild，earnestly，layingherlittlethinhandonhis。
Tomlookedatthechildwithawe；andwhenshe，hearingherfather’svoice，glidedaway，hewipedhiseyesmanytimes，ashelookedafterher。
“It’sjestnousetryin’tokeepMissEvahere，”hesaidtoMammy，whomhemetamomentafter。“She’sgottheLord’smarkinherforehead。”
“Ah，yes，yes，”saidMammy，raisingherhands；“I’veallerssaidso。Shewasn’tneverlikeachildthat’stolive—therewasallerssomethingdeepinhereyes。I’vetoldMississo，manythetime；it’sacomin’true，—weallseesit，—dear，little，blessedlamb！”
Evacametrippinguptheverandahstepstoherfather。Itwaslateintheafternoon，andtheraysofthesunformedakindofglorybehindher，asshecameforwardinherwhitedress，withhergoldenhairandglowingcheeks，hereyesunnaturallybrightwiththeslowfeverthatburnedinherveins。
St。Clarehadcalledhertoshowastatuettethathehadbeenbuyingforher；butherappearance，asshecameon，impressedhimsuddenlyandpainfully。Thereisakindofbeautysointense，yetsofragile，thatwecannotbeartolookatit。Herfatherfoldedhersuddenlyinhisarms，andalmostforgotwhathewasgoingtotellher。
“Eva，dear，youarebetternow-a-days，—areyounot？”
“Papa，”saidEva，withsuddenfirmness“I’vehadthingsIwantedtosaytoyou，agreatwhile。Iwanttosaythemnow，beforeIgetweaker。”
St。ClaretrembledasEvaseatedherselfinhislap。Shelaidherheadonhisbosom，andsaid，
“It’sallnouse，papa，tokeepittomyselfanylonger。ThetimeiscomingthatIamgoingtoleaveyou。Iamgoing，andnevertocomeback！”andEvasobbed。
“O，now，mydearlittleEva！”saidSt。Clare，tremblingashespoke，butspeakingcheerfully，“you’vegotnervousandlow-spirited；youmustn’tindulgesuchgloomythoughts。Seehere，I’veboughtastatuetteforyou！”
“No，papa，”saidEva，puttingitgentlyaway，“don’tdeceiveyourself！—Iamnotanybetter，Iknowitperfectlywell，—andIamgoing，beforelong。Iamnotnervous，—Iamnotlow-spirited。Ifitwerenotforyou，papa，andmyfriends，Ishouldbeperfectlyhappy。Iwanttogo，—Ilongtogo！”
“Why，dearchild，whathasmadeyourpoorlittleheartsosad？Youhavehadeverything，tomakeyouhappy，thatcouldbegivenyou。”
“Ihadratherbeinheaven；though，onlyformyfriends’sake，Iwouldbewillingtolive。Thereareagreatmanythingsherethatmakemesad，thatseemdreadfultome；Ihadratherbethere；butIdon’twanttoleaveyou，—italmostbreaksmyheart！”
“Whatmakesyousad，andseemsdreadful，Eva？”
“O，thingsthataredone，anddoneallthetime。Ifeelsadforourpoorpeople；theylovemedearly，andtheyareallgoodandkindtome。Iwish，papa，theywereallfree。”
“Why，Eva，child，don’tyouthinktheyarewellenoughoffnow？”
“O，but，papa，ifanythingshouldhappentoyou，whatwouldbecomeofthem？Thereareveryfewmenlikeyou，papa。UncleAlfredisn’tlikeyou，andmammaisn’t；andthen，thinkofpooroldPrue’sowners！Whathorridthingspeopledo，andcando！”andEvashuddered。
“Mydearchild，youaretoosensitive。I’msorryIeverletyouhearsuchstories。”
“O，that’swhattroublesme，papa。Youwantmetolivesohappy，andnevertohaveanypain，—neversufferanything，—notevenhearasadstory，whenotherpoorcreatureshavenothingbutpainandsorrow，antheirlives；—itseemsselfish。Ioughttoknowsuchthings，Ioughttofeelaboutthem！Suchthingsalwayssunkintomyheart；theywentdowndeep；I’vethoughtandthoughtaboutthem。Papa，isn’tthereanywaytohaveallslavesmadefree？”
“That’sadifficultquestion，dearest。There’snodoubtthatthiswayisaverybadone；agreatmanypeoplethinkso；IdomyselfIheartilywishthattherewerenotaslaveintheland；but，then，Idon’tknowwhatistobedoneaboutit！”
“Papa，youaresuchagoodman，andsonoble，andkind，andyoualwayshaveawayofsayingthingsthatissopleasant，couldn’tyougoallroundandtrytopersuadepeopletodorightaboutthis？WhenIamdead，papa，thenyouwillthinkofme，anddoitformysake。Iwoulddoit，ifIcould。”
“Whenyouaredead，Eva，”saidSt。Clare，passionately。“O，child，don’ttalktomeso！YouareallIhaveonearth。”
“PooroldPrue’schildwasallthatshehad，—andyetshehadtohearitcrying，andshecouldn’thelpit！Papa，thesepoorcreatureslovetheirchildrenasmuchasyoudome。O！dosomethingforthem！There’spoorMammylovesherchildren；I’veseenhercrywhenshetalkedaboutthem。AndTomloveshischildren；andit’sdreadful，papa，thatsuchthingsarehappening，allthetime！”
“There，there，darling，”saidSt。Clare，soothingly；“onlydon’tdistressyourself，don’ttalkofdying，andIwilldoanythingyouwish。”
“Andpromiseme，dearfather，thatTomshallhavehisfreedomassoonas”—shestopped，andsaid，inahesitatingtone—“Iamgone！”
“Yes，dear，Iwilldoanythingintheworld，—anythingyoucouldaskmeto。”
“Dearpapa，”saidthechild，layingherburningcheekagainsthis，“howIwishwecouldgotogether！”
“Where，dearest？”saidSt。Clare。
“ToourSaviour’shome；it’ssosweetandpeacefulthere—itisallsolovingthere！”Thechildspokeunconsciously，asofaplacewhereshehadoftenbeen。“Don’tyouwanttogo，papa？”shesaid。
St。Claredrewherclosertohim，butwassilent。
“Youwillcometome，”saidthechild，speakinginavoiceofcalmcertaintywhichsheoftenusedunconsciously。
“Ishallcomeafteryou。Ishallnotforgetyou。”
Theshadowsofthesolemneveningclosedroundthemdeeperanddeeper，asSt。Claresatsilentlyholdingthelittlefrailformtohisbosom。Hesawnomorethedeepeyes，butthevoicecameoverhimasaspiritvoice，and，asinasortofjudgmentvision，hiswholepastliferoseinamomentbeforehiseyes:hismother’sprayersandhymns；hisownearlyyearningsandaspiringsforgood；and，betweenthemandthishour，yearsofworldlinessandscepticism，andwhatmancallsrespectableliving。Wecanthinkmuch，verymuch，inamoment。St。Claresawandfeltmanythings，butspokenothing；and，asitgrewdarker，hetookhischildtoherbed-room；and，whenshewaspreparedforrest；hesentawaytheattendants，androckedherinhisarms，andsungtohertillshewasasleep。
Chapter25
TheLittleEvangelist
ItwasSundayafternoon。St。Clarewasstretchedonabambooloungeintheverandah，solacinghimselfwithacigar。Marielayreclinedonasofa，oppositethewindowopeningontheverandah，closelysecluded，underanawningoftransparentgauze，fromtheoutragesofthemosquitos，andlanguidlyholdinginherhandanelegantlyboundprayer-book。ShewasholdingitbecauseitwasSunday，andsheimaginedshehadbeenreadingit，—though，infact，shehadbeenonlytakingasuccessionofshortnaps，withitopeninherhand。
MissOphelia，who，aftersomerummaging，hadhuntedupasmallMethodistmeetingwithinridingdistance，hadgoneout，withTomasdriver，toattendit；andEvahadaccompaniedthem。
“Isay，Augustine，”saidMarieafterdozingawhile，“ImustsendtothecityaftermyoldDoctorPosey；I’msureI’vegotthecomplaintoftheheart。”
“Well；whyneedyousendforhim？ThisdoctorthatattendsEvaseemsskilful。”
“Iwouldnottrusthiminacriticalcase，”saidMarie；“andIthinkImaysaymineisbecomingso！I’vebeenthinkingofit，thesetwoorthreenightspast；Ihavesuchdistressingpains，andsuchstrangefeelings。”
“O，Marie，youareblue；Idon’tbelieveit’sheartcomplaint。”
“Idaresayyoudon’t，”saidMarie；“Iwaspreparedtoexpectthat。Youcanbealarmedenough，ifEvacoughs，orhastheleastthingthematterwithher；butyouneverthinkofme。”
“Ifit’sparticularlyagreeabletoyoutohaveheartdisease，why，I’lltryandmaintainyouhaveit，”saidSt。Clare；“Ididn’tknowitwas。”
“Well，Ionlyhopeyouwon’tbesorryforthis，whenit’stoolate！”saidMarie；“but，believeitornot，mydistressaboutEva，andtheexertionsIhavemadewiththatdearchild，havedevelopedwhatIhavelongsuspected。”
WhattheexertionswerewhichMariereferredto，itwouldhavebeendifficulttostate。St。Clarequietlymadethiscommentarytohimself，andwentonsmoking，likeahard-heartedwretchofamanashewas，tillacarriagedroveupbeforetheverandah，andEvaandMissOpheliaalighted。
MissOpheliamarchedstraighttoherownchamber，toputawayherbonnetandshawl，aswasalwayshermanner，beforeshespokeawordonanysubject；whileEvacame，atSt:Clare’scall，andwassittingonhisknee，givinghimanaccountoftheservicestheyhadheard。
TheysoonheardloudexclamationsfromMissOphelia’sroom，which，liketheoneinwhichtheyweresitting，openedontotheverandahandviolentreproofaddressedtosomebody。
“WhatnewwitchcrafthasTopsbeenbrewing？”askedSt。Clare。“Thatcommotionisofherraising，I’llbebound！”
And，inamomentafter，MissOphelia，inhighindignation，camedraggingtheculpritalong。
“Comeouthere，now！”shesaid。“Iwilltellyourmaster！”
“What’sthecasenow？”askedAugustine。
“Thecaseis，thatIcannotbeplaguedwiththischild，anylonger！It’spastallbearing；fleshandbloodcannotendureit！Here，Ilockedherup，andgaveherahymntostudy；andwhatdoesshedo，butspyoutwhereIputmykey，andhasgonetomybureau，andgotabonnet-trimming，andcutitalltopiecestomakedolls’jackets！Ineversawanythinglikeit，inmylife！”
“Itoldyou，Cousin，”saidMarie，“thatyou’dfindoutthatthesecreaturescan’tbebroughtupwithoutseverity。IfIhadmyway，now，”shesaid，lookingreproachfullyatSt。Clare，“I’dsendthatchildout，andhaveherthoroughlywhipped；I’dhaveherwhippedtillshecouldn’tstand！”
“Idon’tdoubtit，”saidSt。Clare。“Tellmeofthelovelyruleofwoman！Ineversawaboveadozenwomenthatwouldn’thalfkillahorse，oraservant，either，iftheyhadtheirownwaywiththem！—letaloneaman。”
“Thereisnouseinthisshilly-shallywayofyours，St。Clare！”saidMarie。“Cousinisawomanofsense，andsheseesitnow，asplainasIdo。”
MissOpheliahadjustthecapabilityofindignationthatbelongstothethorough-pacedhousekeeper，andthishadbeenprettyactivelyrousedbytheartificeandwastefulnessofthechild；infact，manyofmyladyreadersmustownthattheyshouldhavefeltjustsoinhercircumstances；butMarie’swordswentbeyondher，andshefeltlessheat。
“Iwouldn’thavethechildtreatedso，fortheworld，”shesaid；“but，Iamsure，Augustine，Idon’tknowwhattodo。I’vetaughtandtaught；I’vetalkedtillI’mtired；I’vewhippedher；I’vepunishedherineverywayIcanthinkof，andshe’sjustwhatshewasatfirst。”
“Comehere，Tops，youmonkey！”saidSt。Clare，callingthechilduptohim。
Topsycameup；herround，hardeyesglitteringandblinkingwithamixtureofapprehensivenessandtheirusualodddrollery。
“Whatmakesyoubehaveso？”saidSt。Clare，whocouldnothelpbeingamusedwiththechild’sexpression。
“Spectsit’smywickedheart，”saidTopsy，demurely；“MissFeelysaysso。”
“Don’tyouseehowmuchMissOpheliahasdoneforyou？Shesaysshehasdoneeverythingshecanthinkof。”
“Lor，yes，Mas’r！oldMissisusedtosayso，too。Shewhippedmeaheapharder，andusedtopullmyhar，andknockmyheadaginthedoor；butitdidn’tdomenogood！Ispects，ifthey’stopulleveryspireo’harouto’myhead，itwouldn’tdonogood，neither，—I’ssowicked！Laws！I’snothinbutanigger，noways！”
“Well，Ishallhavetogiveherup，”saidMissOphelia；“Ican’thavethattroubleanylonger。”
“Well，I’djustliketoaskonequestion，”saidSt。Clare。
“Whatisit？”
“Why，ifyourGospelisnotstrongenoughtosaveoneheathenchild，thatyoucanhaveathomehere，alltoyourself，what’stheuseofsendingoneortwopoormissionariesoffwithitamongthousandsofjustsuch？Isupposethischildisaboutafairsampleofwhatthousandsofyourheathenare。”
MissOpheliadidnotmakeanimmediateanswer；andEva，whohadstoodasilentspectatorofthescenethusfar，madeasilentsigntoTopsytofollowher。Therewasalittleglass-roomatthecorneroftheverandah，whichSt。Clareusedasasortofreading-room；andEvaandTopsydisappearedintothisplace。
“What’sEvagoingabout，now？”saidSt。Clare；“Imeantosee。”
And，advancingontiptoe，heliftedupacurtainthatcoveredtheglass-door，andlookedin。Inamoment，layinghisfingeronhislips，hemadeasilentgesturetoMissOpheliatocomeandlook。Theresatthetwochildrenonthefloor，withtheirsidefacestowardsthem。Topsy，withherusualairofcarelessdrolleryandunconcern；but，oppositetoher，Eva，herwholefaceferventwithfeeling，andtearsinherlargeeyes。
“Whatdoesmakeyousobad，Topsy？Whywon’tyoutryandbegood？Don’tyouloveanybody，Topsy？”
“Donnonothing’boutlove；Ilovescandyandsich，that’sall，”saidTopsy。
“Butyouloveyourfatherandmother？”
“Neverhadnone，yeknow。Itelledyethat，MissEva。”
“O，Iknow，”saidEva，sadly；“buthadn’tyouanybrother，orsister，oraunt，or—”
“No，noneon’em，—neverhadnothingnornobody。”
“But，Topsy，ifyou’donlytrytobegood，youmight—”
“Couldn’tneverbenothin’butanigger，ifIwaseversogood，”saidTopsy。“IfIcouldbeskinned，andcomewhite，I’dtrythen。”
“Butpeoplecanloveyou，ifyouareblack，Topsy。MissOpheliawouldloveyou，ifyouweregood。”
Topsygavetheshort，bluntlaughthatwashercommonmodeofexpressingincredulity。
“Don’tyouthinkso？”saidEva。
“No；shecan’tbarme，’causeI’manigger！—she’d’ssoonhaveatoadtouchher！Therecan’tnobodyloveniggers，andniggerscan’tdonothin’！Idon’tcare，”saidTopsy，beginningtowhistle。
“O，Topsy，poorchild，Iloveyou！”saidEva，withasuddenburstoffeeling，andlayingherlittlethin，whitehandonTopsy’sshoulder；“Iloveyou，becauseyouhaven’thadanyfather，ormother，orfriends；—becauseyou’vebeenapoor，abusedchild！Iloveyou，andIwantyoutobegood。Iamveryunwell，Topsy，andIthinkIshan’tliveagreatwhile；anditreallygrievesme，tohaveyoubesonaughty。Iwishyouwouldtrytobegood，formysake；—it’sonlyalittlewhileIshallbewithyou。”
Theround，keeneyesoftheblackchildwereovercastwithtears；—large，brightdropsrolledheavilydown，onebyone，andfellonthelittlewhitehand。Yes，inthatmoment，arayofrealbelief，arayofheavenlylove，hadpenetratedthedarknessofherheathensoul！Shelaidherheaddownbetweenherknees，andweptandsobbed，—whilethebeautifulchild，bendingoverher，lookedlikethepictureofsomebrightangelstoopingtoreclaimasinner。
“PoorTopsy！”saidEva，“don’tyouknowthatJesuslovesallalike？Heisjustaswillingtoloveyou，asme。HelovesyoujustasIdo，—onlymore，becauseheisbetter。Hewillhelpyoutobegood；andyoucangotoHeavenatlast，andbeanangelforever，justasmuchasifyouwerewhite。Onlythinkofit，Topsy！—youcanbeoneofthosespiritsbright，UncleTomsingsabout。”
“O，dearMissEva，dearMissEva！”saidthechild；“Iwilltry，Iwilltry；Ineverdidcarenothin’aboutitbefore。”
St。Clare，atthisinstant，droppedthecurtain。“Itputsmeinmindofmother，”hesaidtoMissOphelia。“Itistruewhatshetoldme；ifwewanttogivesighttotheblind，wemustbewillingtodoasChristdid，—callthemtous，andputourhandsonthem。”
“I’vealwayshadaprejudiceagainstnegroes，”saidMissOphelia，“andit’safact，Inevercouldbeartohavethatchildtouchme；but，Idon’tthinksheknewit。”
“Trustanychildtofindthatout，”saidSt。Clare；“there’snokeepingitfromthem。ButIbelievethatallthetryingintheworldtobenefitachild，andallthesubstantialfavorsyoucandothem，willneverexciteoneemotionofgratitude，whilethatfeelingofrepugnanceremainsintheheart；—it’saqueerkindofafact，—butsoitis。”
“Idon’tknowhowIcanhelpit，”saidMissOphelia；“theyaredisagreeabletome，—thischildinparticular，—howcanIhelpfeelingso？”
“Evadoes，itseems。”
“Well，she’ssoloving！Afterall，though，she’snomorethanChrist-like，”saidMissOphelia；“IwishIwerelikeher。Shemightteachmealesson。”
“Itwouldn’tbethefirsttimealittlechildhadbeenusedtoinstructanolddisciple，ifitwereso，”saidSt。Clare。