第4章
CHAPTERXXV
THEFLIGHT。
ONoncegainingthewharf，DevenantandClotellefoundnodifficultyinsecuringanimmediatepassagetoFrance。Thefinepacket-shipUticalaydownthebay，andonlyawaitedthereturnofthelighterthatnighttocompletehercargoandlistofpassengers，ereshedeparted。TheyoungFrenchmanthereforetookhisprizeonboard，andstartedfortheship。
DaylightwasjustmakingitsappearancethenextmorningwhentheUticaweighedanchorandturnedherprowtowardthesea。Inthecourseofthreehours，thevessel，withoutspreadsails，wasrapidlyflyingfromland。Everythingappearedtobeauspicious。
Theskieswerebeautifullyclear，andtheseacalm，withasunthatdazzledthewholescene。Butcloudssoonbegantochaseeachotherthroughtheheavensandtheseabecamerough。ItwasthenthatClotellefeltthattherewashopeofescaping。Shehadhithertokeptinthecabin，butnowsheexpressedawishtocomeondeck。Thehangingcloudswerenarrowingthehorizontoaspan，andgloomilyminglingwiththerisingsurges。Theoldandgrave-lookingseamenshooktheirweather-wiseheadsasifforetellingastorm。
AsClotellecameondeck，shestrainedhereyesinvaintocatchafarewellviewofhernativeland。Withasmileonhercountenance，butwithhereyesfilledwithtears，shesaid，——
"Farewell，farewelltothelandofmybirth，andwelcome，welcome，yedarkbluewaves。IcarenotwhereIgo，soitis’Whereatyrantnevertrod，Whereaslavewasneverknown，ButwherenatureworshipsGod，Ifinthewildernessalone。’"
Devenantstoodbyherside，seemingproudofhisfuturewife，withhisfaceinaglowathissuccess，whileoverhisnoblebrowclusteringlocksofglossyblackhairwerehangingincarelessringlets。Hisfinely-cut，classicfeaturesworetheaspectofonepossessedwithalargeandnobleheart。
OncemorethebeautifulClotellewhisperedintheearofherlover，——
"Away，away，o’erlandandsea，Americaisnownohomeforme。"
Thewindsincreasedwithnightfall，andimpenetrablegloomsurroundedtheship。Theprospectwastoouncheering，eventopersonsinlove。TheattentionwhichDevenantpaidtoClotelle，althoughshehadbeenregisteredontheship’spassengerlistashissister，causedmorethanonetolookuponhisasanagreeabletravellingcompanion。Histall，slenderfigureandfinecountenancebespokeforhimatfirstsightone’sconfidence。ThathewassincerelyanddeeplyenamoredofClotelleallcouldsee。
Theweatherbecamestillmoresqually。Thewindrushedthroughthewhite，foamingwaves，andtheshipgroanedwithitsownwildandungovernablelabors，whilenothingcouldbeseenbutthewildwasteofwaters。Thescenewasindeedoneoffearfulsublimity。
Daycameandwentwithoutanyabatementofthestorm。Despairwasnowoneverycountenance。Occasionallyavividflashoflightningwouldbreakforthandilluminatetheblackandboilingsurgesthatsurroundedthevessel，whichwasnowscuddingbeforetheblastunderbarepoles。
Afterfivedaysofmostintenselystormyweather，theseasettleddownintoadeadcalm，andthepassengersflockedondeck。Duringthelastthreedaysofthestorm，Clotellehadbeensounwellastobeunabletoraiseherhead。Herpalefaceandquiveringlipsandlanguidappearancemadeherlookasifeverypulsationhadceased。Hermagnificentlargeandsofteyes，fringedwithlashesasdarkasnight，gaveheranangelicappearance。TheunreservedattentionofDevenant，evenwhensea-sickhimself，didmuchtoincreasethelittlelovethattheatfirstdistrustfulgirlhadplacedinhim。Theheartmustalwayshavesomeobjectonwhichtocentreitsaffections，andClotellehavinglostallhopeofeveragainseeingJerome，itwasbutnaturalthatsheshouldnowtransferherlovetoonewhowassogreatlybefriendingher。AtfirstsherespectedDevenantforthelovehemanifestedforher，andforhisapparentwillingnesstomakeanysacrificeforherwelfare。True，thiswasanadventureuponwhichshehadriskedherall，andshouldherheartbefoiledinthissearchforhiddentreasures，heraffectionswouldbeshipwreckedforever。Shefeltundergreatobligationstothemanwhohadthuseffectedherescape，andthatnobleactalonewouldentitlehimtoherlove。
Eachdaybecamemorepleasantasthenobleshipspedonwardamidtherippledspray。Thewhistlingofthebreezethroughtheriggingwasmusictotheear，andbroughtgladnesstotheheartofeveryoneonboard。Atlast，thelongsuspensewasbrokenbytheappearanceofland，atwhichallheartsleapedforjoy。ItwasabeautifulmorninginOctober。Thesunhadjustrisen，andskyandearthwerestillbathedinhissoft，rosyglow，whentheUticahauledintothedockatBordeaux。Thesplendidstreets，beautifulbridges，glitteringequipages，andsmilingcountenancesofthepeople，gaveeverythingahappyappearance，afteravoyageoftwenty-ninedaysonthedeep，deepsea。
Aftergettingtheirbaggageclearedfromthecustom-houseandgoingtoahotel，Devenantmadeimmediatearrangementsforthemarriage。
Clotelle，onarrivingatthechurchwheretheceremonywastotakeplace，wascompletelyoverwhelmedatthespectacle。Shehadneverbeheldascenesogorgeousasthis。Themagnificentdressesofthepriestsandchoristers，thedeepandsolemnvoices，theelevatedcrucifix，theburningtapers，thesplendidlydecoratedaltar，thesweet-smellingincense，madetheoccasiontrulyanimposingone。Attheconclusionoftheceremony，theloudandsolemnpealsoftheorgan’sswellinganthemwerelosttoallinthecontemplationoftheinterestingscene。
ThehappycouplesetoutatonceforDunkirk，theresidenceofthebridegroom’sparents。Buttheirstaytherewasshort，fortheyhadscarcelycommencedvisitingthenumerousfriendsofthehusbandereorderscameforhimtoproceedtoIndiatojointhatportionoftheFrencharmythenstationedthere。
InduecourseoftimetheyleftforIndia，passingthroughParisandLyons，takingshipatMarseilles。InthemetropolisofFrance，theyspentaweek，wherethehusbandtookdelightinintroducinghiswifetohisbrotherofficersintheFrencharmy，andwherethenewly-marriedcouplewereintroducedtoLouisPhillippe，thenKingofFrance。Inallofthesepositions，Clotellesustainedherselfinamostladylikemanner。
AtLyons，theyvisitedthevastfactoriesandotherpublicworks，andallwaspleasurewiththem。ThevoyagefromMarseillestoCalcuttawasverypleasant，astheweatherwasexceedinglyfine。
OnarrivinginIndia，CaptainDevenantandladywerereceivedwithhonors——theformerforhisheroicbraveryinmorethanonebattle，andthelatterforherfascinatingbeautyandpleasingmanners，andthefactthatshewasconnectedwithonewhowasageneralfavoritewithallwhohadhisacquaintance。ThiswasindeedagreatchangeforClotelle。Sixmonthshadnotelapsedsinceherexposureintheslave-marketofNewOrleans。Thislifeisastage，andweareindeedallactors。
CHAPTERXXVI
THEHEROOFANIGHT。
MOUNTEDonafasthorse，withtheQuaker’ssonforaguide，JeromepressedforwardwhileUncleJosephwasdetainingtheslave-catchersatthebarn-door，throughwhichthefugitivehadjustescaped。
Whenoutofpresentdanger，fearingthatsuspicionmightbearousedifhecontinuedontheroadinopenday，Jeromeburiedhimselfinathick，darkforestuntilnightfall。Withayearningheart，hesawthesplendorofthesettingsunlingeringonthehills，asifloathtofadeawayandbelostinthemoresombrehuesoftwilight，which，risingfromtheeast，wasslowlystealingovertheexpanseofheaven，bearingsilenceandrepose，whichshouldcoverhisflightfromaneighborhoodtohimsofullofdangers。
Wearilyandalone，withnothingbutthehopeofsafetybeforehimtocheerhimonhisway，thepoorfugitiveurgedhistiredandtremblinglimbsforwardforseveralnights。Thenewsuitofclotheswithwhichhehadprovidedhimselfwhenhemadehisescapefromhiscaptors，andthetwentydollarswhichtheyoungQuakerhadslippedintohishand，whenbiddinghim"Faretheewell，"
wouldenablehimtoappeargenteellyassoonashedaredtotravelbydaylight，andwouldthusfacilitatehisprogresstowardfreedom，ItwaslateintheeveningwhenthefugitiveslavearrivedatasmalltownonthebanksofLakeErie，wherehewastoremainovernight。Howstrangewerehisfeelings！WhilehisheartthrobbedforthatfreedomandsafetywhichCanadaalonecouldfurnishtothewhip-scarredslave，ontheAmericancontinent，histhoughtswerewithClotelle。Wasshestillinprison，andifso，whatwouldbeherpunishmentforaidinghimtoescapefromprison？Wouldheeverbeholdheragain？Thesewerethethoughtsthatfollowedhimtohispillow，hauntedhiminisdreams，andawakenedhimfromhisslumbers。
ThealarmoffirearousedtheinmatesofthehotelinwhichJeromehadsoughtshelterforthenightfromthedeepsleepintowhichtheyhadfallen。Thewholevillagewasburiedinslumber，andthebuildingwashalfconsumedbeforethefrightenedinhabitantshadreachedthesceneoftheconflagration。Thewindwashigh，andtheburningemberswerewaftedlikesomanyrocketsthroughthesky。
Thewholetownwaslightedup，andthecriesofwomenandchildreninthestreetsmadethesceneaterrificone。Jeromeheardthealarm，andhastilydressinghimself，hewentforthandhastenedtowardtheburningbuilding。
"There，——thereinthatroominthesecondstory，ismychild！"
exclaimedawoman，wringingherhands，andimploringsomeonetogototherescueofherlittleone。
Thebroadsheetsoffirewereflyinginthedirectionofthechamberinwhichthechildwassleeping，andallhopeofitsbeingsavedseemedgone。Occasionallythewindwouldliftthepallofsmoke，andshowthattheworkofdestructionwasnotyetcomplete。
Atlastalongladderwasbrought，andoneendplacedunderthewindowoftheroom。Amomentmoreandabystandermountedtheladderand。ascendedinhastetothewindow。Thesmokemethimasheraisedthesash，andhecriedout，"Allislost！"andreturnedtothegroundwithoutenteringtheroom。
Anothersweepofthewindshowedthatthedestroyingelementhadnotyetmadeitsfinalvisittothatpartofthedoomedbuilding。
Themother，seeingthatallhopeofagainmeetingherchildinthisworldwasgone，wrungherhandsandseemedinconsolablewithgrief。
Atthisjuncture，amanwasseentomounttheladder，andascendwithgreatrapidity。Alleyeswereinstantlyturnedtothefigureofthisunknownindividualasitdisappearedinthecloudofsmokeescapingfromthewindow。Thosewhoamomentbeforehadbeenremovingfurniture，aswellastheidlerswhohadcongregatedattheringingofthebells，assembledatthefootoftheladder，andawaitedwithbreathlesssilencethereappearanceofthestranger，who，regardlessofhisownsafety，hadthusriskedhislifetosaveanother’s。Threecheersbrokethestillnessthathadfallenonthecompany，asthebravemanwasseencomingthroughthewindowandslowlydescendingtotheground，holdingunderonearmtheinanimateformofthechild。Anothercheer，andthenanother，madethewelkinring，asthestranger，withhairburnedandeyebrowscloselysinged，faintedatthefootoftheladder。Butthechildwassaved。
ThestrangerwasJerome。Assoonasherevived，heshrunkfromeveryeye，asifhefearedtheywouldtakefromhimthefreedomwhichhehadgonethroughsomuchtoobtain。
Thenextday，thefugitivetookavessel，andthefollowingmorningfoundhimselfstandingonthefreesoilofCanada。Ashisfootpressedtheshore，hethrewhimselfuponhisface，kissedtheearth，andexclaimed，"OGod！IthanktheethatIamafreeman。"
CHAPTERXXVII
TRUEFREEDOM。
THEhistoryoftheAfricanraceisGod’silluminatedclock，setinthedarksteepleoftime。Thenegrohasbeenmadethehewerofwoodandthedrawerofwaterfornearlyallothernations。ThepeopleoftheUnitedStates，however，willhaveanaccounttosettlewithGod，owingtotheirtreatmentofthenegro，whichwillfarsurpasstherestofmankind。
Jerome，onreachingCanada，feltforthefirsttimethatpersonalfreedomwhichGodintendedthatallwhoborehisimageshouldenjoy。Thatsameforgetfulnessofselfwhichhadalwayscharacterizedhimnowcausedhimtothinkofothers。Thethoughtsofdearonesinslaverywerecontinuallyinhismind，andaboveallothers，Clotelleoccupiedhisthoughts。Nowthathewasfree，hecouldbetterappreciateherconditionasaslave。AlthoughJeromemet，onhisarrivalinCanada，numberswhohadescapedfromtheSouthernStates，heneverthelessshrankfromallsociety，particularlythatoffemales。Thesoft，silver-graytintsontheleavesofthetrees，withtheirsnow-spottedtrunks，andabitingair，warnedthenew-bornfreemanthathewasinanotherclimate。
Jeromesoughtwork，andsoonfoundit;andarrangedwithhisemployerthatthelattershouldgotoNatchezinsearchofClotelle。ThegoodScotchman，forwhomthefugitivewaslaboring，freelyofferedtogodownandpurchasethegirl，ifshecouldbebought，andletJeromepayhiminwork。Withsuchaprospectoffuturehappinessinview，thisinjureddescendantofoutragedandbleedingAfricawentdailytohistoilwithanenergyhithertounknowntohim。Butoh，howvainarethehopesofman！
CHAPTERXXVIII
FAREWELLTOAMERICA。
THREEmonthshadelapsed，fromthetimethefugitivecommencedworkforMr。Streeter，whenthatgentlemanreturnedfromhisSouthernresearch，andinformedJeromethatParsonWilsonhadsoldClotelle，andthatshehadbeensenttotheNewOrleansslave-market。
ThisintelligencefellwithcrushingweightupontheheartofJerome，andhenowfeltthatthelastchainwhichboundhimtohisnativelandwassevered。HethereforedeterminedtoleaveAmericaforever。Hisnearestanddearestfriendshadoftenbeenfloggedinhisverypresence，andhehadseenhismothersoldtothenegro-trader。Anonlysisterhadbeentornfromhimbythesoul-driver;hehadhimselfbeensoldandresold，andbeencompelledtosubmittothemostdegradingandhumiliatinginsults;
andnowthatthewomanuponwhomhisheartdoted，andwithoutwhomlifewasaburden，hadbeentakenawayforever，hefeltitadutytohateallmankind。
IfthereisonethingmorethananothercalculatedtomakeonehateanddetestAmericanslavery，itistowitnessthemeetingsbetweenfugitivesandtheirfriendsinCanada。Jeromehadbeheldsomeofthesescenes。Thewifewho，afteryearsofseparation，hadescapedfromherprison-houseandfollowedherhusbandhadtoldherstorytohim。Hehadseenthenewly-arrivedwiferushintothearmsofthehusband，whosedarkfaceshehadnotlookeduponforlong，wearyyears。Sometoldofhowasisterhadbeenill-usedbytheoverseer;othersofahusband’sbeingwhippedtodeathforhavingattemptedtoprotecthiswife。Hehadsatinthelittlelog-hut，bythefireside，andheardtalesthatcausedhishearttobleed;
andhisbosomswelledwithjustindignationwhenhethoughtthattherewasnoremedyforsuchatrociousacts。Itwaswithsuchfeelingsthatheinformedhisemployerthatheshouldleavehimattheexpirationofamonth。
InvaindidMr。StreetertrytopersuadeJerometoremainwithhim;
andlate，inthemonthofFebruary，thelatterfoundhimselfonboardasmallvesselloadedwithpine-lumber，descendingtheSt。
Lawrence，boundforLiverpool。Thebark，thoughanoldone，was，nevertheless，consideredseaworthy，andthefugitivewasworkinghiswayout。Asthevessellefttheriverandgainedtheopensea，theblackmanappearedtorejoiceattheprospectofleavingacountryinwhichhisrighttomanhoodhadbeendeniedhim，andhishappinessdestroyed。
Thewindwasproudlyswellingthewhitesails，andthelittlecraftplungingintothefoamingwaves，withthelandfastrecedinginthedistance，whenJeromemountedapileoflumbertotakealastfarewellofhisnativeland。Withtearsglisteninginhiseyes，andwithquiveringlips，heturnedhisgazetowardtheshoresthatwerefastfadinginthedimdistance，andsaid，——
"ThoughforcedfrommynativelandbythetyrantsoftheSouth，I
hopeIshallsomedaybeabletoreturn。Withallherfaults，I
lovemycountrystill。"
CHAPTERXXIX
ASTRANGERINASTRANGELAND。
THErainwasfallingonthedirtypavementsofLiverpoolasJeromeleftthevesselafterherarrival。Passingthecustom-house，hetookacab，andproceededtoBrown’sHotel，ClaytonSquare。
FindingnoemploymentinLiverpool，Jeromedeterminedtogointotheinteriorandseekforwork。He，therefore，calledforhisbill，andmadereadyforhisdeparture。AlthoughbutfourdaysattheAlbion，hefoundthehotelchargeslargerthanheexpected;
butastrangergenerallycountsonbeing"fleeced"intravellingthroughtheOldWorld，andespeciallyinGreatBritain。Afterpayinghisbill，hewasaboutleavingtheroom，whenoneoftheservantspresentedhimselfwithalowbow，andsaid，——
"Somethingforthewaiter，sir？"
"IthoughtIhadpaidmybill，"repliedtheman，somewhatsurprisedatthispolitedun。
"Iamthewaiter，sir，andgetsonlywhatstrangersseefittogiveme。"
Takingfromhispockethisnearlyemptypurse，Jeromehandedthemanahalf-crown;buthehadhardlyrestoredittohispocket，beforehiseyefellonanothermaninthewaitingcostume。
"Whatdoyouwant？"heasked。
"Whateveryourhonorseesfittogiveme，sir。Iamthetotherwaiter。"
Thepursewasagaintakenfromthepocket，andanotherhalf-crownhandedout。Steppingoutintothehall，hesawstandingthereagood-lookingwoman，inawhiteapron，whomadeaveryprettycourtesy。
"What’syourbusiness？"heinquired。
"Iamthechambermaid，sir，andlooksafterthegentlemen’sbeds。"
Outcamethepurseagain，andwasrelievedofanotherhalf-crown;
whereuponanothergirl，withafascinatingsmile，tooktheplaceoftheonewhohadjustreceivedherfee。
"Whatdoyouwant？"demandedthenowhalf-angryJerome。
"Please，sir，Iamthetotherchambermaid。"
Findingiteasiertogiveshillingsthanhalf-crowns，Jeromehandedthewomanashilling，andagainrestoredhispursetohispocket，gladthatanotherwomanwasnottobeseen。
Scarcelyhadhecommencedcongratulatinghimself，however，beforethreemenmadetheirappearance，oneafteranother。
"Whathaveyoudoneforme？"heaskedofthefirst。
"Iamtheboots，sir。"
Thepursecameoutoncemore，andashillingwasdepositedintheservant’shand。
"WhatdoIoweyou？"heinquiredofthesecond。
"Itookyourhonor’slettertothepost，yesterday，sir。"
Anothershillingleftthepurse。
"InthenameoftheLord，whatamIindebtedtoyoufor？"demandedJerome，nowentirelyoutofpatience，turningtothelastofthetrio。
"Itoldyervershipvottimeitvas，thismorning。"
"Well！"exclaimedtheindignantman，"askherewhato’clockitis，andyouhavegottopayforit。"
Hepaidthislastdemandwithasixpence，regrettingthathehadnotcommencedwithsixpencesinsteadofhalf-crowns。
Havingclearedoffalldemandsinthehouse，hestartedfortherailwaystation;buthadscarcelyreachedthestreet，beforehewasaccostedbyanoldmanwithabroominhishand，who，withanexceedinglylowbow，said，——
"Iishere，yerlordship。"
"Ididnotsendforyou;whatisyourbusiness？"demandedJerome。
"Iisthemanwhatopenedyourlordship’scab-door，whenyourlordshipcametothehouseonMondaylast，andIknowyourhonorwon’tallowapoormantostarve。"
Puttingasixpenceintheoldman’shand，Jeromeoncemorestartedforthedepot。HavingobtainedlettersofintroductiontopersonsinManchester，hefoundnodifficultyingettingasituationinalargemanufacturinghousethere。Althoughthesalarywassmall，yetthesituationwasamuchbetteronethanhehadhopedtoobtain。Hiscompensationasout-doorclerkenabledhimtoemployamantoteachhimatnight，and，bycontinuedstudyandattentiontobusiness，hewassoonpromoted。
Afterthreeyearsinhisnewhome，Jeromewasplacedinastillhigherposition，wherehissalaryamountedtofifteenhundreddollarsayear。Thedrinking，smoking，andotherexpensivehabits，whichtheclerksusuallyindulgedin，hecarefullyavoided。
Beingfondofpoetry，heturnedhisattentiontoliterature。
Johnson’s"LivesofthePoets，"thewritingsofDryden，Addison，Pope，Clarendon，andotherauthorsofcelebrity，hereadwithattention。Theknowledgewhichhethuspickedupduringhisleisurehoursgavehimagreatadvantageovertheotherclerks，andcausedhisemployerstorespecthimfarmorethananyotherintheirestablishment。Soeagerwashetoimprovethetimethathedeterminedtoseehowmuchhecouldreadduringtheunemployedtimeofnightandmorning，andhissuccesswasbeyondhisexpectations。
CHAPTERXXX
NEWFRIENDS。
BROKENdowninhealth，aftertenyearsofcloseconfinementinhissituation，Jeromeresolvedtogiveitup，andtherebyreleasehimselffromanemploymentwhichseemedcalculatedtosendhimtoaprematuregrave。
ItwasonabeautifulmorninginsummerthathestartedforScotland，havingmadeuphismindtotravelforhishealth。AftervisitingEdinburghandGlasgow，heconcludedtospendafewdaysintheoldtownofPerth，withafriendwhoseacquaintancehehadmadeinManchester。DuringtheseconddayofhisstayinPerth，whilecrossingthemainstreet，Jeromesawapony-chaisecomingtowardhimwithgreatspeed。Alady，whoappearedtobetheonlyoccupantofthevehicle，wasusingherutmoststrengthtostopthefrightenedhorses。Thefootman，inhisfright，hadleapedfrombehindthecarriage，andwasfollowingwiththecrowd。Withthatself-forgetfulnesswhichwasoneofhischiefcharacteristics，Jeromethrewhimselfbeforethehorsestostopthem;and，seizingthehigh-spiritedanimalsbythebit，astheydashedbyhim，hewasdraggedseveralrodsbeforetheirspeedwaschecked，whichwasnotaccomplisheduntiloneofthehorseshadfallentotheground，withtheheroicmanstrugglingbeneathhim。
Allpresentweresatisfiedthatthisdaringactalonehadsavedthelady’slife，forthechaisemustinevitablyhavebeendashedinpieces，hadthehorsesnotbeenthussuddenlycheckedintheirmadcareer。
Onthemorningfollowingthisperilousadventure，Col。G————calledatJerome’stemporaryresidence，and，afterexpressinghisadmirationforhisnobledaring，andthankinghimforhavingsavedhisdaughter’slife，invitedhimtovisithimathiscountryresidence。Thisinvitationwaspromptlyacceptedinthespiritinwhichitwasgiven;andthreedaysafter，Jeromefoundhimselfattheprincelyresidenceofthefatheroftheladyforwhosesafetyhehadriskedhisownlife。Thehousewassurroundedbyfinetrees，andasweetlittlestreamranmurmuringatthefoot，whilebedsofflowersoneveryhandshedtheirodorsonthesummerair。Itwas，indeed，apleasantplacetospendthewarmweather，andthecolonelandhisfamilygaveJeromeamostcordialwelcome。
MissG。showedespecialattentiontothestranger。Hehadnotintendedremaininglongerthanthefollowingday：butthefamilyinsistedonhistakingpartinafox-huntthatwastocomeoffonthemorningofthethirdday。Wishingtowitnessasceneasinterestingasthechaseusuallyprovestobe，hedecidedtoremain。
Fifteenpersons，fiveofwhomwereladies，wereonthegroundattheappointedhour。MissG。was，ofcourse，oneoftheparty。InvainJeromeendeavoredtoexcusehimselffromjoininginthechase。Hispleaofill-healthwasonlymetbysmilesfromtheyoungladies，andthereplythataridewouldeffectacure。
Dressedinascarletcoatandhighboots，withthelow，roundcapworninthechase，Jeromemountedahigh-spiritedhorse，whipinhand，andmadehimselfoneoftheparty。InAmerica，ridingisanecessity;inEngland，itisapleasure。Youngmenandwomenattendriding-schoolinourfatherland，andconsiderthattheyarestudyingascience。Jeromewasnorider。Hehadnotbeenonhorsebackformorethantenyears，andassoonashemounted，everyonesawthathewasanovice，andasmilewasonthecountenanceofeachmemberofthecompany。
Theblowingofthehorn，andassemblingofthehounds，andfinallythereleaseofthefoxfromhiscloseprison，werethesignalsforthechasetocommence。Thefirsthalf-milethelittleanimaltookhiscourseoverabeautifulfieldwheretherewasneitherhedgenorditch。Thusfarthechasewasenjoyedbyall，evenbytheAmericanrider，whowasbetterfittedtowitnessthescenethantotakepartinit。
WeleftJeromeinourlastreluctantlyengagedinthechase;andthoughthefirstmileorsoofthepursuit，whichwasoversmoothmeadow-land，hadhadanexhilaratingeffectuponhismind，andtendedsomewhattorelievehimoftheembarrassmentconsequentuponhisposition，heneverthelessstillfeltthathewasfarfrombeinginhisproperelement。Besides，thefoxhadnowmadeforadenseforestwhichlaybefore，andhesawdifficultiesinthatdirectionwhichtohimappearedinsurmountable。
Awaywentthehuntsmen，overstonewalls，highfences，anddeepditches。Jeromesawtheladiesevenleadingthegentlemen，butthiscouldnotinspirehim。Theyclearedthefences，fourandfivefeethighwithperfectease，showingtheywerequiteathomeinthesaddle。ButalasforthepoorAmerican！Ashisfinesteedcameuptothefirstfence，andwasabouttomaketheleap，Jeromepulledatthebridle，andcriedatthetopofhisvoice，"Whoa！
whoa！whoa！"thehorseatthesametimecaperingabout，andappearingdeterminedtokeepupwiththeotheranimals。
Awaydashedthehuntsmen，followingthehounds，andallweresoonlosttotheviewoftheircoloredcompanion。Jeromerodeupanddownthefieldlookingforagateorbars，thathemightgetthroughwithoutriskinghisneck。Finding，however，thatallhopeofagaincatchingupwiththepartywasoutofthequestion，hedeterminedtoreturntothehouse，underapleaofsuddenillness，andbackheaccordinglywent。
"Ihopenoaccidenthashappenedtoyourhonor，"saidthegroom，ashemetourheroatthegate。
"Aslightdizziness，"wastheanswer。
Oneoftheservants，withoutbeingordered，wentatonceforthefamilyphysician。Ashamedtoownthathisreturnwasowingtohisinabilitytoride，Jeromeresolvedtofeignsickness。Thedoctorcame，felthispulse，examinedhistongue，andpronouncedhimasickman。Heimmediatelyorderedatepidbath，andsentforacoupleofleeches。
Seeingthingstakingsuchaseriousturn，theAmericanbegantoregrettheparthewasplaying;fortherewasnofuninbeingrubbedandleechedwhenonewasinperfecthealth。Hehadgonetoofartorecede，however，andsosubmittedquietlytothedirectionsofthedoctor;and，afterfollowingtheinjunctionsgivenbythatlearnedEsculapius，wasputtobed。
Shortlyafter，thesoundofthehornsandtheyelpofthehoundsannouncedthatthepoorfoxhadtakenthebacktrack，andwasrepassingnearthehouse。Eventhepleasureofwitnessingthebeautifulsightfromthewindowwasdeniedtoourhero;forthephysicianhadorderedthathemustbekeptinperfectquiet。
Thechasewasatlastover，andthehuntsmenallin，sympathizingwiththeirlostcompanion。Afterninedaysofsweating，blisteringandleeching，Jeromelefthisbedconvalescent，butmuchreducedinfleshandstrength。Thiswashisfirstandlastattempttofollowthefoxandhounds。
Duringhisfortnight’sstayatColonelG。’s，Jeromespentmostofhistimeinthemagnificentlibrary。Claudedidnotwatchwithmoreinteresteverycoloroftheskies，thetrees，thegrass，andthewater，tolearnfromnature，thandidthissonofadespisedracesearchbookstoobtainthatknowledgewhichhisearlylifeasaslavehaddeniedhim。
CHAPTERXXXI
THEMYSTERIOUSMEETING。
AFTERmorethanafortnightspentinthehighlandsofScotland，JeromepassedhastilythroughLondononhiswaytothecontinent。
Itwastowardsunset，onawarmdayinOctober，shortlyafterhisarrivalinFrance，that，afterstrollingsomedistancefromtheHoteldeLeon，intheoldandpicturesquetownofDunkirk，heenteredaburialground——suchplacesbeingalwaysfavoritewalkswithhim——andwanderedaroundamongthesilentdead。Allnaturearoundwashushedinsilence，andseemedtopartakeofthegeneralmelancholythathungoverthequietresting-placeofthedeparted。
Eventhebirdsseemedimbuedwiththespiritoftheplace，fortheyweresilent，eitherflyingnoiselesslyoverthegraves，orjumpingaboutinthetallgrass。Aftertracingthevariousinscriptionsthattoldthecharactersandconditionsofthedeceased，andviewingthemoundsbeneathwhichthedustofmortalityslumbered，hearrivedatasecludedspotnearwhereanagedweepingwillowboweditsthickfoliagetotheground，asthoughanxioustohidefromthescrutinizinggazeofcuriositythegravebeneathit。Jeromeseatedhimselfonamarbletombstone，andcommencedreadingfromabookwhichhehadcarriedunderhisarm。
Itwasnowtwilight，andhehadreadbutafewminuteswhenheobservedalady，attiredindeepblack，andleadingaboy，apparentlysomefiveorsixyearsold，cominguponeofthebeautiful，windingpaths。Asthelady’sveilwasdrawncloselyoverherface，hefeltsomewhatatlibertytoeyehermoreclosely。Whilethusengaged，theladygaveaslightscream，andseemedsuddenlytohavefallenintoafaintingcondition。Jeromesprangfromhisseat，andcaughtherintimetosaveherfromfallingtotheground。
Atthismomentanelderlygentleman，alsodressedinblack，wasseenapproachingwithahurriedstep，whichseemedtoindicatethathewasinsomewayconnectedwiththelady。Theoldmancameup，andinratheraconfusedmannerinquiredwhathadhappened，andJeromeexplainedmattersaswellashewasabletodoso。
Aftertakingupthevinaigrette，whichhadfallenfromherhand，andholdingthebottleashorttimetoherface，theladybegantorevive。Duringallthistime，theveilhadstillpartlycoveredthefaceofthefairone，sothatJeromehadscarcelyseenit。Whenshehadsofarrecoveredastobeabletolookaroundher，sheraisedherselfslightly，andagainscreamedandswooned。TheoldmannowfeelingsatisfiedthatJerome’sdarkcomplexionwastheimmediatecauseofthecatastrophe，saidinasomewhatpetulanttone，——
"Iwillbeglad，sir，ifyouwillleaveusalone。"
Thelittleboyatthisjuncturesetupaloudcry，andamidthegeneralconfusion，Jeromeleftthegroundandreturnedtohishotel。
Whileseatedatthewindowofhisroomlookingoutuponthecrowdedstreet，witheverynowandthenthestrangesceneinthegraveyardvividlybeforehim，Jeromesuddenlythoughtofthebookhehadbeenreading，and，rememberingthathehadleftitonthetombstone，wherehedroppeditwhencalledtothelady’sassistance，hedeterminedtoreturnforitatonce。
Afterawalkofsometwentyminutes，hefoundhimselfagainintheburial-groundandonthespotwherehehadbeenanhourbefore。Thepensivemoonwasalreadyup，anditssoftlightwassleepingonthelittlepondatthebackofthegrounds，whilethestarsseemedsmilingattheirownsparklingraysgleamingupfromthebeautifulsheetofwater。
Jeromesearchedinvainforhisbook;itwasnowheretobefound。
Nothing，savethebouquetthattheladyhaddroppedandwhichlayhalf-buriedinthegrass，fromhavingbeentroddenupon，indicatedthatanyonehadbeentherethatevening。Thestillnessofdeathreignedovertheplace;eventhelittlebirds，thathadbeforebeentwitteringandflyingabout，hadretiredforthenight。
Takingupthebunchofflowers，Jeromereturnedtohishotel。
"Whatcanthismean？"hewouldaskhimself;"andwhyshouldtheytakemybook？"Thesequestionsheputtohimselfagainandagainduringhiswalk。Hissleepwasbrokenmorethanoncethatnight，andhewelcomedtheearlydawnasitmadeitsappearance。
CHAPTERXXXII
THEHAPPYMEETING。
AFTERpassingasleeplessnight，andhearingtheclockstrikesix，Jerometookfromhistableabook，andthusendeavoredtopassawaythehoursbeforebreakfast-time。Whilethusengaged，aservantenteredandhandedhimanote。Hastilytearingitopen，Jeromereadasfollows：——
"Sir，——IoweyouanapologyfortheabruptmannerinwhichI
addressedyoulastevening，andtheinconveniencetowhichyouweresubjectedbysomeofmyhousehold。Ifyouwillhonoruswithyourpresenceto-dayatfouro’clock，Ishallbemosthappytogiveyouduesatisfaction。Myservantwillbewaitingwiththecarriageathalf-pastthree。
Iam，sir，yours，&c，J。DEVENANT。
JEROMEFLETCHER，Esq。"
Whothisgentlemanwas，andhowhehadfoundouthisnameandthehotelatwhichhewasstopping，werealikemysteriestoJerome。
Andthisnoteseemedtohispuzzledbrainlikeachallenge。
"Satisfaction？"Hehadnotaskedforsatisfaction。However，heresolvedtoaccepttheinvitation，and，ifneedbe，meettheworst。Atanyrate，thismostmysteriousandcomplicatedaffairwouldbeexplained。
TheclockonaneighboringchurchhadscarcelyfinishedstrikingthreewhenaservantannouncedtoJeromethatacarriagehadcalledforhim。Inafewminutes，hewasseatedinasumptuousbarouche，drawnbyapairofbeautifuliron-grays，androllingoverasplendidgravelroadentirelyshadedbytrees，whichappearedtohavebeentheaccumulatedgrowthofmanycenturies。
Thecarriagesoonstoppedatalowvilla，whichwascompletelyemboweredintrees。
Jeromealighted，andwasshownintoasuperbroom，withthewallsfinelydecoratedwithsplendidtapestry，andtheceilingsexquisitelyfrescoed。ThewallswerehungwithfinespecimensfromthehandsofthegreatItalianmasters，andonebyaGermanartist，representingabeautifulmonkishlegendconnectedwiththe"HolyCatharine，"anillustriousladyofAlexandria。High-backedchairsstoodaroundtheroom，richcurtainsofcrimsondamaskhunginfoldsoneithersideofthewindow，andabeautiful，rich，Turkeycarpetcoveredthefloor。Inthecentreoftheroomstoodatablecoveredwithbooks，inthemidstofwhichwasavaseoffreshflowers，loadingtheatmospherewiththeirodors。Afaintlight，togetherwiththequietofthehour，gavebeautybeyonddescriptiontothewholescene。Ahalf-opendoorshowedafinemarblefloortoanadjoiningroom，withpictures，statues，andantiquatedsofas，andflower-potsfilledwithrareplantsofeverykindanddescription。
Jeromehadscarcelyrunhiseyesoverthebeautiesoftheroomwhentheelderlygentlemanwhomhehadmetonthepreviouseveningmadehisappearance，followedbythelittleboy，andintroducedhimselfasMr。Devenant。Amomentmoreandalady，abeautifulbrunette，dressedinblack，withlongblackcurlshangingoverhershoulders，enteredtheroom。Herdark，brighteyesflashedasshecaughtthefirstsightofJerome。Thegentlemanimmediatelyaroseontheentranceofthelady，andMr。DevenantwasintheactofintroducingthestrangerwhenheobservedthatJeromehadsunkbackuponthesofa，inafaintvoiceexclaiming，——
"Itisshe！"
Afterthis，allwasdarkanddreary。Howlongheremainedinthiscondition，itwasforotherstotell。Theladykneltbyhissideandwept;andwhenhecameto，hefoundhimselfstretcheduponthesofawithhisbootsoffandhisheadrestinguponapillow。Byhissidesattheoldman，withthesmelling-bottleinonehandandaglassofwaterintheother，whilethelittleboystoodatthefootofthesofa。AssoonasJeromehadsofarrecoveredastobeabletospeak，hesaid，——
"WhereamI，andwhatdoesallthismean？"
"Waitawhile，"repliedtheoldman，"andIwilltellyouall。"
Afterthelapseofsometenminutes，Jeromearosefromthesofa，adjustedhisapparel，andsaid，——
"Iamnowreadytohearanythingyouhavetosay。"
"YouwereborninAmerica？"saidtheoldman。
"Iwas，"hereplied。
"AndyouknewagirlnamedClotelle，"continuedtheoldman。
"Yes，andIlovedherasIcanlovenoneother。"
"Theladywhomyoumetsomysteriouslylasteveningwasshe，"saidMr。Devenant。
Jeromewassilent，butthefountainofmingledgriefandjoystoleoutfrombeneathhiseyelashes，andglistenedlikepearlsuponhisebonycheeks。
Atthisjuncture，theladyagainenteredtheroom。Withanenthusiasmthatcanbebetterimaginedthandescribed，Jeromesprangfromthesofa，andtheyrushedintoeachother’sarms，tothegreatsurpriseoftheoldgentlemanandlittleAutoine，andtotheamusementoftheservantswhohadcreptup，onebyoneandwerehidbehindthedoorsorloiteringinthehall。Whentheyhadgivenventtotheirfeelingsandsufficientlyrecoveredtheirpresenceofmind，theyresumedtheirseats。
"Howdidyoufindoutmynameandaddress？"inquiredJerome。
"Afteryouhadleftthegrave-yard，"repliedClotelle，"ourlittleboysaid，’Oh，mamma！ifthereain’tabook！’Iopenedthebook，andsawyournamewritteninit，andalsofoundacardoftheHoteldeLeon。Papawishedtoleavethebook，andsaiditwasonlyafancyofminethatIhadeverseenyoubefore;butIwasperfectlyconvincedthatyouweremyowndearJerome。"
Assheutteredthelastwords，tears——thesweetbrighttearsthatlovealonecanbringforth——bedewedhercheeks。
"Areyoumarried？"nowinquiredClotelle，withapalpitatingheartandtremblingvoice。
"No，Iamnot，andneverhavebeen，"wasJerome’sreply。
"Then，thankGod！"sheexclaimed，inbrokenaccents。
Itwasthenthathopegleamedupamidthecrushedandbrokenflowersofherheart，andabrightflashdartedforthlikeasunbeam。
"Areyousinglenow？"askedJerome。
"Yes，Iam，"wastheanswer。
"Thenyouwillbemineafterall？"saidhewithasmile。
Herdark，richhairhadpartlycomedown，andhungstillmorelooselyoverhershouldersthanwhenshefirstappeared;andhereyes，nowfullofanimationandvivacity，andhersweet，harmonious，andwell-modulatedvoice，togetherwithhermodesty，self-possession，andengagingmanners，madeClotelleappearlovelybeyonddescription。Althoughpasttheagewhenmenoughttothinkofmatrimony，yetthescenebeforeMr。Devenantbroughtvividlytohismindthetimewhenhewasyoungandhadalovingbosomcompanionliving，andtearswerewipedfromtheoldman’seyes。A
newworldseemedtounfolditselfbeforetheeyesofthehappylovers，andtheywerecompletelyabsorbedincontemplatingthefuture。Furnishedbynaturewithadispositiontostudy，andamemorysoretentivethatallwhoknewherweresurprisedattheeasewithwhichsheacquiredhereducationandgeneralinformation，Clotellemightnowbetermedamostaccomplishedlady。AfterhermarriagewithyoungDevenant，theyproceededtoIndia，wherethehusband’sregimentwasstationed。Soonaftertheirarrival，however，abattlewasfoughtwiththenatives，inwhichseveralofficersfell，amongwhomwasCaptainDevenant。Thefatheroftheyoungcaptainbeingthereatthetime，tookhisdaughter-in-lawandbroughtherbacktoFrance，wheretheytookuptheirabodeattheoldhomestead。
OldMr。Devenantwaspossessedofalargefortune，allofwhichheintendedforhisdaughter-in-lawandheronlychild。
AlthoughClotellehadmarriedyoungDevenant，shehadnotforgottenherfirstlove，andherfather-in-lawnowwillinglygavehisconsenttohermarriagewithJerome。Jeromefeltthattopossessthewomanofhislove，evenatthatlatehour，wascompensationenoughfortheyearsthathehadbeenseparatedfromher，andClotellewantednobetterevidenceofhisloveforherthanthefactofhishavingremainedsolongunmarried。Itwasindeedarareinstanceofdevotionandconstancyinaman，andtheyoungwidowgratefullyappreciatedit。
ItwaslateintheeveningwhenJeromeledhisintendedbridetothewindow，andthemagnificentmoonlightilluminatedthecountenanceofthelovelyClotelle，whileinwardsunshine，emanatingfromamindatease，andherownvirtuousthoughts，gavebrightnesstohereyesandmadeherappearaveryangel。ThiswasthefirsteveningthatJeromehadbeeninhercompanysincethenightwhen，toeffecthisescapefromprison，shedisguisedherselfinmaleattire。Howdifferentthescenenow。Freeinsteadofslaves，wealthyinsteadofpoor，andontheeveofaneventthatseemedlikelytoresultinalifeofhappinesstoboth。
CHAPTERXXXIII
THEHAPPYDAY。
ITwasabrightdayinthelatterpartofOctoberthatJeromeandClotellesetoutforthechurch，wherethemarriageceremonywastobeperformed。Theclear，bracingairaddedbuoyancytoeverymovement，andthesunpoureditsbrilliantraysthroughthedeeply-stainedwindows，asthehappycoupleenteredthesanctuary，followedbyoldMr。Devenant，whoseform，boweddownwithage，attractedalmostasmuchattentionfromtheassemblyasdidthecouplemoreparticularlyinterested。
Astheceremonieswerefinishedandthepriestpronouncedthebenedictiononthenewly-marriedpair，ClotellewhisperedintheearofJerome，——
"’Nopowerindeathshalltearournamesapart，Asnoneinlifecouldrendtheefrommyheart。’"
Asmilebeamedoneveryfaceasthewedding-partyleftthechurchandenteredtheircarriage。Whatahappyday，aftertenyears’
separation，when，bothheartshavingbeenblightedforatime，theyarebroughttogetherbythehandofabeneficentandkindProvidence，andunitedinholywedlock。
EverythingbeingarrangedforaweddingtourextendinguptheRhine，thepartysetoutthesamedayforAntwerp。TherearemanyriversofgreaterlengthandwidththantheRhine。OurMississippiwouldswallowuphalfadozenRhines。TheHudsonisgrander，theTiber，thePo，andtheMinclomoreclassic;theThamesandSeinebearupontheirwatersgreateramountsofwealthandcommerce;theNileandtheEuphrateshaveagreaterantiquity;butforacombinationofinterestinghistoricalincidentsandnaturalscenery，theRhinesurpassesthemall。NaturehassoordaineditthatthosewhotravelinthevalleyoftheRhineshallseetheriver，forthereneverwillbearailroaduponitsbanks。Somountainousisthelandthatitwouldhavetobeoneseriesoftunnels。Everythreeorfourmilesfromthetimeyouenterthisgloriousriver，hills，dales，castles，andcragspresentthemselvesasthesteamerglidesonward。
Theirfirstresting-placeforanylengthoftimewasatCoblentz，atthemouthofthe"BlueMoselle，"themostinterestingplaceontheriver。FromCoblentztheywenttoBrussels，wheretheyhadthegreatestattentionpaidthem。Besidesbeingprovidedwithlettersofintroduction，Jerome’scomplexionsecuredforhimmoredeferencethanisusuallyawardedtotravellers。
HavinglettersofintroductiontoM。Deceptiax，thegreatlacemanufacturer，thatgentlemanreceivedthemwithdistinguishedhonors，andgavethemasplendidsoiree，atwhichtheeliteofthecitywereassembled。Thesumptuously-furnishedmansionwaslavishlydecoratedfortheoccasion，andeverypreparationmadethatcouldaddtothenoveltyorinterestoftheevent。
Jerome，withhisbeautifulbride，nextvisitedCologne，thelargestandwealthiestcityonthebanksoftheRhine。TheCathedralofCologneisthemostsplendidstructureofthekindinEurope，andJeromeandClotelleviewedwithinterestthebeautifularchesandcolumnsofthisstupendousbuilding，whichstrikeswithawethebeholder，ashegazesatitsunequalledsplendor，surrounded，asitis，byvillas，cottages，andpalace-likemansions，withtheenchantingRhinewindingthroughthevine-coveredhills。
Afterstrollingovermilesandmilesofclassicground。andvisitingcastles，whoselegendsandtraditionshavegiventhemanenduringfame，ourdelightedtravellersstartedforGeneva，biddingthepicturesquebanksoftheRhinearegretfulfarewell。
Beingmuchinterestedinliterature，andawarethatGenevawasnotedforhavingbeenthecityofrefugetothevictimsofreligiousandpoliticalpersecution，Jeromearrangedtostayhereforsomedays。HewasprovidedwithaletterofintroductiontoM。
deStee，whohadbeenafellow-soldierofMr。DevenantintheEastIndiawars，andtheywereinvitedtomakehishousetheirhomeduringtheirsojourn。Onthesideofanoblemountain，whosebaseiskissedbythewavesofLakeGeneva，andwhoseslopesaredeckedwithverduretotheutmostpeakofitsrockycrown，issituatedthedelightfulcountryresidenceofthiswealthy，retiredFrenchofficer。Awindingroad，withfrequentclimbsandbrakes，leadsfromthevalleytothisenchantingspot，theairandsceneryofwhichcannotbesurpassedintheworld。
CHAPTERXXXIV
CLOTELLEMEETSHERFATHER。
THEcloudsthathadskirtedtheskyduringthedaybrokeatlast，andtherainfellintorrents，asJeromeandClotelleretiredforthenight，inthelittletownofFerney，onthebordersofLakeLeman。Thepealsofthunder，andflashesofvividlightening，whichseemedtoleapfrommountaintomountainandfromcragtocrag，reverberatingamongthesurroundinghills，foretoldaheavystorm。
"IwouldwewerebackatGeneva，"saidClotelle，assheheardgroansissuingfromanadjoiningroom。Thesounds，atfirstfaint，grewlouderandlouder，plainlyindicatingthatsomepersonwassufferingextremepain。
"Ididnotlikethishotel，much，whenwecamein，"IsaidJerome，relightingthelamp，whichhadbeenaccidentallyextinguished。
"NorI，"returnedClotelle。
Theshrieksincreased，andanoccasional"She’sdead！""Ikilledher！""No，sheisnotdead！"andsuch-likeexpressions，wouldbeheardfromtheperson，whoseemedtobederanged。
Thethundergrewlouder，andtheflashesoflightningmorevivid，whilethenoisefromthesick-roomseemedtoincrease。
AsJeromeopenedthedoor，tolearn，ifpossible，thecauseofthecriesandgroans，hecoulddistinguishthewords，"She’sdead！
yes，she’sdead！butIdidnotkillher。Shewasmychild！myowndaughter。Ilovedher，andyetIdidnotprotecther。"
"Whoeverheis，"saidJerome，"he’scrack-brained;somerobber，probably，fromthemountains。"
Thestormcontinuedtorage，andtheloudpealsofthunderandsharpflashesoflightening，togetherwiththeshrieksandmoansofthemaniacintheadjoiningroom，madethenightafearfulone。
Thelonghoursworeslowlyaway，butneitherJeromenorhiswifecouldsleep，andtheyaroseatanearlyhourinthemorning，orderedbreakfast，andresolvedtoreturntoGeneva。
"Iamsorry，sir，thatyouweresomuchdisturbedbythesickmanlastnight，"saidthelandlord，ashehandedJeromehisbill。"I
shouldbegladifhewouldgetabletogoaway，ordie，forhe’sadealoftroubletome。Severalpersonshaveleftmyhouseonhisaccount。"
"Whereishefrom？"inquiredJerome。
"He’sfromtheUnitedStates，andhasbeenhereaweekto-day，andhasbeencrazyeversince。"
"Hashenofriendswithhim？"askedtheguest。
"No，heisalone，"wasthereply。
Jeromerelatedtohiswifewhathehadlearnedfromthelandlord，respectingthesickman，andtheintelligenceimpressedhersostrongly，thatsherequestedhimtomakefurtherinquiriesconcerningthestranger。
Hethereforeconsultedthebookinwhichguestsusuallyregistertheirnames，and，tohisgreatsurprise，foundthattheAmerican’snamewasHenryLinwood，andthathewasfromRichmond，Va。
ItwaswithfeelingsoftrepidationthatClotelleheardtheseparticularsfromthelipsofherhusband。
"Wemustseethispoorman，whoeverheis，"saidshe，asJeromefinishedthesentence。
Thelandlordwasgladtohearthathisguestsfeltsomeinterestinthesickman，andpromisedthattheinvalid’sroomshouldbegotreadyfortheirreception。
Theclockinthehallwasjuststrikingten，asJeromepassedthroughandenteredthesickman’schamber。Stretcheduponamattress，withbothhandstightlyboundtothebedstead，thefriendlessstrangerwasindeedapitifulsight。Hisdark，dishevelledhairprematurelygray，hislong，unshavenbeard，andthewildnessoftheeyeswhichglanceduponthemastheyopenedthedoorandentered，causedthefainthopewhichhadsosuddenlyriseninClotelle’sheart，tosink，andshefeltthatthismancouldclaimnokindredwithher。Certainly，heborenoresemblancetothemanwhomshehadcalledherfather，andwhohadfondlydandledheronhiskneeinthosehappydaysofchildhood。
"Help！"criedthepoorman，asJeromeandhiswifewalkedintotheroom。Hiseyesglared，andshriekaftershriekbrokeforthfromhisparchedandfeveredlips。
"No，Ididnotkillmydaughter！——Ididnot！sheisnotdead！Yes，sheisdead！butIdidnotkillher——poorgirlLook！thatisshe！
No，itcannotbe！shecannotcomehere！itcannotbemypoorClotelle。"
Atthesoundofherownname，comingfromthemaniac’slips，Clotellegaspedforbreath，andherhusbandsawthatshehadgrowndeadlypale。Itseemedevidenttohimthatthemanwaseitherguiltyofsometerribleact，orimaginedhimselftobe。Hiseyeballsrolledintheirsockets，andhisfeaturesshowedthathewasundergoing"thetorturesofthatinwardhell，"whichseemedtosethiswholebrainonfire。
Afterrecoveringherself-possessionandstrength，Clotelleapproachedthebedside，andlaidhersofthanduponthestranger’shotandfeveredbrow。
Onelong，loudshriekrangoutontheair，andapiercingcry，"Itisshe！——-Yes，itisshe！Isee，Isee！Ah！no，itisnotmydaughter！Shewouldnotcometomeifshecould！"brokeforthfromhim。
"Iamyourdaughter，"saidClotelle，asshepressedherhandkerchieftoherface，andsobbedaloud。
Likeballsoffire，thepoorman’seyesrolledandglareduponthecompany，whilelargedropsofperspirationrandownhispaleandemaciatedface。Strangeasthesceneappeared，allpresentsawthatitwasindeedameetingbetweenafatherandhislong-lostdaughter。Jeromenoworderedallpresenttoleavetheroom，exceptthenurse，andeveryeffortwasatoncemadetoquietthesufferer。Whencalm，ajoyoussmilewouldilluminatethesickman’sface，andastrangelightbeaminhiseyes，asheseemedtorealizethatshewhostoodbeforehimwasindeedhischild。
FortwolongdaysandnightsdidClotellewatchatthebedsideofherfatherbeforehecouldspeaktoherintelligently。Sometimes，inhisinsanefits，hewouldraveinthemostfrightfulmanner，andthen，inafewmoments，wouldbeaseasilygovernedasachild。Atlast，however，afteralongandapparentlyrefreshingsleep，heawokesuddenlytoafullconsciousnessthatitwasindeedhisdaughterwhowaswatchingsopatientlybyhisside。
ThepresenceofhislongabsentchildhadasoothingeffectuponMr。Linwood，andhenowrecoveredrapidlyfromthesadandalmosthopelessconditioninwhichshehadfoundhim。Whenabletoconverse，withoutdangerofarelapse，hetoldClotelleofhisfruitlesseffortstoobtainaclewtoherwhereaboutsafteroldMrs。Millerhadsoldhertotheslave-trader。Inanswertohisdaughter’sinquiriesabouthisfamilyaffairsuptothetimethatheleftAmerica，hesaid，——
"Iblamedmywifeforyourbeingsoldandsentaway，forIthoughtsheandhermotherwereactingincollusion;ButIafterwardsfoundthatIhadblamedherwrongfully。Poorwoman！sheknewthatIlovedyourmother，andfeelingherselfforsaken，shegrewmelancholyanddiedinadeclinethreeyearsago。"
Herebothfatheranddaughterweptatthethoughtofotherdays。
Whentheyhadrecoveredtheircomposure，Mr。Linwoodwentonagain：
"OldMrs。Miller，"saidhe，"afterthedeathofGertrude，awarethatshehadcontributedmuchtowardherunhappiness，tooktothefreeuseofintoxicatingdrinks，andbecamethemostbrutalcreaturethateverlived。Shewhippedherslaveswithouttheslightestprovocation，andseemedtotakedelightininventingnewtortureswithwhichtopunishthem。Onenightlastwinter，afterhavingfloggedoneofherslavesnearlytodeath，shereturnedtoherroom，andbysomemeansthebeddingtookfire，andthehousewasinflamesbeforeanyonewasawakened。Therewasnooneinthebuildingatthetimebuttheoldwomanandtheslaves，andalthoughthelattermighthavesavedtheirmistress，theymadenoattempttodoso。Thus，afterafrightfulcareerofmanyyears，thishard-heartedwomandiedamostmiserabledeath，unlamentedbyasingleperson。"
Clotellewipedthetearsfromhereyes，asherfatherfinishedthisstory，for，althoughMrs。Millerhadbeenhergreatestenemy，sheregrettedtolearnthatherendhadbeensuchasadone。
"Mypeaceofminddestroyed，"resumedthefather，"andbrokedowninhealth，myphysicianadvisedmetotravel，withthehopeorecruitingmyself，andIsailedfromNewYorktwomonthsago。"
BeingbroughtupinAmerica，andhavingalltheprejudiceagainstcolorwhichcharacterizeshiswhitefellow-countrymen，Mr。Linwoodverymuchregrettedthathisdaughter，althoughherselftincturedwithAfricanblood，shouldhavemarriedablackman，andhedidnotfailtoexpresstoherhisdislikeofherhusband’scomplexion。
"Imarriedhim，"saidClotelle，"becauseIlovedhim。Whyshouldthewhitemanbeesteemedasbetterthantheblack？Ifindnodifferenceinmenonaccountoftheircomplexion。OneofthecardinalprinciplesofChristianityandfreedomistheequalityandbrotherhoodofman。"
EverydayMr。LinwoodbecamemoreandmorefamiliarwithJerome，andeventuallytheywereonthemostintimateterms。
FifteendaysfromthetimethatClotellewasintroducedintoherfather’sroom，theyleftFerneyforGeneva。ManyweretheexcursionsClotellemadeundertheshadowsofMontBlanc，andwithherhusbandandfatherforcompanions;shewasnowintheenjoymentofpleasureshithertounknown。
CHAPTERXXXV
THEFATHER’SRESOLVE。
AWAREthatherfatherwasstillaslave-owner，Clotelledeterminedtouseallherpersuasivepowertoinducehimtosetthemfree，andinthiseffortshefoundasubstantialsupporterinherhusband。
"Ihavealwaystreatedmyslaveswell，"saidMr。LinwoodtoJerome，asthelatterexpressedhisabhorrenceofthesystem;"andmyneighbors，too，aregenerallygoodmen;forslaveryin。
VirginiaisnotlikeslaveryintheotherStates，"continuedtheproudsonoftheOldDominion。
"Theirrighttobefree，Mr。Linwood，"saidJerome，"istakenfromthem，andtheyhavenosecurityfortheircomfort，butthehumanityandgenerosityofmen，whohavebeentrainedtoregardthemnotasbrethren，butasmereproperty。Humanityandgenerosityare，atbest，butpoorguarantiesfortheprotectionofthosewhocannotasserttheirrights，andoverwhomlawthrowsnoprotection。"
ItwaswithpleasurethatClotelleobtainedfromherfatherapromisethathewouldliberateallhisslavesonhisreturntoRichmond。Inabeautifullittlevilla，situatedinapleasantspot，fringedwithhoaryrocksandthickdarkwoods，withinsightofthedeepbluewatersofLakeLeman，Mr。Linwood，hisdaughter，andherhusband，tookuptheirresidenceforashorttime。Formorethanthreeweeks，thislittlepartyspenttheirtimeinvisitingthebirth-placeofRousseau，andtheformerabodesofByron，Gibbon，Voltaire，DeStael，Shelley，andotherliterarycharacters。
WecanscarcelycontemplateavisittoamorehistoricandinterestingplacethanGenevaanditsvicinity。Here，Calvin，thatgreatluminaryintheChurch，livedandruledforyears;here，Voltaire，themightygenius，wholaidthefoundationoftheFrenchRevolution，andwhoboasted，"WhenIshakemywig，Ipowderthewholerepublic，"governedinthehigherwalksoflife。
Fameisgenerallytherecompense，notoftheliving，butofthedead，——notalwaysdotheyreapandgatherintheharvestwhosowtheseed;theflameofitsaltaristoooftenkindledfromtheashesofthegreat。Adistinguishedcritichasbeautifullysaid，"Thesoundwhichthestreamofhighthought，carrieddowntofutureages，makes，asitflows——deep，distant，murmuringevermore，likethewatersofthemightyocean。"Noreputationcanbecalledgreatthatwillnotendurethistest。ThedistinguishedmenwhohadlivedinGenevatransfusedtheirspirit，bytheirwritings，intothespiritofotherloversofliteratureandeverythingthattreatedofgreatauthors。JeromeandClotellelingeredlonginandaboutthehauntsofGenevaandLakeLeman。
Anautumnsunsentdownherbrightrays，andbathedeveryobjectinhergloriouslight，asClotelle，accompaniedbyherhusbandandfathersetoutonefinemorningonherreturnhometoFrance。
Throughoutthewholeroute，Mr。LinwoodsawbythedeferencepaidtoJerome，whoseblackcomplexionexcitedastonishmentinthosewhomethim，thattherewasnohatredtothemaninEurope，onaccountofhiscolor;thatwhatiscalledprejudiceagainstcoloristheoffspringoftheinstitutionofslavery;andhefeltashamedofhisowncountrymen，whenhethoughtofthecomplexionasdistinctions，madeintheUnitedStates，andresolvedtodedicatetheremainderofhislifetotheeradicationofthisunrepublicanandunchristianfeelingfromthelandofhisbirth，onhisreturnhome。
AfterastayoffourweeksatDunkirk，thehomeoftheFletchers，Mr。LinwoodsetoutforAmerica，withthefulldeterminationoffreeinghisslaves，andsettlingtheminoneoftheNorthernStates，andthentoreturntoFrancetoendhisdaysinthesocietyofhisbeloveddaughter。
THEEND。
NOTE。——TheauthoroftheforegoingtalewasformerlyaKentuckyslave。Ifitservestorelievethemonotonyofcamp-lifetothesoldiersoftheUnion，andthereforeofLiberty，andatthesametimekindlestheirzealinthecauseofuniversalemancipation，theobjectbothofitsauthorandpublisherwillbegained。J。R。