[Thomas Detter, The Octoroon Slave of Cuba, from Nellie Brown, or, The jealous wife with other sketches (1871)]

 

OCTOROON SLAVE OF CUBA.

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            Jane Gray was the daughter of a wealthy physician of New Orleans. She possessed all the requirements of a finished education. She was handsome and charming. She swayed a magical influence over her associates. She moved in the first circles of society ; she made many friends — none had less enemies. She was left an orphan at the tender age of one year and three months. Her father's brother adopted her. They spared neither money nor pains to educate her. Her father left her a handsome fortune at his death. Jane knew but little concerning her mother. She often heard Mrs. James Gray remark what a beautiful girl her sister Louisa was. How unfortunate it was she had been kidnapped. Jane never would have known that she had a sister, if it was not for the information derived from Mrs. Gray. She had many admirers. Gentlemen of refinement and wealth sought to capture her noble heart. These offers she declined. Through the course of social events she made the acquaintance of a Mr. Zevoe, a Cuban planter. He was by no means prepossessing or attractive, but he was reported to be worth two millions of dollars.

            He was not long in securing her consent to unite with him in the sacred bonds of matrimony. Her adopted father and mother were not well pleased with her choice, but offered no serious objections. They regretted it much, because their blood had

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been kept pure so many generations with but a slight mixture of African- blood coursing through Jane's veins (of which fact she was ignorant), should now be corrupted with Spanish mixture. However, they were married on the twenty-sixth day of September. Shortly after, they obtained passage on the old ship " Sea Monster," which was advertised to sail on the first day of October for Cuba. They made every preparation that was necessary for the voyage. On the morning of the first of October, at half-past eight o'clock, according to arrangement, a carriage was at the door of the residence. The morning was indeed lovely, and seemed to be the omen of happiness and joy to bride and groom. The two parlors were crowded with her friends and acquaintances, who came to bid her farewell. Many who could not gain access, rushed to the steamer to await their coming.

            It was, indeed, a day long to be remembered. Women wept. Strong men with warm hearts could not conceal their tears. The bride and the groom entered the coach, accompanied by her adopted parents. The driver was not long in whirling them to the landing, where were congregated a host of her friends, who crowded aboard of the steamer to bid her an affectionate farewell. The captain, in the course of thirty minutes, gave orders to notify the guests to go ashore, which they did many with tears coursing down their cheeks. The signal was then given to cast off the moorings. Jane rushed on deck to gaze upon her friends ashore. By this time the steamer was drifting out in the deep and heading for the ocean, Jane Zevoe was so much affected, she could scarcely wave her handkerchief as a token of farewell. Jane lost

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sight of her friends in the distance. She then cast her weary eyes upon the stately domes and edifices of her native city. She looked eagerly upon them, until they faded from her view in the glorious sunlight of an Autumn day. Strange emotions filled her soul as the ocean widened the space between her and the home of her childhood. She retired to her state-room to reflect upon the scenes and pleasures of the past.

            She wept long and bitterly. Her husband tried to soothe her grief by telling her to cast her all on him. To her he would be a father and a husband.

            Nothing worthy of note transpired during the voyage. On the fifth day of October, the gallant ship cast anchor in the harbor of Havana. At half-past eight o'clock in the morning, Mr. and Mrs. Zevoe went ashore and ordered breakfast and a suite of rooms at the Planters' Hotel. Here they remained, recruiting themselves from the effects of their late voyage. Here she was the centre of attraction, and received many calls from the nobility of Cuba. She received the blessings of many who hoped that the radiant sunbeams of happiness and joy would shine brightly around her pathway.

            On the twelfth day of October, her husband procured a carriage. They left early on that morning for his plantation, which was sixteen miles from the city of Havana. They arrived safe at four o'clock at their country mansion, which was not at all prepossessing to the bride for its architecture. Rachel, the negro servant, after shaking hands with her master, received a slight introduction to her, new mistress, whom she escorted to the parlor, which looked cheerless and ancient to Mrs. Zevoe. The

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only furniture that it contained was a half dozen cane-bottom chairs, an old dingy desk, a settee, a rocking chair, and a plain old fashioned bureau. The floor was not robed with purple carpet, but was dressed with plain, common matting. Jane made herself as cheerful as circumstances would permit. She felt as though her brightest and happiest days had passed. Mr. Zevoe, after settling with the driver and arranging outside matters, entered the parlor.

            He saw at a glance that she was neither cheerful nor happy. He engaged in conversation with her in regard to his future plans and prospects. While they were conversing, Rachel was busying herself preparing for supper. When the repast was ready she notified Mr. and Mrs. Zevoe. They entered the dining-room, which exhibited neither taste nor style. She partook of the supper, which did not suit her palate or appetite. After supper she concluded to take an observation of the rooms in the dwelling. Rachel, being delighted with her appearance, offered to escort her, which offer was accepted. They were not long in exploring the premises. She was more disappointed than she had been previously. They contained nothing worthy of note. She told Rachel she felt greatly disappointed in the appearance of things, but requested Rachel not to speak of it to her Master. She returned to the parlor unable to disguise her feelings.

            He again renewed the conversation and asked her how she liked the appearance of things. She smiled, but not cheerfully, and said:

            " I suppose it will do."

            He then told her that he intended to furnish the house complete, and had left his order in New York,

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which he expected would arrive in thirty days. She thought it very strange that he did not have the house furnished previous to their arrival. He offered some slight excuse. The clock chimed ten, and they retired to bed. They arose next morning at eight and breakfasted, after which they took a morning walk. The air was pure, invigorating and fragrant with the odor of flowers. The sun was just climbing the eastern horizon, spreading its golden rays over Nature's favored landscape. The birds were pouring forth their melodies. All Nature seemed to lend its beauties and loveliness to welcome Jane Zevoe. Yet she was not happy. She told her husband of a strange dream she had during the night about her long lost sister. She saw her and conversed with her. He asked her under what circumstances she left.

            " I only know what I learned from my adopted parents concerning Louisa," said Jane; " she was playing with some children in the neighborhood. She was not more than six or seven years of age at the time and was induced to follow a man under the promise of presenting her with candy and toys. She has never been seen from that day to this. They say they advertised for her in every paper in the State and offered large rewards for her recovery. That is all I know about it. I would give the world, with all its wealth, to see her. They tell me she is the striking likeness of my father."

            " My dear, I sympathize with you. A sister's love is incomprehensible to one like myself. I have not a relative living on earth; but I will use my endeavors to assist you to recover her. I have a slave on this plantation that anybody would take to

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be you, not knowing that she had African blood in her veins."

            " Ah, indeed," said Mrs. Zevoe; " I am sure she is not a relative of mine, for my family are of pure Saxon blood; nevertheless I would like to see her."

            By this time they had returned to the house. He excused himself and left to attend to some business on the plantation. Mrs. Zevoe entered into conversation with Rachel and asked:

            " Have you ever seen a colored woman on the plantation that your master says resembles me so much ?"

            " I have; she resembles you slightly." "Where did you come from, Rachel ?" asked Mrs. Zevoe.

            " I came from New Orleans."

            " Is it possible," says Mrs. Zevoe, " that you come from my native state, tell me who you belonged to there ?"

            I was owned when quite small, by a man named William Jackson. His property was attached for debt; myself and mother, including other slaves, were sold at public auction in New Orleans. A Doctor Gray purchased me to take care of a little girl called Jane, whose mother and an older sister the doctor sold, because she displeased him. He took a fancy to little Jane, and concluded to raise and educate her."

            " Did you ever see the woman and child he sold ?"

            " No, madam; they were sold before I went to live with the doctor."

            " How old do you think the girl was when she was sold ?"

            " I have heard others say she was between six and seven."

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            " How old was this child Jane, when you went to nurse her ?"

            " She was just able to toddle around a chair; indeed, I often felt sorry for the dear little creature; although I took great care of it. It ate and slept with me."

            " How long did you live with the doctor ?"

            " Nine months."

            "Why did you leave him ?"

            "  He died during the nine months. His brother was left executor of the doctor's estate: they concluded to adopt little Jane as their own child. The doctor's brother was opposed to holding slaves; he sold me to a minister, who promised to take good care of me. I went to live with him; his wife's health was very poor. They concluded to take a trip to Cuba to improve her health. We arrived here safe. I waited upon her day and night; by constant care and attention a change took place for the better, and in six months she finally recovered. For my faithful attention to her, they promised never to part with me. After remaining here eight months, they concluded again to return to Louisiana. The day before they left I was notified, by a gentleman, that I was his individual property. This I could not believe; I rushed into the sitting-room, where my mistress was, and asked her if such were the facts. She replied:

            "' Rachel, our means are about exhausted. Mr. Cook was compelled to dispose of you to raise funds, as he did not wish to send home for more means. I think, Rachel, you have a good master in Mr. Zevoe, and a comfortable home, so you must endeavor to make yourself contented.' Tears coursed down my cheeks as those words fell from her lips.

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I long entertained the hope of returning home with them."

            " Indeed, they treated you very mean. But you must put your trust in God. His blessings and His mercies He bestows upon the just and the good. His vengeance and His wrath shall visit the unjust. I shall do all in my power to make matters pleasant for you during my stay."

            Rachel thanked her kindly.

            The following morning Mrs. Zevoe and Rachel prepared themselves to call and see Louisa. Rachel remarked before leaving the house:

            " Mr. Zevoe would not like it, as he notified me to have no communication with her whatever, and I have not seen her but once since I have been here."

            " What does she do, Rachel ?"

            " I don't think she does anything more than take care of her house and children when they are at home."

            " Is not her children with her ?"

            " No, madam; Mr. Zevoe wrote from New Orleans before he started, to have the children moved to the Lower Plantation, which orders were complied with."

            " Who is the father of her children ?"

            Rachel smiled, and said:

            " Indeed, I could not say."

            " Whether it pleases or displeases Mr. Zevoe, we shall call to see her. What is the distance from here to her house ?"

            " Three miles."

            " It will be a pleasant walk for us."

            They started and by half-past nine o'clock stood in front of a neat cabin, covered with honey-suckles.

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They knocked. The door was opened by a woman who was fairer than her master, prepossessing in her appearance and affable. Rachel remarked to Louise:

            " I wish to introduce you to our new mistress, Mrs. Zevoe."

            Here stood the handmaid of slavery and the queen of refinement. Louisa acknowledged her superiority with a polite bow. Mrs. Zevoe saw at a glance a striking resemblence between Louisa and her father's portrait, which hung in the parlors of her adopted parents. They entered into conversation, during which Mrs. Zevoe asked Louisa where she was from. She answered:

            " I was born in the city of New Orleans."

            " When did you leave there ?"

            " I suppose it is now about eighteen years."

            " Under what circumstances did you leave ?"

            " My mother and I were sold to a planter in Texas, by the name of Cravan. He promised not to separate us. After living with him one year, he sold me to a man by the name of Hood, whom I must say had neither principle nor honor. I declared I would not live with him. He sold me to Mrs. Zevoe, the father of your husband."

            " How long have you been here ?"

            " Nearly ten years."

            " Are you married ?"

            " I am not, although the mother of three children."

            " Pray tell me who is the father of your children?"

            Louisa hesitated a few moments and said:

            " It is not for me to say; you will know, perhaps, if you remain on the plantation."

            Mrs. Zevoe could scarcely suppress her love and affection for Louisa. She believed her to be her long-lost sister. She asked:

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            " I suppose you have some knowledge of your mother?"

            " I have; I often see her tall form and her cheerful countenance in my mind."

            " Was she handsome ?"

            " She was not; but she had one of the sweetest dispositions that a woman was ever blessed with."

            " What was her complexion ?"

            " She was a brown-copper color, with long wavy hair and good features."

            " Had she any other children besides yourself ? "

            " She had a baby called Jane, of which I have a faint recollection."

            Louisa and Rachel both noticed that Mrs. Zevoe labored under great mental embarrassment which she was endeavoring to overcome. Louisa and Rachel were intelligent and might be regarded as judges of human nature. They knew not what wrought upon her feelings, unless she believed that Mr. Zevoe was the father of Louisa's children.

            " Louisa," said Mrs. Zevoe, "I pity your condition."

            Here again, her feelings showed signs of distress.

            " I may be of service to you. If I can possibly better your condition, I shall use my best endeavors to do so."

            She bade her good-bye, and promised to see her at an early day. She was convinced Louisa was her sister, and that Rachel had watched over her when a little infant; but she revealed the secret to neither of them. She remarked to Rachel on their return:

            " I want you to tell me, confidentially, what you think of Mr. Zevoe. I have, in a degree, lost confidence in the man. I believe he gambles. My reasons for thinking so is — he sat up two nights on

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our voyage and came in to the state-room several times to get sums of money. Besides I have detected him in several stories."

            " If I can speak with you confidentially, I will post you a little," replied Rachel.

            " You can place implicit confidence in me. I will never divulge a word of it."

            " I am sorry for you; I know him well. He is not the man to make you happy. I am expecting every day to see every thing on this plantation attached for debt, myself included."

            " Can it be possible ?"

            " Yes; it is mortgaged for every dollar it is worth!'

            " Oh, heavens I what silly creatures women are to be duped by such men. But say nothing. I will endeavor by stratagem to secure your freedom. Do you believe he left his orders in New York for furniture to be shipped ?"

            Rachel shook her head, and said:

            " You don't know the man."

            " I have made up my mind firmly to make my stay here but short. Has he anything ?"

            " He has a small plantation south of here, which I believe is not mortgaged. The overseer claims it in order to keep off his creditors. It is said to be worth thirty or forty thousand dollars."

            " If such is the fact, I shall try to revenge myself upon him."

            When they returned home, Mr. Zevoe was there. He had been absent nearly the entire day. Mrs. Zevoe approached him affectionately and kissed him. He said:

            " Dear Jane, I could not live without your presence."

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            " I am happy to know that you love me, and love me dearly," replied Mrs. Zevoe.

            " Have you been taking a walk ?"

            " I called to see your white slave."

            " I am surprised at your thinking that she is white."

            He continued the conversation by asking her what she thought of Louisa.

            Mrs. Zevoe carelessly remarked:

            " I think she would make me a good waiting-maid. With her and Rachel, I think I could run this establishment, and make myself contented. I have one request to make of you."

            " What is it, my dear?"

            " I want you to make me out a bill of sale in my own name for Louisa and Rachel, making them my own individual property."

            Mr. Zevoe laughed and said:

            " That is just what I intended doing."

            " Louisa has three children, has she not ?"

            He seemed for a moment silent. After recovering himself, he replied:

            " She has."

            " Who is the father of her children?"

            " That is a matter I have not troubled myself to ascertain. We are glad to have our property increase. It pays good interest on the money invested.'

            Mrs. Zevoe smiled, and said:

            " You will not think I am at all inquisitive. It is a matter that interests me but little."

            " To-morrow I will get Lawyer Wilson to draw up the papers. He will be in the neighborhood, and he promised to make me a call before returning."

            Accordingly, the lawyer arrived the following

OCTOROON SLAVE OF CUBA.    131

morning. Mr. Zevoe was not in at the time. The madam and him entered into conversation. She informed him what she desired him to do. Lawyer Wilson asked her if she had the consent of her husband, and if he would sign the papers. Mrs. Zevoe said he would. He then said:

            " It will be a capital thing for you. I have been his attorney for years."

            " How does his business matters stand ?"

            " They are not in a healthy condition. I shall advise him also to make over the Lower Plantation to you."

            " I hope you will. I think you have influence enough with him to affect it."

            During the conversation, Mr. Zevoe made his appearance and expressed himself highly gratified to see Lawyer Wilson. After conversing a few moments, he told the counsellor what he desired him to do in reference to Rachel and Louisa.

            " It is a wise act upon your part."

            The lawyer asked him to step outside; he wished to have a private conversation with him. They walked out and had quite a consultation. His attorney said:

            " Your affairs are in a critical condition. The mortgage on your property will be due in a few days. I am satisfied you are not in a condition to meet it. If so, you had better give your wife a deed also of the Lower Plantation."

            " You are aware that my overseer, Mr. Lamar, has a deed of that property.

            " I am satisfied he will cancel it if agreeable to you."

            " Perfectly."

            " Where is he ?"

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            " He left here a short time since for Havana on business; he will not return for several days."

            " I will see him in the city and have a talk with him about it."

            They then returned to the house and took the names of Louisa and Rachel, and their ages.

            " The documents will be prepared day after to-morrow. You must sign them, and I will have them recorded," said Lawyer Wilson.

            " I shall be in town in a day or two, and will call at your office."

            After dining, the lawyer bade them good day. The following day he met Mr. Lamar in the streets of Havana and spoke to him on the subject. He said he was perfectly willing to resign his claims to the plantation, notwithstanding Mr. Zevoe owed him some twelve hundred dollars; yet he had confidence that Mr. Zevoe would pay every dollar. Lawyer Wilson took him to the Recorder's office to cancel his claim, with the understanding that Mr. Zevoe would give him his note, with an endorser for the amount. The lawyer gave him his word that it would be done, and made out the papers, turning the estate, together with Louisa and her children and Rachel, over to Mrs. Zevoe. The second day following, Mr. Zevoe arrived in the city. The documents were signed and recorded.

            Mr. Zevoe told Lawyer Wilson that his wife wished him to call out and see her in the course of a few days. He said he would go and bring the documents with him. Owing to a pressure of business he was detained. He wrote her a letter congratulating her on her success — telling her he would call and see her as soon as an opportunity would

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afford. She wrote a reply asking him to make out free papers for Rachel and Louisa and her children, and to bring them when he came, but not to divulge it to any living soul.

            Mr. Zevoe was absent some days before returning. During this time, Mrs. Zevoe again called upon Louisa and said:

            " Louisa, the lost is found."

            " What have you lost and found ? "

            " I lost a beloved sister years ago."

            " She threw her arms around her neck, embraced and kissed her, and said:

            " You are my beloved sister."

            " Oh, heavens !" exclaimed Louisa, "can it be that this is my dear sister Jane ?"

            Mrs. Zevoe was overcome and could not utter a sentence. When she recovered, she said:

            " This is Jane. Oh ! how I have longed to see you. But much to my surprise and shame, I find you the victim of slavery and the concubine of your own master, who regards you and your children as chattels. What a cursed institution slavery is? How damning is its effects ! It fetters the intellect and robs virtue of its purest jewel. It brings shame and disgrace to the door of many a woman who would be an ornament to society, were it not for the cursed sin. Though a woman's skin be black, her soul can be as pure as the purest Saxon. I have been reared in the lap of luxury. I am the favored child of fortune."

            " Can you not redeem me from this life of shame and degradation ?" asked Louisa.

            " I will free you and your children at all hazards." They again embraced each other and wept. Jane said:

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            " You shall be as free as the air that blows. I desire you to keep this a secret to the grave. Do not reveal that I am the daughter of a Negro woman or the sister of a slave. It would blast my hopes forever in this life. It would leave a stain upon me that never could be wiped out. You know the prejudices that are entertained against persons in whose veins course the slightest mixture of African blood. I have moved in the first circles of society and have been the guest of the wealthiest families of my State. I was educated to believe I was of the purest Saxon blood. How humiliating it would be to me to be rejected and scorned because of my origin. I myself entertain no prejudices against caste, and acknowledge God to be the common father of the human family. But, Louisa, be cheerful. I will be your benefactor."

            She bade Louisa good-bye and requested her to call and bring the children to the house on the following Thursday. She then left for home. When she arrived Rachel told her that Lawyer Wilson had called and left a package for her, and that he regretted her absence.

            " I should have liked so much to have seen him," said Mrs. Zevoe.

            She took a seat and opened the package. It contained the documents making Rachel, Louisa and her children, and the Lower Plantation, her individual property. She felt much delighted, but did not mention it to Rachel. Mr. Zevoe returned from Havana the following morning. He did not find Mrs. Zevoe as cheerful as he expected. He told her what he had done in making her the sole owner of certain property. She thanked him and

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asked if the plantation on which they lived was free from debt. He said it was.

            " I heard in Havana that your home plantation was mortgaged for every dollar it was worth," said Mrs. Zevoe.

            " Nonsense; you know there are persons in this world who attend to everybody's business but their own. Such characters, my dear, envy you your wealth."

            Little did he think that she knew the depth of his purse and the amount of his liabilities. He supposed he had a young woman that would give herself more concern about social pleasures than business matters. But such was not the case. Mr. Zevoe, after they had quite a chat, asked her if she would not loan him fifteen hundred dollars as he had a speculation in view which would pay him well for the amount invested.

            " You are aware that you have already used some twenty-five hundred dollars of my money."

            " I am; I will have a check from New York in a few days for ten thousand dollars. Then I will return you the amount."

            "As you are expecting it in a few days, you had better not make any investment until you receive it."

            Mrs. Zevoe winked at Rachel and smiled. Mr. Zevoe left the house. Mrs. Zevoe laughed, and remarked to Rachel :

            " I judge he takes me to be an unsophisticated wife."

            " I think so too."

            " Rachel, you will see a change here on Thursday next."

            " Do you intend leaving us so soon ?"

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            " You will know when the time comes."

            Rachel was totally ignorant of what Mrs. Zevoe had in contemplation, or of the relationship existing between Louisa and Mrs. Zevoe.

            " I trust you will never leave me here," said Rachel.

            " Keep a good heart. Be hopeful. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform."

            " That is true. I have been a believer in His goodness and His mercy for a number of years."

            " Still trust in Him," said Mrs. Zevoe.

            Mr. Zevoe returned to the house, but did not seem to be in very good humor.

            Nothing special transpired until Thursday morning, when Louisa arrived with her children. Mr. Zevoe was the first person Louisa met when she approached the house. He remarked:

            " How do you do, Louisa ? I suppose you have called to make your mistress a visit."

            She smiled. He then spoke to her in a tone not audible. Rachel was busying herself about the kitchen, yet she had an eye on her master and Louisa. Mr. Z. requested her to go in the kitchen and take a seat and he would notify her mistress of her arrival. He walked into the parlor and told Mrs. Zevoe that her maid had come.

            " Who ?" she asked.

            " Louisa and her brats."

            " Ask her to walk in the parlor."

            On her entering the parlor, neither Jane nor Louisa betrayed any signs of friendship. Mrs. Zevoe remarked to Louisa:

            " Are those your children ?"

            " Yes," replied Louisa.

            " They are fine and healthy looking."

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            Mr. Zevoe sat without taking any part in the conversation. It was the first time that Mrs. Zevoe had seen Louisa's children. After learning the names of the children, she took little Eddy by the hand and said in an excited tone:

            " Mr. Zevoe, I have the painful duty of introducing you to your own children. They are bone of your bone, flesh of your flesh."

            He started from his seat, saying:

            " Madam, I deny the charge."

            Mrs. Zevoe, pointing to little Eddy, said :

            " That child alone is sufficient evidence to convict you of the charge in any Court; he is, indeed, a photograph of the man who disowns his own children, that a king would be proud of."

            " Your brain, madam, must be diseased."

            " Louisa, upon this issue is hinged your freedom and future happiness. I ask you a question to-day that I never asked you before. Are not these children Charles Zevoe's ?"

            Louisa hung her head and blushed.

            " I wish you to tell me the whole truth," said Mrs. Zevoe.

            Louisa, in a tremulous voice, said :

            " They are."

            Mr. Zevoe rushed towards Louisa like a madman. Jane stepped between them, as fearless as a Roman soldier, and defied him to lay his hands upon her at the peril of his life, and exclaimed :

            " I have sworn this day, in the presence of high heaven, never to live with you again. I have decreed my own divorce. She, sir, was as pure as the fleeting snow until you robbed her of chastity and liberty. If you possessed a spark of manhood, you would love her and honor her chil-

138      OCTOROON SLAVE OF CUBA.

dren. You regard her as your inferior, because a tinge of African blood courses through her veins. She is too noble a creature to be your slave or your wife."

            Under that roof, slavery and freedom met hope and despair. Joy and sorrow each struggled to defend freedom's claims. Jane, armed with the weapons of Justice and Truth, struck slavery a terrible blow. Her soul was inflamed, her feelings aroused and her pride wounded, to find her sister the subject of slavery.

            Jane continued:

            " It is to her, sir, you owe your love and affection. She has borne you three lovely children."

            Louisa was much affected, Rachel stood by with tears in her eyes. Mr. Zevoe remained silent. His very soul wrung with bitterness. She took Louisa by the hand and led her affectionately to where he was seated.

            " Charles Zevoe, I ask you to-day — will you not accept of Louisa to be your wedded wife. My name is no longer Jane Zevoe, but Jane Gray."

            He spoke not a sentence. Mrs. Zevoe said:

            " Louisa, by power in me invested, I install you mistress of this castle. Here are papers securing to you and your children freedom. I will also make you a deed to the Lower Plantation. I will secure Lawyer Wilson to see that you are protected in your liberty and property. God forbid I should reap the benefits of that which justly belongs to you and your children. Be careful and do not allow yourself to be swindled out of the property I shall deed to you. I stand here to-day as a minister of justice and the advocate of human rights. I ask you, Charles Zevoe, in the presence of high heaven,

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will you not take Louisa to be your wife ? Treat her as a companion, not as a slave. Your silence, I suppose, gives consent."

            She then placed her hand in his. Lifting her eyes heavenward, offered a fervent and devout prayer, and pronounced them man and wife. She kissed each of them and blessed the children. She then said to Louisa:

            " I wish to speak with you privately."

            They entered the adjoining room. She said:

            " To-morrow morning I shall bid you farewell !" Neither could subdue their feelings.

            " Dear sister," said Louisa, " do you intend to leave me ? What will become of me ?"

            " I am ever your sister in the bonds of affection; you must write me often—under an assumed name.  I expect a carriage to arrive here every moment. If it arrives we shall be off to-morrow morning, bright and early."

            " Do you intend to take Rachel with you ? "

            " Yes, poor thing, I could not think of leaving her behind. She will be the only recompense I will have for the twenty-five hundred dollars that Mr. Zevoe used of my money. I have her free papers in my possession and will give them to her when we arrive in New Orleans."

            On her return to the room she said:

            " Charles Zevoe, I freely forgive you for the injuries I received at your hands. I will not expose you. My parting request is to treat Louisa as becomes a husband. Educate your children and respect her. I will wear the weeds of mourning for you when I return to that home where the sunshine of gladness, joy and peace ever shed its effulgent rays. No night of gloom or sadness entered its

140      OCTOROON SLAVE OF CUBA

chambers. If you are asked for I will tell my friends I have buried you in the sea of forgetfulness. However unpleasant it may be, circumstances compel me to pursue this course. However sacred the bonds of matrimony may be regarded, I look upon it as being a civil contract between the parties, and when either wilfully and knowingly violate its duties, I hold it to be the duty of the injured party to seek redress. There is no law, temporal or Divine, that can compel a woman or a man to live with those who are repugnant to them. It behooves every individual to seek happiness, regardless of the smiles and frowns of the world. Personal pride induces many to eke out a miserable existence, who have married persons not adapted to them in feeling or disposition. I, this day, decree my own divorce. Whether censured or sustained by public sentiment — I care not. Honesty, virtue, truth and diligence cling together and hang around the neck of memory."

            " Can it be that you had discarded my affections, deceived and betrayed my confidence ?" asked Mr. Zevoe.

            " I look not to the fleeting shadows of time, but to eternity. Where the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed. If I have done good, I shall be the recipient of the mercies of a just God. If wrong, even in this case, I shall receive His condemnation. Conscience, sir, like a thorn, is ever pricking the soul of the wicked, warning them to repent. It is the faithful sentinel of God. I wish you not to entertain the slightest hopes of me. I am dead to you — dead forever ! I intend again to launch this frail

OCTOROON SLAVE OF CUBA.    141

bark upon the ocean of chance, never, I hope, to be captured by a pirate in disguise!''

            " Do you consider me to be a pirate ?" asked he.

            " I do; one of the deepest dye."

            " What have I robbed you of?"

            " Of my good name and my happiness."

            Mr. Zevoe stood like a prisoner, condemned without hope.

            " Shall crime, guilt and sin outlive Justice, Truth, and Righteousness. No ! never ! My soul was sick within me when I entered this castle. It bore the signs of misery, distress and unhappiness. I have, sir, one request to ask of you. Will you treat Louisa as your bosom companion ?"

            About seven o'clock P. M., the coach arrived, they intended starting early the following morning. Miss Jane and Rachel prepared themselves for the trip. Rachel was greatly overjoyed when Miss Jane informed her that she intended taking her to New Orleans. She charged Rachel, on her arrival home, never to speak of the circumstances. If she did, to say Charles Zevoe was dead. Rachel promised to do as requested.

            Mr. Zevoe and Rachel are still ignorant of the relationship of Jane to Louisa.

            Nothing occurred during the evening. After supper, the new bride and her children occupied the room of the late Mrs. Zevoe. Miss Gray and Rachel slept together. Strange to say, she arose with a complexion as fair as ever after sleeping with a Negro woman. They bade Louisa an affectionate farewell, and kissed the children. Mr. Zevoe was so much enraged that he left the house before breakfast and did not return.

            The parting scene was truly affecting. Jane

142      OCTOROON SLAVE OF CUBA.

promised Louisa, faithfully, she would write on her arrival at New Orleans. They stepped into the carriage and bade Mr. Zevoe and his plantation a final adieu.