" Then he would speak the name of Clotelle and say, "My dear
child, how I love you!"
After a sleepless night, Gertrude arose from her couch, resolved
that she would reveal the whole matter to her mother. Mrs. Miller
was a woman of little or no feeling, proud, peevish, and
passionate, thus making everybody miserable that came near her;
and when she disliked any one, her hatred knew no bounds. This
Gertrude knew; and had she not considered it her duty, she would
have kept the secret locked in her own heart.
During the day, Mrs. Linwood visited her mother and told her all
that had happened. The mother scolded the daughter for not having
informed her sooner, and immediately determined to find out who
the woman and child were that Gertrude had met on the day of her
ride. Three days were spent by Mrs. Miller in this endeavor, but
without success.
Four weeks had elapsed, and the storm of the old lady's temper had
somewhat subsided, when, one evening, as she was approaching her
daughter's residence, she saw Henry walking, in the direction of
where the quadroon was supposed to reside. Feeling satisfied that
the young man had not seen her, the old women at once resolved to
follow him. Linwood's boots squeaked so loudly that Mrs. Miller
had no difficulty in following him without being herself observed.
After a walk of about two miles, the young man turned into a narrow
and unfrequented road, and soon entered the cottage occupied by
Isabella. It was a fine starlight night, and the moon was just
rising when they got to their journey's end.
Pages:
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63