We must now return to the Garies, whom we left listening to Mr. Winston's description of what he saw in Philadelphia, and we need not add anything respecting it to what the reader has already gathered from the last chapter; our object being now to describe the effect his narrative1 produced.
On the evening succeeding the departure of Winston for New Orleans, Mr. and Mrs. Garie were seated in a little arbour at a short distance from the house, and which commanded a magnificent prospect2 up and down the river. It was overshadowed by tall trees, from the topmost branches of which depended large bunches of Georgian moss3, swayed to and fro by the soft spring breeze that came gently sweeping4 down the long avenue of magnolias, laden5 with the sweet breath of the flowers with which the trees were covered.
A climbing rose and Cape6 jessamine had almost covered the arbour, and their intermingled blossoms, contrasting with the rich brown colour of the branches of which it was constructed, gave it an exceedingly beautiful and picturesque7 appearance.
This arbour was their favourite resort in the afternoons of summer, as they could see from it the sun go down behind the low hills opposite, casting his gleams of golden light upon the tops of the trees that crowned their summits. Northward8, where the chain of hills was broken, the waters of the river would be brilliant with waves of gold long after the other parts of it were shrouded9 in the gloom of twilight10. Mr. and Mrs. Garie sat looking at the children, who were scampering11 about the garden in pursuit of a pet rabbit which had escaped, and seemed determined12 not to be caught upon any pretence13 whatever.
"Are they not beautiful?" said Mr. Garie, with pride, as they bounded past him. "There are not two prettier children in all Georgia. You don't seem half proud enough of them," he continued, looking down upon his wife affectionately.
Mrs. Garie, who was half reclining on the seat, and leaning her head upon his shoulder, replied, "Oh, yes, I am, Garie; I'm sure I love them dearly—oh, so dearly!" continued she, fervently—"and I only wish"—here she paused, as if she felt she had been going to say something that had better remain unspoken.
"You only wish what, dear? You were going to say something," rejoined her husband. "Come, out with it, and let me hear what it was."
"Oh, Garie, it was nothing of any consequence."
"Consequence or no consequence, let me hear what it was, dear."
"Well, as you insist on hearing it, I was about to say that I wish they were not little slaves."
"Oh, Em! Em!" exclaimed he, reproachfully, "how can you speak in that manner? I thought, dear, that you regarded me in any other light than that of a master. What have I done to revive the recollection that any such relation existed between us? Am I not always kind and affectionate? Did you ever have a wish ungratified for a single day, if it was in my power to compass it? or have I ever been harsh or neglectful?"
"Oh, no, dear, no—forgive me, Garie—do, pray, forgive me—you are kindness itself—believe me, I did not think to hurt your feelings by saying what I did. I know you do not treat me or them as though we were slaves. But I cannot help feeling that we are such—and it makes me very sad and unhappy sometimes. If anything should happen that you should be taken away suddenly, think what would be our fate. Heirs would spring up from somewhere, and we might be sold and separated for ever. Respecting myself I might be indifferent, but regarding the children I cannot feel so."
"Tut, tut, Em! don't talk so gloomily. Do you know of any one, now, who has been hired to put me to death?" said he, smiling.
"Don't talk so, dear; remember, 'In the midst of life we are in death.' It was only this morning I learned that Celeste—you remember Celeste, don't you?—I cannot recall her last name."
"No, dear, I really can't say that I do remember whom you refer to."
"I can bring her to your recollection, I think," continued she. "One afternoon last fall we were riding together on the Augusta-road, when you stopped to admire a very neat cottage, before the door of which two pretty children were playing."
"Oh, yes, I remember something about it—I admired the children so excessively that you became quite jealous."
"I don't remember that part of it," she continued. "But let me tell you my story. Last week the father of the children started for Washington; the cars ran off the track, and were precipitated16 down a high embankment, and he and some others were killed. Since his death it has been discovered that all his property was heavily mortgaged to old MacTurk, the worst man in the whole of Savannah; and he has taken possession of the place, and thrown her and the children into the slave-pen, from which they will be sold to the highest bidder17 at a sheriff's sale. Who can say that a similar fate may never be mine? These things press upon my spirit, and make me so gloomy and melancholy18 at times, that I wish it were possible to shun19 even myself. Lately, more than ever, have I felt disposed to beg you to break up here, and move off to some foreign country where there is no such thing as slavery. I have often thought how delightful20 it would be for us all to be living in that beautiful Italy you have so often described to me—or in France either. You said you liked both those places—why not live in one of them?"
"No, no, Emily; I love America too much to ever think of living anywhere else. I am much too thorough a democrat21 ever to swear allegiance to a king. No, no—that would never do—give me a free country."
"That is just what I say," rejoined Mrs. Garie; "that is exactly what I want; that is why I should like to get away from here, because this is not a free country—God knows it is not!"
"Oh, you little traitor22! How severely23 you talk, abusing your native land in such shocking style, it's really painful to hear you," said Mr. Garie in a jocular tone.
"Oh, love," rejoined she, "don't joke, it's not a subject for jesting. It is heavier upon my heart than you dream of. Wouldn't you like to live in the free States? There is nothing particular to keep you here, and only think how much better it would be for the children: and Garie," she continued in a lower tone, nestling close to him as she spoke14, and drawing his head towards her, "I think I am going to—" and she whispered some words in his ear, and as she finished she shook her head, and her long curls fell down in clusters over her face.
Mr. Garie put the curls aside, and kissing her fondly, asked, "How long have you known it, dear?"
"Not long, not very long," she replied. "And I have such a yearning24 that it should be born a free child. I do want that the first air it breathes should be that of freedom. It will kill me to have another child born here! its infant smiles would only be a reproach to me. Oh," continued she, in a tone of deep feeling, "it is a fearful thing to give birth to an inheritor of chains;" and she shuddered25 as she laid her head on her husband's bosom26.
Mr. Garie's brow grew thoughtful, and a pause in the conversation ensued. The sun had long since gone down, and here and there the stars were beginning to show their twinkling light. The moon, which had meanwhile been creeping higher and higher in the blue expanse above, now began to shed her pale, misty27 beams on the river below, the tiny waves of which broke in little circlets of silver on the shore almost at their feet.
Mr. Garie was revolving28 in his mind the conversation he had so recently held with Mr. Winston respecting the free States. It had been suggested by him that the children should be sent to the North to be educated, but he had dismissed the notion, well knowing that the mother would be heart-broken at the idea of parting with her darlings. Until now, the thought of going to reside in the North had never been presented for his consideration. He was a Southerner in almost all his feelings, and had never had a scruple29 respecting the ownership of slaves. But now the fact that he was the master as well as the father of his children, and that whilst he resided where he did it was out of his power to manumit them; that in the event of his death they might be seized and sold by his heirs, whoever they might be, sent a thrill of horror through him. He had known all this before, but it had never stood out in such bold relief until now.
"What are you thinking of, Garie?" asked his wife, looking up into his face. "I hope I have not vexed30 you by what I've said."
"Oh, no, dear, not at all. I was only thinking whether you would be any happier if I acceded31 to your wishes and removed to the North. Here you live in good style—you have a luxurious32 home, troops of servants to wait upon you, a carriage at your disposal. In fact, everything for which you express a desire."
"I know all that, Garie, and what I am about to say may seem ungrateful, but believe me, dear, I do not mean it to be so. I had much rather live on crusts and wear the coarsest clothes, and work night and day to earn them, than live here in luxury, wearing gilded33 chains. Carriages and fine clothes cannot create happiness. I have every physical comfort, and yet my heart is often heavy—oh, so very heavy; I know I am envied by many for my fine establishment; yet how joyfully34 would I give it all up and accept the meanest living for the children's freedom—and your love."
"But, Emily, granted we should remove to the North, you would find annoyances35 there as well as here. There is a great deal of prejudice existing there against people of colour, which, often exposes them to great inconveniences."
"Yes, dear, I know all that; I should expect that. But then on the other hand, remember what George said respecting the coloured people themselves; what a pleasant social circle they form, and how intelligent many of them are! Oh, Garie, how I have longed for friends!—we have visitors now and then, but none that I can call friends. The gentlemen who come to see you occasionally are polite to me, but, under existing circumstances, I feel that they cannot entertain for me the respect I think I deserve. I know they look down upon and despise me because I'm a coloured woman. Then there would be another advantage; I should have some female society—here I have none. The white ladies of the neighbourhood will not associate with me, although I am better educated, thanks to your care, than many of them, so it is only on rare occasions, when I can coax36 some of our more cultivated coloured acquaintances from Savannah to pay us a short visit, that I have any female society, and no woman can be happy without it. I have no parents, nor yet have you. We have nothing we greatly love to leave behind—no strong ties to break, and in consequence would be subjected to no great grief at leaving. If I only could persuade you to go!" said she, imploringly37.
"Well, Emily," replied he, in an undecided manner, "I'll think about it. I love you so well, that I believe I should be willing to make any sacrifice for your happiness. But it is getting damp and chilly39, and you know," said he, smiling, "you must be more than usually careful of yourself now."
The next evening, and many more besides, were spent in discussing the proposed change. Many objections to it were stated, weighed carefully, and finally set aside. Winston was written to and consulted, and though he expressed some surprise at the proposal, gave it his decided38 approval. He advised, at the same time, that the estate should not be sold, but be placed in the hands of some trustworthy person, to be managed in Mr. Garie's absence. Under the care of a first-rate overseer, it would not only yield a handsome income, but should they be dissatisfied with their Northern home, they would have the old place still in reserve; and with the knowledge that they had this to fall back upon, they could try their experiment of living in the North with their minds less harassed40 than they otherwise would be respecting the result.
As Mr. Garie reflected more and more on the probable beneficial results of the project, his original disinclination to it diminished, until he finally determined on running the risk; and he felt fully15 rewarded for this concession41 to his wife's wishes when he saw her recover all her wonted serenity42 and sprightliness43.
They were soon in all the bustle44 and confusion consequent on preparing for a long journey. When Mr. Garie's determination to remove became known, great consternation45 prevailed on the plantation46, and dismal47 forebodings were entertained by the slaves as to the result upon themselves.
Divers48 were the lamentations heard on all sides, when they were positively49 convinced that "massa was gwine away for true;" but they were somewhat pacified50, when they learned that no one was to be sold, and that the place would not change hands. For Mr. Garie was a very kind master, and his slaves were as happy as slaves can be under any circumstances. Not much less was the surprise which the contemplated51 change excited in the neighbourhood, and it was commented on pretty freely by his acquaintances. One of them—to whom he had in conversation partially52 opened his mind, and explained that his intended removal grew out of anxiety respecting the children, and his own desire that they might be where they could enjoy the advantages of schools, &c.—sneered almost to his face at what he termed his crack-brained notions; and subsequently, in relating to another person the conversation he had had with Mr. Garie, spoke of him as "a soft-headed fool, led by the nose by a yaller wench. Why can't he act," he said, "like other men who happen to have half-white children—breed them up for the market, and sell them?" and he might have added, "as I do," for he was well known to have so acted by two or three of his own tawny53 offspring.
Mr. Garie, at the suggestion of Winston, wrote to Mr. Walters, to procure54 them a small, but neat and comfortable house, in Philadelphia; which, when procured55, he was to commit to the care of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, who were to have it furnished and made ready to receive him and his family on their arrival, as Mr. Garie desired to save his wife as much as possible, from the care and anxiety attendant upon the arrangement of a new residence.
One most important matter, and on which depended the comfort and happiness of his people, was the selection of a proper overseer. On its becoming known that he required such a functionary56, numbers of individuals who aspired57 to that dignified58 and honourable59 office applied60 forthwith; and as it was also known that the master was to be absent, and that, in consequence, the party having it under his entire control, could cut and slash61 without being interfered62 with, the value of the situation was greatly enhanced. It had also another irresistible63 attraction, the absence of the master would enable the overseer to engage in the customary picking and stealing operations, with less chance of detection.
In consequence of all these advantages, there was no want of applicants64. Great bony New England men, traitors65 to the air they first breathed, came anxiously forward to secure the prize. Mean, weasen-faced, poor white Georgians, who were able to show testimonials of their having produced large crops with a small number of hands, and who could tell to a fraction how long a slave could be worked on a given quantity of corn, also put in their claims for consideration. Short, thick-set men, with fierce faces, who gloried in the fact that they had at various times killed refractory66 negroes, also presented themselves to undergo the necessary examination.
Mr. Garie sickened as he contemplated the motley mass of humanity that presented itself with such eagerness for the attainment67 of so degrading an office; and as he listened to their vulgar boastings and brutal68 language, he blushed to think that such men were his countrymen.
Never until now had he had occasion for an overseer. He was not ambitious of being known to produce the largest crop to the acre, and his hands had never been driven to that shocking extent, so common with his neighbours. He had been his own manager, assisted by an old negro, called Ephraim—most generally known as Eph, and to him had been entrusted69 the task of immediately superintending the hands engaged in the cultivation70 of the estate. This old man was a great favourite with the children, and Clarence, who used to accompany him on his pony71 over the estate, regarded him as the most wonderful and accomplished72 coloured gentleman in existence.
Eph was in a state of great perturbation at the anticipated change, and he earnestly sought to be permitted to accompany them to the North. Mr. Garie was, however, obliged to refuse his request, as he said, that it was impossible that the place could get on without him.
An overseer being at last procured, whose appearance and manners betokened73 a better heart than that of any who had yet applied for the situation, and who was also highly-recommended for skill and honesty; nothing now remained to prevent Mr. Garie's early departure.
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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shrouded
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| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
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twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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scampering
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| v.蹦蹦跳跳地跑，惊惶奔跑( scamper的现在分词 ) | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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precipitated
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| v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的过去式和过去分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
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bidder
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| n.(拍卖时的)出价人，报价人，投标人 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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democrat
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| n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员 | |
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traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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misty
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| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
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revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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acceded
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| v.（正式）加入( accede的过去式和过去分词 )；答应；（通过财产的添附而）增加；开始任职 | |
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luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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annoyances
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| n.恼怒( annoyance的名词复数 )；烦恼；打扰；使人烦恼的事 | |
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coax
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| v.哄诱，劝诱，用诱哄得到，诱取 | |
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imploringly
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| adv. 恳求地, 哀求地 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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chilly
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| adj.凉快的，寒冷的 | |
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harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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sprightliness
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| n.愉快，快活 | |
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bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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divers
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| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
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positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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pacified
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| 使（某人）安静( pacify的过去式和过去分词 )； 息怒； 抚慰； 在（有战争的地区、国家等）实现和平 | |
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contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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tawny
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| adj.茶色的，黄褐色的；n.黄褐色 | |
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54
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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functionary
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| n.官员；公职人员 | |
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aspired
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| v.渴望，追求( aspire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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slash
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| vi.大幅度削减；vt.猛砍，尖锐抨击，大幅减少；n.猛砍，斜线，长切口，衣衩 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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64
applicants
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| 申请人，求职人( applicant的名词复数 ) | |
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65
traitors
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| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
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66
refractory
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| adj.倔强的，难驾驭的 | |
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67
attainment
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| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
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68
brutal
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| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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69
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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70
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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71
pony
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| adj.小型的；n.小马 | |
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72
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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73
betokened
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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