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。
