“Anabominablebusiness，—perfectlyhorrible！”sheexclaimed，assheenteredtheroomwhereSt。Clarelayreadinghispaper。
“Pray，whatiniquityhasturnedupnow？”saidhe。
“Whatnow？why，thosefolkshavewhippedPruetodeath！”saidMissOphelia，goingon，withgreatstrengthofdetail，intothestory，andenlargingonitsmostshockingparticulars。
“Ithoughtitwouldcometothat，sometime，”saidSt。Clare，goingonwithhispaper。
“Thoughtso！—an’tyougoingtodoanythingaboutit？”saidMissOphelia。“Haven’tyougotanyselectmen，oranybody，tointerfereandlookaftersuchmatters？”
“It’scommonlysupposedthatthepropertyinterestisasufficientguardinthesecases。Ifpeoplechoosetoruintheirownpossessions，Idon’tknowwhat’stobedone。Itseemsthepoorcreaturewasathiefandadrunkard；andsotherewon’tbemuchhopetogetupsympathyforher。”
“Itisperfectlyoutrageous，—itishorrid，Augustine！Itwillcertainlybringdownvengeanceuponyou。”
“Mydearcousin，Ididn’tdoit，andIcan’thelpit；Iwould，ifIcould。Iflow-minded，brutalpeoplewillactlikethemselves，whatamItodo？theyhaveabsolutecontrol；theyareirresponsibledespots。Therewouldbenouseininterfering；thereisnolawthatamountstoanythingpractically，forsuchacase。Thebestwecandoistoshutoureyesandears，andletitalone。It’stheonlyresourceleftus。”
“Howcanyoushutyoureyesandears？Howcanyouletsuchthingsalone？”
“Mydearchild，whatdoyouexpect？Hereisawholeclass，—debased，uneducated，indolent，provoking，—put，withoutanysortoftermsorconditions，entirelyintothehandsofsuchpeopleasthemajorityinourworldare；peoplewhohaveneitherconsiderationnorself-control，whohaven’tevenanenlightenedregardtotheirowninterest，—forthat’sthecasewiththelargesthalfofmankind。Ofcourse，inacommunitysoorganized，whatcanamanofhonorableandhumanefeelingsdo，butshuthiseyesallhecan，andhardenhisheart？Ican’tbuyeverypoorwretchIsee。Ican’tturnknight-errant，andundertaketoredresseveryindividualcaseofwronginsuchacityasthis。ThemostIcandoistotryandkeepoutofthewayofit。”
St。Clare’sfinecountenancewasforamomentovercast；hesaid，
“Come，cousin，don’tstandtherelookinglikeoneoftheFates；you’veonlyseenapeepthroughthecurtain，—aspecimenofwhatisgoingon，theworldover，insomeshapeorother。Ifwearetobepryingandspyingintoallthedismalsoflife，weshouldhavenohearttoanything。’TislikelookingtoocloseintothedetailsofDinah’skitchen；”andSt。Clarelaybackonthesofa，andbusiedhimselfwithhispaper。
MissOpheliasatdown，andpulledoutherknitting-work，andsattheregrimwithindignation。Sheknitandknit，butwhileshemusedthefireburned；atlastshebrokeout—“Itellyou，Augustine，Ican’tgetoverthingsso，ifyoucan。It’saperfectabominationforyoutodefendsuchasystem，—that’smymind！”
“Whatnow？”saidSt。Clare，lookingup。“Atitagain，hey？”
“Isayit’sperfectlyabominableforyoutodefendsuchasystem！”saidMissOphelia，withincreasingwarmth。
“Idefendit，mydearlady？WhoeversaidIdiddefendit？”saidSt。Clare。
“Ofcourse，youdefendit，—youalldo，—allyouSoutherners。Whatdoyouhaveslavesfor，ifyoudon’t？”
“Areyousuchasweetinnocentastosupposenobodyinthisworldeverdoeswhattheydon’tthinkisright？Don’tyou，ordidn’tyouever，doanythingthatyoudidnotthinkquiteright？”
“IfIdo，Irepentofit，Ihope，”saidMissOphelia，rattlingherneedleswithenergy。
“SodoI，”saidSt。Clare，peelinghisorange；“I’mrepentingofitallthetime。”
“Whatdoyoukeepondoingitfor？”
“Didn’tyoueverkeepondoingwrong，afteryou’drepented，mygoodcousin？”
“Well，onlywhenI’vebeenverymuchtempted，”saidMissOphelia。
“Well，I’mverymuchtempted，”saidSt。Clare；“that’sjustmydifficulty。”
“ButIalwaysresolveIwon’tandItrytobreakoff。”
“Well，IhavebeenresolvingIwon’t，offandon，thesetenyears，”saidSt。Clare；“butIhaven’t，somehow，gotclear。Haveyougotclearofallyoursins，cousin？”
“CousinAugustine，”saidMissOphelia，seriously，andlayingdownherknitting-work，“IsupposeIdeservethatyoushouldreprovemyshort-comings。Iknowallyousayistrueenough；nobodyelsefeelsthemmorethanIdo；butitdoesseemtome，afterall，thereissomedifferencebetweenmeandyou。ItseemstomeIwouldcutoffmyrighthandsoonerthankeepon，fromdaytoday，doingwhatIthoughtwaswrong。But，then，myconductissoinconsistentwithmyprofession，Idon’twonderyoureproveme。”
“O，now，cousin，”saidAugustine，sittingdownonthefloor，andlayinghisheadbackinherlap，“don’ttakeonsoawfullyserious！Youknowwhatagood-for-nothing，saucyboyIalwayswas。Ilovetopokeyouup，—that’sall，—justtoseeyougetearnest。Idothinkyouaredesperately，distressinglygood；ittiresmetodeathtothinkofit。”
“Butthisisaserioussubject，myboy，Auguste，”saidMissOphelia，layingherhandonhisforehead。
“Dismallyso，”saidhe；“andI—well，Ineverwanttotalkseriouslyinhotweather。Whatwithmosquitosandall，afellowcan’tgethimselfuptoanyverysublimemoralflights；andIbelieve，”saidSt。Clare，suddenlyrousinghimselfup，“there’satheory，now！Iunderstandnowwhynorthernnationsarealwaysmorevirtuousthansouthernones，—Iseeintothatwholesubject。”
“O，Augustine，youareasadrattle-brain！”
“AmI？Well，soIam，Isuppose；butforonceIwillbeserious，now；butyoumusthandmethatbasketoforanges；—yousee，you’llhaveto‘staymewithflagonsandcomfortmewithapples，’ifI’mgoingtomakethiseffort。Now，”saidAugustine，drawingthebasketup，“I’llbegin:When，inthecourseofhumanevents，itbecomesnecessaryforafellowtoholdtwoorthreedozenofhisfellow-wormsincaptivity，adecentregardtotheopinionsofsocietyrequires—”
“Idon’tseethatyouaregrowingmoreserious，”saidMissOphelia。
“Wait，—I’mcomingon，—you’llhear。Theshortofthematteris，cousin，”saidhe，hishandsomefacesuddenlysettlingintoanearnestandseriousexpression，“onthisabstractquestionofslaverytherecan，asIthink，bebutoneopinion。Planters，whohavemoneytomakebyit，—clergymen，whohaveplanterstoplease，—politicians，whowanttorulebyit，—maywarpandbendlanguageandethicstoadegreethatshallastonishtheworldattheiringenuity；theycanpressnatureandtheBible，andnobodyknowswhatelse，intotheservice；but，afterall，neithertheynortheworldbelieveinitoneparticlethemore。Itcomesfromthedevil，that’stheshortofit；—and，tomymind，it’saprettyrespectablespecimenofwhathecandoinhisownline。”
MissOpheliastoppedherknitting，andlookedsurprised，andSt。Clare，apparentlyenjoyingherastonishment，wenton。
“Youseemtowonder；butifyouwillgetmefairlyatit，I’llmakeacleanbreastofit。Thiscursedbusiness，accursedofGodandman，whatisit？Stripitofallitsornament，runitdowntotherootandnucleusofthewhole，andwhatisit？Why，becausemybrotherQuashyisignorantandweak，andIamintelligentandstrong，—becauseIknowhow，andcandoit，—therefore，Imaystealallhehas，keepit，andgivehimonlysuchandsomuchassuitsmyfancy。Whateveristoohard，toodirty，toodisagreeable，forme，ImaysetQuashytodoing。BecauseIdon’tlikework，Quashyshallwork。Becausethesunburnsme，Quashyshallstayinthesun。Quashyshallearnthemoney，andIwillspendit。Quashyshallliedownineverypuddle，thatImaywalkoverdry-shod。Quashyshalldomywill，andnothis，allthedaysofhismortallife，andhavesuchchanceofgettingtoheaven，atlast，asIfindconvenient。ThisItaketobeaboutwhatslaveryis。Idefyanybodyonearthtoreadourslave-code，asitstandsinourlaw-books，andmakeanythingelseofit。Talkoftheabusesofslavery！Humbug！Thethingitselfistheessenceofallabuse！Andtheonlyreasonwhythelanddon’tsinkunderit，likeSodomandGomorrah，isbecauseitisusedinawayinfinitelybetterthanitis。Forpity’ssake，forshame’ssake，becausewearemenbornofwomen，andnotsavagebeasts，manyofusdonot，anddarenot，—wewouldscorntousethefullpowerwhichoursavagelawsputintoourhands。Andhewhogoesthefurthest，anddoestheworst，onlyuseswithinlimitsthepowerthatthelawgiveshim。”
St。Clarehadstartedup，and，ashismannerwaswhenexcited，waswalking，withhurriedsteps，upanddownthefloor。Hisfineface，classicasthatofaGreekstatue，seemedactuallytoburnwiththefervorofhisfeelings。Hislargeblueeyesflashed，andhegesturedwithanunconsciouseagerness。MissOpheliahadneverseenhiminthismoodbefore，andshesatperfectlysilent。
“Ideclaretoyou，”saidhe，suddenlystoppingbeforehiscousin“(It’snosortofusetotalkortofeelonthissubject)，butIdeclaretoyou，therehavebeentimeswhenIhavethought，ifthewholecountrywouldsink，andhideallthisinjusticeandmiseryfromthelight，Iwouldwillinglysinkwithit。WhenIhavebeentravellingupanddownonourboats，oraboutonmycollectingtours，andreflectedthateverybrutal，disgusting，mean，low-livedfellowImet，wasallowedbyourlawstobecomeabsolutedespotofasmanymen，womenandchildren，ashecouldcheat，steal，orgamblemoneyenoughtobuy，—whenIhaveseensuchmeninactualownershipofhelplesschildren，ofyounggirlsandwomen，—Ihavebeenreadytocursemycountry，tocursethehumanrace！”
“Augustine！Augustine！”saidMissOphelia，“I’msureyou’vesaidenough。Inever，inmylife，heardanythinglikethis，evenattheNorth。”
“AttheNorth！”saidSt。Clare，withasuddenchangeofexpression，andresumingsomethingofhishabitualcarelesstone。“Pooh！yournorthernfolksarecold-blooded；youarecoolineverything！Youcan’tbegintocurseuphillanddownaswecan，whenwegetfairlyatit。”
“Well，butthequestionis，”saidMissOphelia。
“O，yes，tobesure，thequestionis，—andadeuceofaquestionitis！Howcameyouinthisstateofsinandmisery？Well，Ishallanswerinthegoodoldwordsyouusedtoteachme，Sundays。Icamesobyordinarygeneration。Myservantsweremyfather’s，and，whatismore，mymother’s；andnowtheyaremine，theyandtheirincrease，whichbidsfairtobeaprettyconsiderableitem。Myfather，youknow，camefirstfromNewEngland；andhewasjustsuchanothermanasyourfather，—aregularoldRoman，—upright，energetic，noble-minded，withanironwill。YourfathersettleddowninNewEngland，toruleoverrocksandstones，andtoforceanexistenceoutofNature；andminesettledinLouisiana，toruleovermenandwomen，andforceexistenceoutofthem。Mymother，”saidSt。Clare，gettingupandwalkingtoapictureattheendoftheroom，andgazingupwardwithafaceferventwithveneration，“shewasdivine！Don’tlookatmeso！—youknowwhatImean！Sheprobablywasofmortalbirth；but，asfaraseverIcouldobserve，therewasnotraceofanyhumanweaknessorerrorabouther；andeverybodythatlivestorememberher，whetherbondorfree，servant，acquaintance，relation，allsaythesame。Why，cousin，thatmotherhasbeenallthathasstoodbetweenmeandutterunbeliefforyears。ShewasadirectembodimentandpersonificationoftheNewTestament，—alivingfact，tobeaccountedfor，andtobeaccountedforinnootherwaythanbyitstruth。O，mother！mother！”saidSt。Clare，claspinghishands，inasortoftransport；andthensuddenlycheckinghimself，hecameback，andseatinghimselfonanottoman，hewenton:
“MybrotherandIweretwins；andtheysay，youknow，thattwinsoughttoresembleeachother；butwewereinallpointsacontrast。Hehadblack，fieryeyes，coal-blackhair，astrong，fineRomanprofile，andarichbrowncomplexion。Ihadblueeyes，goldenhair，aGreekoutline，andfaircomplexion。Hewasactiveandobserving，Idreamyandinactive。Hewasgeneroustohisfriendsandequals，butproud，dominant，overbearing，toinferiors，andutterlyunmercifultowhateversetitselfupagainsthim。Truthfulwebothwere；hefromprideandcourage，Ifromasortofabstractideality。Welovedeachotheraboutasboysgenerallydo，—offandon，andingeneral；—hewasmyfather’spet，andImymother’s。
“Therewasamorbidsensitivenessandacutenessoffeelinginmeonallpossiblesubjects，ofwhichheandmyfatherhadnokindofunderstanding，andwithwhichtheycouldhavenopossiblesympathy。Butmotherdid；andso，whenIhadquarreledwithAlfred，andfatherlookedsternlyonme，Iusedtogoofftomother’sroom，andsitbyher。Irememberjusthowsheusedtolook，withherpalecheeks，herdeep，soft，seriouseyes，herwhitedress，—shealwaysworewhite；andIusedtothinkofherwheneverIreadinRevelationsaboutthesaintsthatwerearrayedinfinelinen，cleanandwhite。Shehadagreatdealofgeniusofonesortandanother，particularlyinmusic；andsheusedtositatherorgan，playingfineoldmajesticmusicoftheCatholicchurch，andsingingwithavoicemorelikeanangelthanamortalwoman；andIwouldlaymyheaddownonherlap，andcry，anddream，andfeel，—oh，immeasurably！—thingsthatIhadnolanguagetosay！
“Inthosedays，thismatterofslaveryhadneverbeencanvassedasithasnow；nobodydreamedofanyharminit。
“Myfatherwasabornaristocrat。Ithink，insomepreexistentstate，hemusthavebeeninthehighercirclesofspirits，andbroughtallhisoldcourtpridealongwithhim；foritwasingrain，bredinthebone，thoughhewasoriginallyofpoorandnotinanywayofnoblefamily。Mybrotherwasbegotteninhisimage。
“Now，anaristocrat，youknow，theworldover，hasnohumansympathies，beyondacertainlineinsociety。InEnglandthelineisinoneplace，inBurmahinanother，andinAmericainanother；butthearistocratofallthesecountriesnevergoesoverit。Whatwouldbehardshipanddistressandinjusticeinhisownclass，isacoolmatterofcourseinanotherone。Myfather’sdividinglinewasthatofcolor。Amonghisequals，neverwasamanmorejustandgenerous；butheconsideredthenegro，throughallpossiblegradationsofcolor，asanintermediatelinkbetweenmanandanimals，andgradedallhisideasofjusticeorgenerosityonthishypothesis。Isuppose，tobesure，ifanybodyhadaskedhim，plumpandfair，whethertheyhadhumanimmortalsouls，hemighthavehemmedandhawed，andsaidyes。Butmyfatherwasnotamanmuchtroubledwithspiritualism；religioussentimenthehadnone，beyondavenerationforGod，asdecidedlytheheadoftheupperclasses。
“Well，myfatherworkedsomefivehundrednegroes；hewasaninflexible，driving，punctiliousbusinessman；everythingwastomovebysystem，—tobesustainedwithunfailingaccuracyandprecision。Now，ifyoutakeintoaccountthatallthiswastobeworkedoutbyasetoflazy，twaddling，shiftlesslaborers，whohadgrownup，alltheirlives，intheabsenceofeverypossiblemotivetolearnhowtodoanythingbut‘shirk，’asyouVermonterssay，andyou’llseethattheremightnaturallybe，onhisplantation，agreatmanythingsthatlookedhorribleanddistressingtoasensitivechild，likeme。
“Besidesall，hehadanoverseer，—great，tall，slab-sided，two-fistedrenegadesonofVermont—(beggingyourpardon)，—whohadgonethrougharegularapprenticeshipinhardnessandbrutalityandtakenhisdegreetobeadmittedtopractice。Mymothernevercouldendurehim，norI；butheobtainedanentireascendencyovermyfather；andthismanwastheabsolutedespotoftheestate。
“Iwasalittlefellowthen，butIhadthesamelovethatIhavenowforallkindsofhumanthings，—akindofpassionforthestudyofhumanity，comeinwhatshapeitwould。Iwasfoundinthecabinsandamongthefield-handsagreatdeal，and，ofcourse，wasagreatfavorite；andallsortsofcomplaintsandgrievanceswerebreathedinmyear；andItoldthemtomother，andwe，betweenus，formedasortofcommitteeforaredressofgrievances。Wehinderedandrepressedagreatdealofcruelty，andcongratulatedourselvesondoingavastdealofgood，till，asoftenhappens，myzealoveracted。Stubbscomplainedtomyfatherthathecouldn’tmanagethehands，andmustresignhisposition。Fatherwasafond，indulgenthusband，butamanthatneverflinchedfromanythingthathethoughtnecessary；andsoheputdownhisfoot，likearock，betweenusandthefield-hands。Hetoldmymother，inlanguageperfectlyrespectfulanddeferential，butquiteexplicit，thatoverthehouse-servantssheshouldbeentiremistress，butthatwiththefield-handshecouldallownointerference。Hereveredandrespectedherabovealllivingbeings；buthewouldhavesaiditallthesametothevirginMaryherself，ifshehadcomeinthewayofhissystem。
“Iusedsometimestohearmymotherreasoningcaseswithhim，—endeavoringtoexcitehissympathies。Hewouldlistentothemostpatheticappealswiththemostdiscouragingpolitenessandequanimity。‘Itallresolvesitselfintothis，’hewouldsay；‘mustIpartwithStubbs，orkeephim？Stubbsisthesoulofpunctuality，honesty，andefficiency，—athoroughbusinesshand，andashumaneasthegeneralrun。Wecan’thaveperfection；andifIkeephim，Imustsustainhisadministrationasawhole，evenifthereare，nowandthen，thingsthatareexceptionable。Allgovernmentincludessomenecessaryhardness。Generalruleswillbearhardonparticularcases。’Thislastmaximmyfatherseemedtoconsiderasettlerinmostallegedcasesofcruelty。Afterhehadsaidthat，hecommonlydrewuphisfeetonthesofa，likeamanthathasdisposedofabusiness，andbetookhimselftoanap，orthenewspaper，asthecasemightbe。
“Thefactismyfathershowedtheexactsortoftalentforastatesman。HecouldhavedividedPolandaseasilyasanorange，ortrodonIrelandasquietlyandsystematicallyasanymanliving。Atlastmymothergaveup，indespair。Itneverwillbeknown，tillthelastaccount，whatnobleandsensitivenatureslikehershavefelt，cast，utterlyhelpless，intowhatseemstothemanabyssofinjusticeandcruelty，andwhichseemssotonobodyaboutthem。Ithasbeenanageoflongsorrowofsuchnatures，insuchahell-begottensortofworldasours。Whatremainedforher，buttotrainherchildreninherownviewsandsentiments？Well，afterallyousayabouttraining，childrenwillgrowupsubstantiallywhattheyarebynature，andonlythat。Fromthecradle，Alfredwasanaristocrat；andashegrewup，instinctively，allhissympathiesandallhisreasoningswereinthatline，andallmother’sexhortationswenttothewinds。Astome，theysunkdeepintome。Shenevercontradicted，inform，anythingmyfathersaid，orseemeddirectlytodifferfromhim；butsheimpressed，burntintomyverysoul，withalltheforceofherdeep，earnestnature，anideaofthedignityandworthofthemeanesthumansoul。Ihavelookedinherfacewithsolemnawe，whenshewouldpointuptothestarsintheevening，andsaytome，‘Seethere，Auguste！thepoorest，meanestsoulonourplacewillbeliving，whenallthesestarsaregoneforever，—willliveaslongasGodlives！’
“Shehadsomefineoldpaintings；one，inparticular，ofJesushealingablindman。Theywereveryfine，andusedtoimpressmestrongly。‘Seethere，Auguste，’shewouldsay；‘theblindmanwasabeggar，poorandloathsome；therefore，hewouldnothealhimafaroff！Hecalledhimtohim，andputhishandsonhim！Rememberthis，myboy。’IfIhadlivedtogrowupunderhercare，shemighthavestimulatedmetoIknownotwhatofenthusiasm。Imighthavebeenasaint，reformer，martyr，—but，alas！alas！IwentfromherwhenIwasonlythirteen，andIneversawheragain！”
St。Clarerestedhisheadonhishands，anddidnotspeakforsomeminutes。Afterawhile，helookedup，andwenton:
“Whatpoor，meantrashthiswholebusinessofhumanvirtueis！Amerematter，forthemostpart，oflatitudeandlongitude，andgeographicalposition，actingwithnaturaltemperament。Thegreaterpartisnothingbutanaccident！Yourfather，forexample，settlesinVermont，inatownwhereallare，infact，freeandequal；becomesaregularchurchmemberanddeacon，andinduetimejoinsanAbolitionsociety，andthinksusalllittlebetterthanheathens。Yetheis，foralltheworld，inconstitutionandhabit，aduplicateofmyfather。Icanseeitleakingoutinfiftydifferentways，—justthesamestrong，overbearing，dominantspirit。YouknowverywellhowimpossibleitistopersuadesomeofthefolksinyourvillagethatSquireSinclairdoesnotfeelabovethem。Thefactis，thoughhehasfallenondemocratictimes，andembracedademocratictheory，heistotheheartanaristocrat，asmuchasmyfather，whoruledoverfiveorsixhundredslaves。”
MissOpheliafeltratherdisposedtocavilatthispicture，andwaslayingdownherknittingtobegin，butSt。Clarestoppedher。
“Now，Iknoweverywordyouaregoingtosay。Idonotsaytheywerealike，infact。Onefellintoaconditionwhereeverythingactedagainstthenaturaltendency，andtheotherwhereeverythingactedforit；andsooneturnedoutaprettywilful，stout，overbearingolddemocrat，andtheotherawilful，stoutolddespot。IfbothhadownedplantationsinLouisiana，theywouldhavebeenaslikeastwooldbulletscastinthesamemould。”
“Whatanundutifulboyyouare！”saidMissOphelia。
“Idon’tmeanthemanydisrespect，”saidSt。Clare。“Youknowreverenceisnotmyforte。But，togobacktomyhistory:
“Whenfatherdied，heleftthewholepropertytoustwinboys，tobedividedasweshouldagree。TheredoesnotbreatheonGod’searthanobler-souled，moregenerousfellow，thanAlfred，inallthatconcernshisequals；andwegotonadmirablywiththispropertyquestion，withoutasingleunbrotherlywordorfeeling。Weundertooktoworktheplantationtogether；andAlfred，whoseoutwardlifeandcapabilitieshaddoublethestrengthofmine，becameanenthusiasticplanter，andawonderfullysuccessfulone。
“Buttwoyears’trialsatisfiedmethatIcouldnotbeapartnerinthatmatter。Tohaveagreatgangofsevenhundred，whomIcouldnotknowpersonally，orfeelanyindividualinterestin，boughtanddriven，housed，fed，workedlikesomanyhornedcattle，straineduptomilitaryprecision，—thequestionofhowlittleoflife’scommonestenjoymentswouldkeeptheminworkingorderbeingaconstantlyrecurringproblem，—thenecessityofdriversandoverseers，—theever-necessarywhip，first，last，andonlyargument，—thewholethingwasinsufferablydisgustingandloathsometome；andwhenIthoughtofmymothcr’sestimateofonepoorhumansoul，itbecameevenfrightful！
“It’sallnonsensetotalktomeaboutslavesenjoyingallthis！Tothisday，IhavenopatiencewiththeunutterabletrashthatsomeofyourpatronizingNorthernershavemadeup，asintheirzealtoapologizeforoursins。Weallknowbetter。Tellmethatanymanlivingwantstoworkallhisdays，fromday-dawntilldark，undertheconstanteyeofamaster，withoutthepowerofputtingforthoneirresponsiblevolition，onthesamedreary，monotonous，unchangingtoil，andallfortwopairsofpantaloonsandapairofshoesayear，withenoughfoodandsheltertokeephiminworkingorder！Anymanwhothinksthathumanbeingscan，asageneralthing，bemadeaboutascomfortablethatwayasanyother，Iwishhemighttryit。I’dbuythedog，andworkhim，withaclearconscience！”
“Ialwayshavesupposed，”saidMissOphelia，“thatyou，allofyou，approvedofthesethings，andthoughtthemright—accordingtoScripture。”
“Humbug！Wearenotquitereducedtothatyet。Alfredwhoisasdeterminedadespotaseverwalked，doesnotpretendtothiskindofdefence；—no，hestands，highandhaughty，onthatgoodoldrespectableground，therightofthestrongest；andhesays，andIthinkquitesensibly，thattheAmericanplanteris‘onlydoing，inanotherform，whattheEnglisharistocracyandcapitalistsaredoingbythelowerclasses；’thatis，Itakeit，appropriatingthem，bodyandbone，soulandspirit，totheiruseandconvenience。Hedefendsboth，—andIthink，atleast，consistently。Hesaysthattherecanbenohighcivilizationwithoutenslavementofthemasses，eithernominalorreal。Theremust，hesays，bealowerclass，givenuptophysicaltoilandconfinedtoananimalnature；andahigheronetherebyacquiresleisureandwealthforamoreexpandedintelligenceandimprovement，andbecomesthedirectingsoulofthelower。Sohereasons，because，asIsaid，heisbornanaristocrat；—soIdon’tbelieve，becauseIwasbornademocrat。”
“Howintheworldcanthetwothingsbecompared？”saidMissOphelia。“TheEnglishlaborerisnotsold，traded，partedfromhisfamily，whipped。”
“Heisasmuchatthewillofhisemployerasifheweresoldtohim。Theslave-ownercanwhiphisrefractoryslavetodeath，—thecapitalistcanstarvehimtodeath。Astofamilysecurity，itishardtosaywhichistheworst，—tohaveone’schildrensold，orseethemstarvetodeathathome。”
“Butit’snokindofapologyforslavery，toprovethatitisn’tworsethansomeotherbadthing。”
“Ididn’tgiveitforone，—nay，I’llsay，besides，thatoursisthemoreboldandpalpableinfringementofhumanrights；actuallybuyingamanup，likeahorse，—lookingathisteeth，crackinghisjoints，andtryinghispacesandthenpayingdownforhim，—havingspeculators，breeders，traders，andbrokersinhumanbodiesandsouls，—setsthethingbeforetheeyesofthecivilizedworldinamoretangibleform，thoughthethingdonebe，afterall，initsnature，thesame；thatis，appropriatingonesetofhumanbeingstotheuseandimprovementofanotherwithoutanyregardtotheirown。”
“Ineverthoughtofthematterinthislight，”saidMissOphelia。
“Well，I’vetravelledinEnglandsome，andI’velookedoveragoodmanydocumentsastothestateoftheirlowerclasses；andIreallythinkthereisnodenyingAlfred，whenhesaysthathisslavesarebetteroffthanalargeclassofthepopulationofEngland。Yousee，youmustnotinfer，fromwhatIhavetoldyou，thatAlfrediswhatiscalledahardmaster；forheisn’t。Heisdespotic，andunmercifultoinsubordination；hewouldshootafellowdownwithaslittleremorseashewouldshootabuck，ifheopposedhim。But，ingeneral，hetakesasortofprideinhavinghisslavescomfortablyfedandaccommodated。
“WhenIwaswithhim，Iinsistedthatheshoulddosomethingfortheirinstruction；and，topleaseme，hedidgetachaplain，andusedtohavethemcatechizedSunday，though，Ibelieve，inhisheart，thathethoughtitwoulddoaboutasmuchgoodtosetachaplainoverhisdogsandhorses。Andthefactis，thatamindstupefiedandanimalizedbyeverybadinfluencefromthehourofbirth，spendingthewholeofeveryweek-dayinunreflectingtoil，cannotbedonemuchwithbyafewhoursonSunday。TheteachersofSunday-schoolsamongthemanufacturingpopulationofEngland，andamongplantation-handsinourcountry，couldperhapstestifytothesameresult，thereandhere。Yetsomestrikingexceptionsthereareamongus，fromthefactthatthenegroisnaturallymoreimpressibletoreligioussentimentthanthewhite。”
“Well，”saidMissOphelia，“howcameyoutogiveupyourplantationlife？”
“Well，wejoggedontogethersometime，tillAlfredsawplainlythatIwasnoplanter。Hethoughtitabsurd，afterhehadreformed，andaltered，andimprovedeverywhere，tosuitmynotions，thatIstillremainedunsatisfied。Thefactwas，itwas，afterall，theTHINGthatIhated—theusingthesemenandwomen，theperpetuationofallthisignorance，brutalityandvice，—justtomakemoneyforme！
“Besides，Iwasalwaysinterferinginthedetails。Beingmyselfoneofthelaziestofmortals，Ihadaltogethertoomuchfellow-feelingforthelazy；andwhenpoor，shiftlessdogsputstonesatthebottomoftheircotton-basketstomakethemweighheavier，orfilledtheirsackswithdirt，withcottonatthetop，itseemedsoexactlylikewhatIshoulddoifIwerethey，Icouldn’tandwouldn’thavethemfloggedforit。Well，ofcourse，therewasanendofplantationdiscipline；andAlfandIcametoaboutthesamepointthatIandmyrespectedfatherdid，yearsbefore。SohetoldmethatIwasawomanishsentimentalist，andwouldneverdoforbusinesslife；andadvisedmetotakethebank-stockandtheNewOrleansfamilymansion，andgotowritingpoetry，andlethimmanagetheplantation。Soweparted，andIcamehere。”
“Butwhydidn’tyoufreeyourslaves？”
“Well，Iwasn’tuptothat。Toholdthemastoolsformoney-making，Icouldnot；—havethemtohelpspendmoney，youknow，didn’tlookquitesouglytome。Someofthemwereoldhouse-servants，towhomIwasmuchattached；andtheyoungeroneswerechildrentotheold。Allwerewellsatisfiedtobeastheywere。”Hepaused，andwalkedreflectivelyupanddowntheroom。
“Therewas，”saidSt。Clare，“atimeinmylifewhenIhadplansandhopesofdoingsomethinginthisworld，morethantofloatanddrift。Ihadvague，indistinctyearningstobeasortofemancipator，—tofreemynativelandfromthisspotandstain。Allyoungmenhavehadsuchfever-fits，Isuppose，sometime，—butthen—”
“Whydidn’tyou？”saidMissOphelia；—“yououghtnottoputyourhandtotheplough，andlookback。”
“O，well，thingsdidn’tgowithmeasIexpected，andIgotthedespairoflivingthatSolomondid。Isupposeitwasanecessaryincidenttowisdominusboth；but，somehoworother，insteadofbeingactorandregeneratorinsociety，Ibecameapieceofdriftwood，andhavebeenfloatingandeddyingabout，eversince。Alfredscoldsme，everytimewemeet；andhehasthebetterofme，Igrant，—forhereallydoessomething；hislifeisalogicalresultofhisopinionsandmineisacontemptiblenonsequitur。”
“Mydearcousin，canyoubesatisfiedwithsuchawayofspendingyourprobation？”
“Satisfied！WasInotjusttellingyouIdespisedit？But，then，tocomebacktothispoint，—wewereonthisliberationbusiness。Idon’tthinkmyfeelingsaboutslaveryarepeculiar。Ifindmanymenwho，intheirhearts，thinkofitjustasIdo。Thelandgroansunderit；and，badasitisfortheslave，itisworse，ifanything，forthemaster。Ittakesnospectaclestoseethatagreatclassofvicious，improvident，degradedpeople，amongus，areaneviltous，aswellastothemselves。ThecapitalistandaristocratofEnglandcannotfeelthataswedo，becausetheydonotminglewiththeclasstheydegradeaswedo。Theyareinourhomes；theyaretheassociatesofourchildren，andtheyformtheirmindsfasterthanwecan；fortheyarearacethatchildrenalwayswillclingtoandassimilatewith。IfEva，now，wasnotmoreangelthanordinary，shewouldberuined。Wemightaswellallowthesmall-poxtorunamongthem，andthinkourchildrenwouldnottakeit，astoletthembeuninstructedandvicious，andthinkourchildrenwillnotbeaffectedbythat。Yetourlawspositivelyandutterlyforbidanyefficientgeneraleducationalsystem，andtheydoitwisely，too；for，justbeginandthoroughlyeducateonegeneration，andthewholethingwouldbeblownskyhigh。Ifwedidnotgivethemliberty，theywouldtakeit。”
“Andwhatdoyouthinkwillbetheendofthis？”saidMissOphelia。
“Idon’tknow。Onethingiscertain，—thatthereisamusteringamongthemasses，theworldover；andthereisadiesiraecomingon，soonerorlater。ThesamethingisworkinginEurope，inEngland，andinthiscountry。Mymotherusedtotellmeofamillenniumthatwascoming，whenChristshouldreign，andallmenshouldbefreeandhappy。Andshetaughtme，whenIwasaboy，topray，‘thykingdomcome。’SometimesIthinkallthissighing，andgroaning，andstirringamongthedrybonesforetellswhatsheusedtotellmewascoming。ButwhomayabidethedayofHisappearing？”
“Augustine，sometimesIthinkyouarenotfarfromthekingdom，”saidMissOphelia，layingdownherknitting，andlookinganxiouslyathercousin。
“Thankyouforyourgoodopinion，butit’supanddownwithme，—uptoheaven’sgateintheory，downinearth’sdustinpractice。Butthere’stheteabell，—dolet’sgo，—anddon’tsay，now，Ihaven’thadonedownrightserioustalk，foronceinmylife。”
Attable，MariealludedtotheincidentofPrue。“Isupposeyou’llthink，cousin，”shesaid，“thatweareallbarbarians。”
“Ithinkthat’sabarbarousthing，”saidMissOphelia，“butIdon’tthinkyouareallbarbarians。”
“Well，now，”saidMarie，“Iknowit’simpossibletogetalongwithsomeofthesecreatures。Theyaresobadtheyoughtnottolive。Idon’tfeelaparticleofsympathyforsuchcases。Ifthey’donlybehavethemselves，itwouldnothappen。”
“But，mamma，”saidEva，“thepoorcreaturewasunhappy；that’swhatmadeherdrink。”
“O，fiddlestick！asifthatwereanyexcuse！I’munhappy，veryoften。Ipresume，”shesaid，pensively，“thatI’vehadgreatertrialsthanevershehad。It’sjustbecausetheyaresobad。There’ssomeofthemthatyoucannotbreakinbyanykindofseverity。Irememberfatherhadamanthatwassolazyhewouldrunawayjusttogetridofwork，andlieroundintheswamps，stealinganddoingallsortsofhorridthings。Thatmanwascaughtandwhipped，timeandagain，anditneverdidhimanygood；andthelasttimehecrawledoff，thoughhecouldn’tbutjustgo，anddiedintheswamp。Therewasnosortofreasonforit，forfather’shandswerealwaystreatedkindly。”
“Ibrokeafellowin，once，”saidSt。Clare，“thatalltheoverseersandmastershadtriedtheirhandsoninvain。”
“You！”saidMarie；“well，I’dbegladtoknowwhenyoueverdidanythingofthesort。”
“Well，hewasapowerful，giganticfellow，—anative-bornAfrican；andheappearedtohavetherudeinstinctoffreedominhimtoanuncommondegree。HewasaregularAfricanlion。TheycalledhimScipio。Nobodycoulddoanythingwithhim；andhewassoldroundfromoverseertooverseer，tillatlastAlfredboughthim，becausehethoughthecouldmanagehim。Well，onedayheknockeddowntheoverseer，andwasfairlyoffintotheswamps。IwasonavisittoAlf’splantation，foritwasafterwehaddissolvedpartnership。Alfredwasgreatlyexasperated；butItoldhimthatitwashisownfault，andlaidhimanywagerthatIcouldbreaktheman；andfinallyitwasagreedthat，ifIcaughthim，Ishouldhavehimtoexperimenton。Sotheymusteredoutapartyofsomesixorseven，withgunsanddogs，forthehunt。People，youknow，cangetupasmuchenthusiasminhuntingamanasadeer，ifitisonlycustomary；infact，Igotalittleexcitedmyself，thoughIhadonlyputinasasortofmediator，incasehewascaught。
“Well，thedogsbayedandhowled，andwerodeandscampered，andfinallywestartedhim。Heranandboundedlikeabuck，andkeptuswellintherearforsometime；butatlasthegotcaughtinanimpenetrablethicketofcane；thenheturnedtobay，andItellyouhefoughtthedogsrightgallantly。Hedashedthemtorightandleft，andactuallykilledthreeofthemwithonlyhisnakedfists，whenashotfromagunbroughthimdown，andhefell，woundedandbleeding，almostatmyfeet。Thepoorfellowlookedupatmewithmanhoodanddespairbothinhiseye。Ikeptbackthedogsandtheparty，astheycamepressingup，andclaimedhimasmyprisoner。ItwasallIcoulddotokeepthemfromshootinghim，intheflushofsuccess；butIpersistedinmybargain，andAlfredsoldhimtome。Well，Itookhiminhand，andinonefortnightIhadhimtameddownassubmissiveandtractableasheartcoulddesire。”
“Whatintheworlddidyoudotohim？”saidMarie。
“Well，itwasquiteasimpleprocess。Itookhimtomyownroom，hadagoodbedmadeforhim，dressedhiswounds，andtendedhimmyself，untilhegotfairlyonhisfeetagain。And，inprocessoftime，Ihadfreepapersmadeoutforhim，andtoldhimhemightgowhereheliked。”
“Anddidhego？”saidMissOphelia。
“No。Thefoolishfellowtorethepaperintwo，andabsolutelyrefusedtoleaveme。Ineverhadabraver，betterfellow，—trustyandtrueassteel。HeembracedChristianityafterwards，andbecameasgentleasachild。Heusedtooverseemyplaceonthelake，anddiditcapitally，too。Ilosthimthefirstcholeraseason。Infact，helaiddownhislifeforme。ForIwassick，almosttodeath；andwhen，throughthepanic，everybodyelsefled，Scipioworkedformelikeagiant，andactuallybroughtmebackintolifeagain。But，poorfellow！hewastaken，rightafter，andtherewasnosavinghim。Ineverfeltanybody’slossmore。”
Evahadcomegraduallynearerandnearertoherfather，ashetoldthestory，—hersmalllipsapart，hereyeswideandearnestwithabsorbinginterest。
Ashefinished，shesuddenlythrewherarmsaroundhisneck，burstintotears，andsobbedconvulsively。
“Eva，dearchild！whatisthematter？”saidSt。Clare，asthechild’ssmallframetrembledandshookwiththeviolenceofherfeelings。“Thischild，”headded，“oughtnottohearanyofthiskindofthing，—she’snervous。”
“No，papa，I’mnotnervous，”saidEva，controllingherself，suddenly，withastrengthofresolutionsingularinsuchachild。“I’mnotnervous，butthesethingssinkintomyheart。”
“Whatdoyoumean，Eva？”
“Ican’ttellyou，papa，Ithinkagreatmanythoughts。PerhapssomedayIshalltellyou。”
“Well，thinkaway，dear，—onlydon’tcryandworryyourpapa，”saidSt。Clare，“Lookhere，—seewhatabeautifulpeachIhavegotforyou。”
Evatookitandsmiled，thoughtherewasstillanervoustwichingaboutthecornersofhermouth。
“Come，lookatthegold-fish，”saidSt。Clare，takingherhandandsteppingontotheverandah。Afewmoments，andmerrylaughswereheardthroughthesilkencurtains，asEvaandSt。Clarewerepeltingeachotherwithroses，andchasingeachotheramongthealleysofthecourt。
ThereisdangerthatourhumblefriendTombeneglectedamidtheadventuresofthehigherborn；but，ifourreaderswillaccompanyusuptoalittleloftoverthestable，theymay，perhaps，learnalittleofhisaffairs。Itwasadecentroom，containingabed，achair，andasmall，roughstand，wherelayTom’sBibleandhymn-book；andwherehesits，atpresent，withhisslatebeforehim，intentonsomethingthatseemstocosthimagreatdealofanxiousthought。
Thefactwas，thatTom’shome-yearningshadbecomesostrongthathehadbeggedasheetofwriting-paperofEva，and，musteringupallhissmallstockofliteraryattainmentacquiredbyMas’rGeorge’sinstructions，heconceivedtheboldideaofwritingaletter；andhewasbusynow，onhisslate，gettingouthisfirstdraft。Tomwasinagooddealoftrouble，fortheformsofsomeofthelettershehadforgottenentirely；andofwhathedidremember，hedidnotknowexactlywhichtouse。Andwhilehewasworking，andbreathingveryhard，inhisearnestness，Evaalighted，likeabird，ontheroundofhischairbehindhim，andpeepedoverhisshoulder。
“O，UncleTom！whatfunnythingsyouaremaking，there！”
“I’mtryingtowritetomypooroldwoman，MissEva，andmylittlechil’en，”saidTom，drawingthebackofhishandoverhiseyes；“but，somehow，I’mfeardIshan’tmakeitout。”
“IwishIcouldhelpyou，Tom！I’velearnttowritesome。yearIcouldmakealltheletters，butI’mafraidI’veforgotten。”
SoEvaputhergoldenheadclosetohis，andthetwocommencedagraveandanxiousdiscussion，eachoneequallyearnest，andaboutequallyignorant；and，withadealofconsultingandadvisingovereveryword，thecompositionbegan，astheybothfeltverysanguine，tolookquitelikewriting。
“Yes，UncleTom，itreallybeginstolookbeautiful，”saidEva，gazingdelightedlyonit。“Howpleasedyourwife’llbe，andthepoorlittlechildren！O，it’sashameyoueverhadtogoawayfromthem！Imeantoaskpapatoletyougoback，sometime。”
“Mississaidthatshewouldsenddownmoneyforme，assoonastheycouldgetittogether，”saidTom。“I’m’spectin，shewill。YoungMas’rGeorge，hesaidhe’dcomeforme；andhegavemethisyerdollarasasign；”andTomdrewfromunderhisclothesthepreciousdollar。
“O，he’llcertainlycome，then！”saidEva。“I’msoglad！”
“AndIwantedtosendaletter，youknow，tolet’emknowwharIwas，andtellpoorChloethatIwaswelloff，—causeshefeltsodrefful，poorsoul！”
“IsayTom！”saidSt。Clare’svoice，cominginthedooratthismoment。
TomandEvabothstarted。
“What’shere？”saidSt。Clare，comingupandlookingattheslate。
“O，it’sTom’sletter。I’mhelpinghimtowriteit，”saidEva；“isn’titnice？”
“Iwouldn’tdiscourageeitherofyou，”saidSt。Clare，“butIratherthink，Tom，you’dbettergetmetowriteyourletterforyou。I’lldoit，whenIcomehomefrommyride。”
“It’sveryimportantheshouldwrite，”saidEva，“becausehismistressisgoingtosenddownmoneytoredeemhim，youknow，papa；hetoldmetheytoldhimso。”
St。Clarethought，inhisheart，thatthiswasprobablyonlyoneofthosethingswhichgood-naturedownerssaytotheirservants，toalleviatetheirhorrorofbeingsold，withoutanyintentionoffulfillingtheexpectationthusexcited。Buthedidnotmakeanyaudiblecommentuponit，—onlyorderedTomtogetthehorsesoutforaride。
Tom’sletterwaswrittenindueformforhimthatevening，andsafelylodgedinthepost-office。
MissOpheliastillperseveredinherlaborsinthehousekeepingline。Itwasuniversallyagreed，amongallthehousehold，fromDinahdowntotheyoungesturchin，thatMissOpheliawasdecidedly“curis，”—atermbywhichasouthernservantimpliesthathisorherbettersdon’texactlysuitthem。
Thehighercircleinthefamily—towit，Adolph，JaneandRosa—agreedthatshewasnolady；ladiesneverkeepworkingaboutasshedid，—thatshehadnoairatall；andtheyweresurprisedthatsheshouldbeanyrelationoftheSt。Clares。EvenMariedeclaredthatitwasabsolutelyfatiguingtoseeCousinOpheliaalwayssobusy。And，infact，MissOphelia’sindustrywassoincessantastolaysomefoundationforthecomplaint。Shesewedandstitchedaway，fromdaylighttilldark，withtheenergyofonewhoispressedonbysomeimmediateurgency；andthen，whenthelightfaded，andtheworkwasfoldedaway，withoneturnoutcametheever-readyknitting-work，andthereshewasagain，goingonasbrisklyasever。Itreallywasalabortoseeher。
Topsy
Onemorning，whileMissOpheliawasbusyinsomeofherdomesticcares，St。Clare’svoicewasheard，callingheratthefootofthestairs。
“Comedownhere，Cousin，I’vesomethingtoshowyou。”
“Whatisit？”saidMissOphelia，comingdown，withhersewinginherhand。
“I’vemadeapurchaseforyourdepartment，—seehere，”saidSt。Clare；and，withtheword，hepulledalongalittlenegrogirl，abouteightornineyearsofage。
Shewasoneoftheblackestofherrace；andherroundshiningeyes，glitteringasglassbeads，movedwithquickandrestlessglancesovereverythingintheroom。Hermouth，halfopenwithastonishmentatthewondersofthenewMas’r’sparlor，displayedawhiteandbrilliantsetofteeth。Herwoollyhairwasbraidedinsundrylittletails，whichstuckoutineverydirection。Theexpressionofherfacewasanoddmixtureofshrewdnessandcunning，overwhichwasoddlydrawn，likeakindofveil，anexpressionofthemostdolefulgravityandsolemnity。Shewasdressedinasinglefilthy，raggedgarment，madeofbagging；andstoodwithherhandsdemurelyfoldedbeforeher。Altogether，therewassomethingoddandgoblin-likeaboutherappearance，—something，asMissOpheliaafterwardssaid，“soheathenish，”astoinspirethatgoodladywithutterdismay；andturningtoSt。Clare，shesaid，
“Augustine，whatintheworldhaveyoubroughtthatthingherefor？”
“Foryoutoeducate，tobesure，andtraininthewaysheshouldgo。IthoughtshewasratherafunnyspecimenintheJimCrowline。Here，Topsy，”headded，givingawhistle，asamanwouldtocalltheattentionofadog，“giveusasong，now，andshowussomeofyourdancing。”
Theblack，glassyeyesglitteredwithakindofwickeddrollery，andthethingstruckup，inaclearshrillvoice，anoddnegromelody，towhichshekepttimewithherhandsandfeet，spinninground，clappingherhands，knockingherkneestogether，inawild，fantasticsortoftime，andproducinginherthroatallthoseoddgutturalsoundswhichdistinguishthenativemusicofherrace；andfinally，turningasummersetortwo，andgivingaprolongedclosingnote，asoddandunearthlyasthatofasteam-whistle，shecamesuddenlydownonthecarpet，andstoodwithherhandsfolded，andamostsanctimoniousexpressionofmeeknessandsolemnityoverherface，onlybrokenbythecunningglanceswhichsheshotaskancefromthecornersofhereyes。
MissOpheliastoodsilent，perfectlyparalyzedwithamazement。St。Clare，likeamischievousfellowashewas，appearedtoenjoyherastonishment；and，addressingthechildagain，said，
“Topsy，thisisyournewmistress。I’mgoingtogiveyouuptoher；seenowthatyoubehaveyourself。”
“Yes，Mas’r，”saidTopsy，withsanctimoniousgravity，herwickedeyestwinklingasshespoke。
“You’regoingtobegood，Topsy，youunderstand，”saidSt。Clare。
“Oyes，Mas’r，”saidTopsy，withanothertwinkle，herhandsstilldevoutlyfolded。
“Now，Augustine，whatuponearthisthisfor？”saidMissOphelia。“Yourhouseissofulloftheselittleplagues，now，thatabodycan’tsetdowntheirfootwithouttreadingon’em。Igetupinthemorning，andfindoneasleepbehindthedoor，andseeoneblackheadpokingoutfromunderthetable，onelyingonthedoor-mat，—andtheyaremoppingandmowingandgrinningbetweenalltherailings，andtumblingoverthekitchenfloor！Whatonearthdidyouwanttobringthisonefor？”
“Foryoutoeducate—didn’tItellyou？You’realwayspreachingabouteducating。IthoughtIwouldmakeyouapresentofafresh-caughtspecimen，andletyoutryyourhandonher，andbringherupinthewaysheshouldgo。”
“Idon’twanther，Iamsure；—Ihavemoretodowith’emnowthanIwantto。”
“That’syouChristians，allover！—you’llgetupasociety，andgetsomepoormissionarytospendallhisdaysamongjustsuchheathen。Butletmeseeoneofyouthatwouldtakeoneintoyourhousewithyou，andtakethelaboroftheirconversiononyourselves！No；whenitcomestothat，theyaredirtyanddisagreeable，andit’stoomuchcare，andsoon。”
“Augustine，youknowIdidn’tthinkofitinthatlight，”saidMissOphelia，evidentlysoftening。“Well，itmightbearealmissionarywork，”saidshe，lookingrathermorefavorablyonthechild。
St。Clarehadtouchedtherightstring。MissOphelia’sconscientiousnesswaseveronthealert。“But，”sheadded，“Ireallydidn’tseetheneedofbuyingthisone；—thereareenoughnow，inyourhouse，totakeallmytimeandskill。”
“Well，then，Cousin，”saidSt。Clare，drawingheraside，“Ioughttobegyourpardonformygood-for-nothingspeeches。Youaresogood，afterall，thatthere’snosenseinthem。Why，thefactis，thisconcernbelongedtoacoupleofdrunkencreaturesthatkeepalowrestaurantthatIhavetopassbyeveryday，andIwastiredofhearingherscreaming，andthembeatingandswearingather。Shelookedbrightandfunny，too，asifsomethingmightbemadeofher；—soIboughther，andI’llgivehertoyou。Try，now，andgiveheragoodorthodoxNewEnglandbringingup，andseewhatit’llmakeofher。YouknowIhaven’tanygiftthatway；butI’dlikeyoutotry。”
“Well，I’lldowhatIcan，”saidMissOphelia；andsheapproachedhernewsubjectverymuchasapersonmightbesupposedtoapproachablackspider，supposingthemtohavebenevolentdesignstowardit。
“She’sdreadfullydirty，andhalfnaked，”shesaid。
“Well，takeherdownstairs，andmakesomeofthemcleanandclotheherup。”
MissOpheliacarriedhertothekitchenregions。
“Don’tseewhatMas’rSt。Clarewantsof’nothernigger！”saidDinah，surveyingthenewarrivalwithnofriendlyair。“Won’thaveheraroundundermyfeet，Iknow！”
“Pah！”saidRosaandJane，withsupremedisgust；“letherkeepoutofourway！WhatintheworldMas’rwantedanotheroftheselowniggersfor，Ican’tsee！”
“Yougolong！Nomoreniggerdanyoube，MissRosa，”saidDinah，whofeltthislastremarkareflectiononherself。“Youseemtotinkyourselfwhitefolks。Youan’tnerryone，blacknorwhite，I’dliketobeoneorturrer。”
MissOpheliasawthattherewasnobodyinthecampthatwouldundertaketooverseethecleansinganddressingofthenewarrival；andsoshewasforcedtodoitherself，withsomeveryungraciousandreluctantassistancefromJane。
Itisnotforearspolitetoheartheparticularsofthefirsttoiletofaneglected，abusedchild。Infact，inthisworld，multitudesmustliveanddieinastatethatitwouldbetoogreatashocktothenervesoftheirfellow-mortalseventoheardescribed。MissOpheliahadagood，strong，practicaldealofresolution；andshewentthroughallthedisgustingdetailswithheroicthoroughness，though，itmustbeconfessed，withnoverygraciousair，—forendurancewastheutmosttowhichherprinciplescouldbringher。Whenshesaw，onthebackandshouldersofthechild，greatweltsandcallousedspots，ineffaceablemarksofthesystemunderwhichshehadgrownupthusfar，herheartbecamepitifulwithinher。
“Seethere！”saidJane，pointingtothemarks，“don’tthatshowshe’salimb？We’llhavefineworkswithher，Ireckon。Ihatetheseniggeryounguns！sodisgusting！IwonderthatMas’rwouldbuyher！”
The“youngun”alludedtoheardallthesecommentswiththesubduedanddolefulairwhichseemedhabitualtoher，onlyscanning，withakeenandfurtiveglanceofherflickeringeyes，theornamentswhichJaneworeinherears。Whenarrayedatlastinasuitofdecentandwholeclothing，herhaircroppedshorttoherhead，MissOphelia，withsomesatisfaction，saidshelookedmoreChristian-likethanshedid，andinherownmindbegantomaturesomeplansforherinstruction。
Sittingdownbeforeher，shebegantoquestionher。
“Howoldareyou，Topsy？”
“Dunno，Missis，”saidtheimage，withagrinthatshowedallherteeth。
“Don’tknowhowoldyouare？Didn’tanybodyevertellyou？Whowasyourmother？”
“Neverhadnone！”saidthechild，withanothergrin。
“Neverhadanymother？Whatdoyoumean？Wherewereyouborn？”
“Neverwasborn！”persistedTopsy，withanothergrin，thatlookedsogoblin-like，that，ifMissOpheliahadbeenatallnervous，shemighthavefanciedthatshehadgotholdofsomesootygnomefromthelandofDiablerie；butMissOpheliawasnotnervous，butplainandbusiness-like，andshesaid，withsomesternness，
“Youmustn’tanswermeinthatway，child；I’mnotplayingwithyou。Tellmewhereyouwereborn，andwhoyourfatherandmotherwere。”
“Neverwasborn，”reiteratedthecreature，moreemphatically；“neverhadnofathernormother，nornothin’。Iwasraisedbyaspeculator，withlotsofothers。OldAuntSueusedtotakecaronus。”
Thechildwasevidentlysincere，andJane，breakingintoashortlaugh，said，
“Laws，Missis，there’sheapsof’em。Speculatorsbuys’emupcheap，whenthey’slittle，andgets’emraisedformarket。”
“Howlonghaveyoulivedwithyourmasterandmistress？”
“Dunno，Missis。”
“Isitayear，ormore，orless？”
“Dunno，Missis。”
“Laws，Missis，thoselownegroes，—theycan’ttell；theydon’tknowanythingabouttime，”saidJane；“theydon’tknowwhatayearis；theydon’tknowtheirownages。
“HaveyoueverheardanythingaboutGod，Topsy？”
Thechildlookedbewildered，butgrinnedasusual。
“Doyouknowwhomadeyou？”
“Nobody，asIknowson，”saidthechild，withashortlaugh。
Theideaappearedtoamuseherconsiderably；forhereyestwinkled，andsheadded，
“IspectIgrow’d。Don’tthinknobodynevermademe。”
“Doyouknowhowtosew？”saidMissOphelia，whothoughtshewouldturnherinquiriestosomethingmoretangible。
“No，Missis。”
“Whatcanyoudo？—whatdidyoudoforyourmasterandmistress？”
“Fetchwater，andwashdishes，andrubknives，andwaitonfolks。”
“Weretheygoodtoyou？”
“Specttheywas，”saidthechild，scanningMissOpheliacunningly。
MissOpheliarosefromthisencouragingcolloquy；St。Clarewasleaningoverthebackofherchair。
“Youfindvirginsoilthere，Cousin；putinyourownideas，—youwon’tfindmanytopullup。”
MissOphelia’sideasofeducation，likeallherotherideas，wereverysetanddefinite；andofthekindthatprevailedinNewEnglandacenturyago，andwhicharestillpreservedinsomeveryretiredandunsophisticatedparts，wheretherearenorailroads。Asnearlyascouldbeexpressed，theycouldbecomprisedinveryfewwords:toteachthemtomindwhentheywerespokento；toteachthemthecatechism，sewing，andreading；andtowhipthemiftheytoldlies。Andthough，ofcourse，inthefloodoflightthatisnowpouredoneducation，theseareleftfarawayintherear，yetitisanundisputedfactthatourgrandmothersraisedsometolerablyfairmenandwomenunderthisregime，asmanyofuscanrememberandtestify。Atallevents，MissOpheliaknewofnothingelsetodo；and，therefore，appliedhermindtoherheathenwiththebestdiligenceshecouldcommand。
ThechildwasannouncedandconsideredinthefamilyasMissOphelia’sgirl；and，asshewaslookeduponwithnograciouseyeinthekitchen，MissOpheliaresolvedtoconfinehersphereofoperationandinstructionchieflytoherownchamber。Withaself-sacrificewhichsomeofourreaderswillappreciate，sheresolved，insteadofcomfortablymakingherownbed，sweepinganddustingherownchamber，—whichshehadhithertodone，inutterscornofalloffersofhelpfromthechambermaidoftheestablishment，—tocondemnherselftothemartyrdomofinstructingTopsytoperformtheseoperations，—ah，woetheday！Didanyofourreaderseverdothesame，theywillappreciatetheamountofherself-sacrifice。
MissOpheliabeganwithTopsybytakingherintoherchamber，thefirstmorning，andsolemnlycommencingacourseofinstructionintheartandmysteryofbed-making。
Behold，then，Topsy，washedandshornofallthelittlebraidedtailswhereinherhearthaddelighted，arrayedinacleangown，withwell-starchedapron，standingreverentlybeforeMissOphelia，withanexpressionofsolemnitywellbefittingafuneral。
“Now，Topsy，I’mgoingtoshowyoujusthowmybedistobemade。Iamveryparticularaboutmybed。Youmustlearnexactlyhowtodoit。”
“Yes，ma’am，”saysTopsy，withadeepsigh，andafaceofwofulearnestness。
“Now，Topsy，lookhere；—thisisthehemofthesheet，—thisistherightsideofthesheet，andthisisthewrong；—willyouremember？”
“Yes，ma’am，”saysTopsy，withanothersigh。
“Well，now，theundersheetyoumustbringoverthebolster，—so—andtuckitcleardownunderthemattressniceandsmooth，—so，—doyousee？”
“Yes，ma’am，”saidTopsy，withprofoundattention。
“Buttheuppersheet，”saidMissOphelia，“mustbebroughtdowninthisway，andtuckedunderfirmandsmoothatthefoot，—so，—thenarrowhematthefoot。”
“Yes，ma’am，”saidTopsy，asbefore；—butwewilladd，whatMissOpheliadidnotsee，that，duringthetimewhenthegoodlady’sbackwasturnedinthezealofhermanipulations，theyoungdisciplehadcontrivedtosnatchapairofglovesandaribbon，whichshehadadroitlyslippedintohersleeves，andstoodwithherhandsdutifullyfolded，asbefore。
“Now，Topsy，let’sseeyoudothis，”saidMissOphelia，pullingofftheclothes，andseatingherself。
Topsy，withgreatgravityandadroitness，wentthroughtheexercisecompletelytoMissOphelia’ssatisfaction；smoothingthesheets，pattingouteverywrinkle，andexhibiting，throughthewholeprocess，agravityandseriousnesswithwhichherinstructresswasgreatlyedified。Byanunluckyslip，however，aflutteringfragmentoftheribbonhungoutofoneofhersleeves，justasshewasfinishing，andcaughtMissOphelia’sattention。Instantly，shepounceduponit。“What’sthis？Younaughty，wickedchild，—you’vebeenstealingthis！”
TheribbonwaspulledoutofTopsy’sownsleeve，yetwasshenotintheleastdisconcerted；sheonlylookedatitwithanairofthemostsurprisedandunconsciousinnocence。
“Laws！why，thatar’sMissFeely’sribbon，an’tit？Howcoulditagotcaughtinmysleeve？
“Topsy，younaughtygirl，don’tyoutellmealie，—youstolethatribbon！”
“Missis，Ideclarfor’t，Ididn’t；—neverseedittilldisyerblessedminnit。”
“Topsy，”saidMissOphelia，“don’tyounowit’swickedtotelllies？”
“Inevertellnolies，MissFeely，”saidTopsy，withvirtuousgravity；“it’sjistthetruthI’vebeenatellinnow，andan’tnothinelse。”
“Topsy，Ishallhavetowhipyou，ifyoutellliesso。”
“Laws，Missis，ifyou’stowhipallday，couldn’tsaynootherway，”saidTopsy，beginningtoblubber。“Ineverseeddatar，—itmustagotcaughtinmysleeve。MissFeeleymusthaveleftitonthebed，anditgotcaughtintheclothes，andsogotinmysleeve。”
MissOpheliawassoindignantatthebarefacedlie，thatshecaughtthechildandshookher。
“Don’tyoutellmethatagain！”
Theshakebroughtthegloveontothefloor，fromtheothersleeve。
“There，you！”saidMissOphelia，“willyoutellmenow，youdidn’tstealtheribbon？”
Topsynowconfessedtothegloves，butstillpersistedindenyingtheribbon。
“Now，Topsy，”saidMissOphelia，“ifyou’llconfessallaboutit，Iwon’twhipyouthistime。”Thusadjured，Topsyconfessedtotheribbonandgloves，withwofulprotestationsofpenitence。
“Well，now，tellme。Iknowyoumusthavetakenotherthingssinceyouhavebeeninthehouse，forIletyourunaboutalldayyesterday。Now，tellmeifyoutookanything，andIshan’twhipyou。”
“Laws，Missis！ItookMissEva’sredthingshewarsonherneck。”
“Youdid，younaughtychild！—Well，whatelse？”
“ItookRosa’syer-rings，—themredones。”
“Gobringthemtomethisminute，bothof’em。”
“Laws，Missis！Ican’t，—they’sburntup！”
“Burntup！—whatastory！Goget’em，orI’llwhipyou。”
Topsy，withloudprotestations，andtears，andgroans，declaredthatshecouldnot。“They’sburntup，—theywas。”
“Whatdidyouburn’emfor？”saidMissOphelia。
“CauseI’swicked，—Iis。I’smightywicked，anyhow。Ican’thelpit。”
Justatthismoment，Evacameinnocentlyintotheroom，withtheidenticalcoralnecklaceonherneck。
“Why，Eva，wheredidyougetyournecklace？”saidMissOphelia。
“Getit？Why，I’vehaditonallday，”saidEva。
“Didyouhaveitonyesterday？”
“Yes；andwhatisfunny，Aunty，Ihaditonallnight。IforgottotakeitoffwhenIwenttobed。”
MissOphelialookedperfectlybewildered；themoreso，asRosa，atthatinstant，cameintotheroom，withabasketofnewly-ironedlinenpoisedonherhead，andthecoralear-dropsshakinginherears！
“I’msureIcan’ttellanythingwhattodowithsuchachild！”shesaid，indespair。“Whatintheworlddidyoutellmeyoutookthosethingsfor，Topsy？”
“Why，MississaidImust’fess；andIcouldn’tthinkofnothin’elseto’fess，”saidTopsy，rubbinghereyes。
“But，ofcourse，Ididn’twantyoutoconfessthingsyoudidn’tdo，”saidMissOphelia；“that’stellingalie，justasmuchastheother。”
“Laws，now，isit？”saidTopsy，withanairofinnocentwonder。
“La，therean’tanysuchthingastruthinthatlimb，”saidRosa，lookingindignantlyatTopsy。“IfIwasMas’rSt。Clare，I’dwhiphertillthebloodrun。Iwould，—I’dlethercatchit！”
“No，noRosa，”saidEva，withanairofcommand，whichthechildcouldassumeattimes；“youmustn’ttalkso，Rosa。Ican’tbeartohearit。”
“Lasakes！MissEva，you’ssogood，youdon’tknownothinghowtogetalongwithniggers。There’snowaybuttocut’emwellup，Itellye。”
“Rosa！”saidEva，“hush！Don’tyousayanotherwordofthatsort！”andtheeyeofthechildflashed，andhercheekdeepeneditscolor。
Rosawascowedinamoment。
“MissEvahasgottheSt。Clarebloodinher，that’splain。Shecanspeak，foralltheworld，justlikeherpapa，”shesaid，asshepassedoutoftheroom。
EvastoodlookingatTopsy。
Therestoodthetwochildrenrepresentativesofthetwoextremesofsociety。Thefair，high-bredchild，withhergoldenhead，herdeepeyes，herspiritual，noblebrow，andprince-likemovements；andherblack，keen，subtle，cringing，yetacuteneighbor。Theystoodtherepresentativesoftheirraces。TheSaxon，bornofagesofcultivation，command，education，physicalandmoraleminence；theAfric，bornofagesofoppression，submission，ignorance，toilandvice！
Something，perhaps，ofsuchthoughtsstruggledthroughEva’smind。Butachild’sthoughtsareratherdim，undefinedinstincts；andinEva’snoblenaturemanysuchwereyearningandworking，forwhichshehadnopowerofutterance。WhenMissOpheliaexpatiatedonTopsy’snaughty，wickedconduct，thechildlookedperplexedandsorrowful，butsaid，sweetly。
“PoorTopsy，whyneedyousteal？You’regoingtobetakengoodcareofnow。I’msureI’drathergiveyouanythingofmine，thanhaveyoustealit。”
Itwasthefirstwordofkindnessthechildhadeverheardinherlife；andthesweettoneandmannerstruckstrangelyonthewild，rudeheart，andasparkleofsomethinglikeatearshoneinthekeen，round，glitteringeye；butitwasfollowedbytheshortlaughandhabitualgrin。No！theearthathasneverheardanythingbutabuseisstrangelyincredulousofanythingsoheavenlyaskindness；andTopsyonlythoughtEva’sspeechsomethingfunnyandinexplicable，—shedidnotbelieveit。
ButwhatwastobedonewithTopsy？MissOpheliafoundthecaseapuzzler；herrulesforbringingupdidn’tseemtoapply。Shethoughtshewouldtaketimetothinkofit；and，bythewayofgainingtime，andinhopesofsomeindefinitemoralvirtuessupposedtobeinherentindarkclosets，MissOpheliashutTopsyupinonetillshehadarrangedherideasfurtheronthesubject。
“Idon’tsee，”saidMissOpheliatoSt。Clare，“howI’mgoingtomanagethatchild，withoutwhippingher。”
“Well，whipher，then，toyourheart’scontent；I’llgiveyoufullpowertodowhatyoulike。”
“Childrenalwayshavetobewhipped，”saidMissOphelia；“Ineverheardofbringingthemupwithout。”
“O，well，certainly，”saidSt。Clare；“doasyouthinkbest。OnlyI’llmakeonesuggestion:I’veseenthischildwhippedwithapoker，knockeddownwiththeshovelortongs，whichevercamehandiest，&c。；and，seeingthatsheisusedtothatstyleofoperation，Ithinkyourwhippingswillhavetobeprettyenergetic，tomakemuchimpression。”
“Whatistobedonewithher，then？”saidMissOphelia。
“Youhavestartedaseriousquestion，”saidSt。Clare；“Iwishyou’danswerit。Whatistobedonewithahumanbeingthatcanbegovernedonlybythelash，—thatfails，—it’saverycommonstateofthingsdownhere！”
“I’msureIdon’tknow；Ineversawsuchachildasthis。”
“Suchchildrenareverycommonamongus，andsuchmenandwomen，too。Howaretheytobegoverned？”saidSt。Clare。
“I’msureit’smorethanIcansay，”saidMissOphelia。
“OrIeither，”saidSt。Clare。“Thehorridcrueltiesandoutragesthatonceandawhilefindtheirwayintothepapers，—suchcasesasPrue’s，forexample，—whatdotheycomefrom？Inmanycases，itisagradualhardeningprocessonbothsides，—theownergrowingmoreandmorecruel，astheservantmoreandmorecallous。Whippingandabusearelikelaudanum；youhavetodoublethedoseasthesensibilitiesdecline。IsawthisveryearlywhenIbecameanowner；andIresolvednevertobegin，becauseIdidnotknowwhenIshouldstop，—andIresolved，atleast，toprotectmyownmoralnature。Theconsequenceis，thatmyservantsactlikespoiledchildren；butIthinkthatbetterthanforusbothtobebrutalizedtogether。Youhavetalkedagreatdealaboutourresponsibilitiesineducating，Cousin。Ireallywantedyoutotrywithonechild，whoisaspecimenofthousandsamongus。”
“Itisyoursystemmakessuchchildren，”saidMissOphelia。
“Iknowit；buttheyaremade，—theyexist，—andwhatistobedonewiththem？”
“Well，Ican’tsayIthankyoufortheexperiment。But，then，asitappearstobeaduty，Ishallpersevereandtry，anddothebestIcan，”saidMissOphelia；andMissOphelia，afterthis，didlabor，withacommendabledegreeofzealandenergy，onhernewsubject。Sheinstitutedregularhoursandemploymentsforher，andundertooktoteachhertoreadandsew。
Intheformerart，thechildwasquickenough。Shelearnedherlettersasifbymagic，andwasverysoonabletoreadplainreading；butthesewingwasamoredifficultmatter。Thecreaturewasaslitheasacat，andasactiveasamonkey，andtheconfinementofsewingwasherabomination；soshebrokeherneedles，threwthemslylyoutofthewindow，ordowninchinksofthewalls；shetangled，broke，anddirtiedherthread，or，withaslymovement，wouldthrowaspoolawayaltogether。Hermotionswerealmostasquickasthoseofapractisedconjurer，andhercommandofherfacequiteasgreat；andthoughMissOpheliacouldnothelpfeelingthatsomanyaccidentscouldnotpossiblyhappeninsuccession，yetshecouldnot，withoutawatchfulnesswhichwouldleavehernotimeforanythingelse，detecther。
Topsywassoonanotedcharacterintheestablishment。Hertalentforeveryspeciesofdrollery，grimace，andmimicry，—fordancing，tumbling，climbing，singing，whistling，imitatingeverysoundthathitherfancy，—seemedinexhaustible。Inherplay-hours，sheinvariablyhadeverychildintheestablishmentatherheels，open-mouthedwithadmirationandwonder，—notexceptingMissEva，whoappearedtobefascinatedbyherwilddiablerie，asadoveissometimescharmedbyaglitteringserpent。MissOpheliawasuneasythatEvashouldfancyTopsy’ssocietysomuch，andimploredSt。Claretoforbidit。
“Poh！letthechildalone，”saidSt。Clare。“Topsywilldohergood。”
“Butsodepravedachild，—areyounotafraidshewillteachhersomemischief？”
“Shecan’tteachhermischief；shemightteachittosomechildren，butevilrollsoffEva’smindlikedewoffacabbage-leaf，—notadropsinksin。”
“Don’tbetoosure，”saidMissOphelia。“IknowI’dneverletachildofmineplaywithTopsy。”
“Well，yourchildrenneedn’t，”saidSt。Clare，“butminemay；ifEvacouldhavebeenspoiled，itwouldhavebeendoneyearsago。”
Topsywasatfirstdespisedandcontemnedbytheupperservants。Theysoonfoundreasontoaltertheiropinion。ItwasverysoondiscoveredthatwhoevercastanindignityonTopsywassuretomeetwithsomeinconvenientaccidentshortlyafter；—eitherapairofear-ringsorsomecherishedtrinketwouldbemissing，oranarticleofdresswouldbesuddenlyfoundutterlyruined，orthepersonwouldstumbleaccidentlyintoapailofhotwater，oralibationofdirtyslopwouldunaccountablydelugethemfromabovewheninfullgaladress；-andonalltheseoccasions，wheninvestigationwasmade，therewasnobodyfoundtostandsponsorfortheindignity。Topsywascited，andhadupbeforeallthedomesticjudicatories，timeandagain；butalwayssustainedherexaminationswithmostedifyinginnocenceandgravityofappearance。Nobodyintheworldeverdoubtedwhodidthethings；butnotascrapofanydirectevidencecouldbefoundtoestablishthesuppositions，andMissOpheliawastoojusttofeelatlibertytoproceedtoanylengthwithoutit。
Themischiefsdonewerealwayssonicelytimed，also，asfurthertosheltertheaggressor。Thus，thetimesforrevengeonRosaandJane，thetwochambermaids，werealwayschoseninthoseseasonswhen(asnotunfrequentlyhappened)theywereindisgracewiththeirmistress，whenanycomplaintfromthemwouldofcoursemeetwithnosympathy。Inshort，Topsysoonmadethehouseholdunderstandtheproprietyoflettingheralone；andshewasletalone，accordingly。
Topsywassmartandenergeticinallmanualoperations，learningeverythingthatwastaughtherwithsurprisingquickness。Withafewlessons，shehadlearnedtodotheproprietiesofMissOphelia’schamberinawaywithwhicheventhatparticularladycouldfindnofault。Mortalhandscouldnotlayspreadsmoother，adjustpillowsmoreaccurately，sweepanddustandarrangemoreperfectly，thanTopsy，whenshechose，—butshedidn’tveryoftenchoose。IfMissOphelia，afterthreeorfourdaysofcarefulpatientsupervision，wassosanguineastosupposethatTopsyhadatlastfallenintoherway，coulddowithoutover-looking，andsogooffandbusyherselfaboutsomethingelse，Topsywouldholdaperfectcarnivalofconfusion，forsomeoneortwohours。Insteadofmakingthebed，shewouldamuseherselfwithpullingoffthepillowcases，buttingherwoollyheadamongthepillows，tillitwouldsometimesbegrotesquelyornamentedwithfeathersstickingoutinvariousdirections；shewouldclimbtheposts，andhangheaddownwardfromthetops；flourishthesheetsandspreadsallovertheapartment；dressthebolsterupinMissOphelia’snight-clothes，andenactvariousperformanceswiththat，—singingandwhistling，andmakinggrimacesatherselfinthelooking-glass；inshort，asMissOpheliaphrasedit，“raisingCain”generally。
Ononeoccasion，MissOpheliafoundTopsywithherverybestscarletIndiaCantoncrapeshawlwoundroundherheadforaturban，goingonwithherrehearsalsbeforetheglassingreatstyle，—MissOpheliahaving，withcarelessnessmostunheard-ofinher，leftthekeyforonceinherdrawer。
“Topsy！”shewouldsay，whenattheendofallpatience，“whatdoesmakeyouactso？”
“Dunno，Missis，—IspectscauseI’ssowicked！”
“Idon’tknowanythingwhatIshalldowithyou，Topsy。”
“Law，Missis，youmustwhipme；myoldMissisallerswhippedme。Ian’tusedtoworkin’unlessIgetswhipped。”
“Why，Topsy，Idon’twanttowhipyou。Youcandowell，ifyou’veamindto；whatisthereasonyouwon’t？”
“Laws，Missis，I’susedtowhippin’；Ispectsit’sgoodforme。”
MissOpheliatriedtherecipe，andTopsyinvariablymadeaterriblecommotion，screaming，groaningandimploring，thoughhalfanhourafterwards，whenroostedonsomeprojectionofthebalcony，andsurroundedbyaflockofadmiring“younguns，”shewouldexpresstheutmostcontemptofthewholeaffair。
“Law，MissFeelywhip！—wouldn’tkillaskeeter，herwhippins。OughterseehowoldMas’rmadethefleshfly；oldMas’rknow’dhow！”
Topsyalwaysmadegreatcapitalofherownsinsandenormities，evidentlyconsideringthemassomethingpeculiarlydistinguishing。
“Law，youniggers，”shewouldsaytosomeofherauditors，“doesyouknowyou’sallsinners？Well，youis—everybodyis。Whitefolksissinnerstoo，—MissFeelysaysso；butIspectsniggersisthebiggestones；butlor！yean’tanyonyeuptome。I’ssoawfulwickedtherecan’tnobodydonothin’withme。IusedtokeepoldMissisaswarin’atmehalfdetime。IspectsI’sthewickedestcritterintheworld；”andTopsywouldcutasummerset，andcomeupbriskandshiningontoahigherperch，andevidentlyplumeherselfonthedistinction。
MissOpheliabusiedherselfveryearnestlyonSundays，teachingTopsythecatechism。Topsyhadanuncommonverbalmemory，andcommittedwithafluencythatgreatlyencouragedherinstructress。
“Whatgooddoyouexpectitisgoingtodoher？”saidSt。Clare。
“Why，italwayshasdonechildrengood。It’swhatchildrenalwayshavetolearn，youknow，”saidMissOphelia。
“Understanditornot，”saidSt。Clare。
“O，childrenneverunderstanditatthetime；but，aftertheyaregrownup，it’llcometothem。”
“Minehasn’tcometomeyet，”saidSt。Clare，“thoughI’llbeartestimonythatyouputitintomeprettythoroughlywhenIwasaboy。”’
“Ah，youwerealwaysgoodatlearning，Augustine。Iusedtohavegreathopesofyou，”saidMissOphelia。
“Well，haven’tyounow？”saidSt。Clare。
“Iwishyouwereasgoodasyouwerewhenyouwereaboy，Augustine。”
“SodoI，that’safact，Cousin，”saidSt。Clare。“Well，goaheadandcatechizeTopsy；maybeyou’llmakeoutsomethingyet。”
Topsy，whohadstoodlikeablackstatueduringthisdiscussion，withhandsdecentlyfolded，now，atasignalfromMissOphelia，wenton:
“Ourfirstparents，beinglefttothefreedomoftheirownwill，fellfromthestatewhereintheywerecreated。”
Topsy’seyestwinkled，andshelookedinquiringly。
“Whatisit，Topsy？”saidMissOphelia。
“Please，Missis，wasdatarstateKintuck？”
“Whatstate，Topsy？”
“Datstatedeyfelloutof。IusedtohearMas’rtellhowwecamedownfromKintuck。”
St。Clarelaughed。
“You’llhavetogiveherameaning，orshe’llmakeone，”saidhe。“Thereseemstobeatheoryofemigrationsuggestedthere。”
“O！Augustine，bestill，”saidMissOphelia；“howcanIdoanything，ifyouwillbelaughing？”
“Well，Iwon’tdisturbtheexercisesagain，onmyhonor；”andSt。Claretookhispaperintotheparlor，andsatdown，tillTopsyhadfinishedherrecitations。Theywereallverywell，onlythatnowandthenshewouldoddlytransposesomeimportantwords，andpersistinthemistake，inspiteofeveryefforttothecontrary；andSt。Clare，afterallhispromisesofgoodness，tookawickedpleasureinthesemistakes，callingTopsytohimwheneverhehadamindtoamusehimself，andgettinghertorepeattheoffendingpassages，inspiteofMissOphelia’sremonstrances。
“HowdoyouthinkIcandoanythingwiththechild，ifyouwillgoonso，Augustine？”shewouldsay。
“Well，itistoobad，—Iwon’tagain；butIdoliketohearthedrolllittleimagestumbleoverthosebigwords！”
“Butyouconfirmherinthewrongway。”
“What’stheodds？Onewordisasgoodasanothertoher。”
“Youwantedmetobringherupright；andyououghttoremembersheisareasonablecreature，andbecarefulofyourinfluenceoverher。”
“O，dismal！soIought；but，asTopsyherselfsays，‘I’ssowicked！’”
InverymuchthiswayTopsy’strainingproceeded，forayearortwo，—MissOpheliaworryingherself，fromdaytoday，withher，asakindofchronicplague，towhoseinflictionsshebecame，intime，asaccustomed，aspersonssometimesdototheneuralgiaorsickheadache。
St。Claretookthesamekindofamusementinthechildthatamanmightinthetricksofaparrotorapointer。Topsy，wheneverhersinsbroughtherintodisgraceinotherquarters，alwaystookrefugebehindhischair；andSt。Clare，inonewayorother，wouldmakepeaceforher。Fromhimshegotmanyastraypicayune，whichshelaidoutinnutsandcandies，anddistributed，withcarelessgenerosity，toallthechildreninthefamily；forTopsy，todoherjustice，wasgood-naturedandliberal，andonlyspitefulinself-defence。Sheisfairlyintroducedintoourcorpsbeballet，andwillfigure，fromtimetotime，inherturn，withotherperformers。
