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。