Turning away from the presence of those pleading children I entered the kitchen, and there were Jake and Dan, terror written on their strong, hard faces; for, no matter how hard is the negro's present master, he always regards a change of owners as entailing new dangers; and no wonder that, from education and experience, he is thus suspicious, for so many troubles have come and do come upon him, that he cannot imagine a change whereby he is to be benefited. "Has you hearn anything, Ann?" asked Dan, with his great flabby lips hanging loosely open, and his eyes considerably distended. "Nothing." "Who's gwine to be sole?" asked Jake. "I don't know?" "Hope tisn't me." "And hope tisn't me," burst from the lips of both of them, and to this my heart gave a fervent though silent echo. "He is de one dat's bought Lindy," said old Nace, who now entered, "and Masser's gwine to sell some de rest ob yer." "Why do yer say de rest ob yer? Why mayn't it be you?" asked Dan. "Bekase he ain't gwine to sell me, ha! ha! I sarved him too long fur dat." Ginsy and Sally came rushing in, frightened, like all the rest, exclaiming, "Oh, we's in danger; a nigger-trader is talkin' wid master." We had no time for prolonged speculation, for the voice of Mr. Peterkin was heard in the entry, and, throwing open the door, he entered, followed by Tompkins. "Here's the gang, and a devilish good-lookin' set they is." "Yes, but let me fust see the one I have bought." "Here, Nace," said master, "take this key, and tell Lindy to dress herself and come here." The last part of this sentence was said in an under-tone. In terror I fled from the kitchen. Scarcely knowing what I did, I rushed into the young ladies' room, into which Nace had conducted Lindy, upon whom they were placing some of their old finery. A half-worn calico dress, gingham apron and white collar, completed the costume. I never shall forget the expression of Lindy's face, as she looked vacantly around her, hunting for sympathy, yet finding none, from the cold, haughty faces that gazed upon her. "Now go," said Miss Jane, "and try to behave yourself in your new home." "Good-bye, Miss Jane," said the humbled, weeping negro. "Good-bye," was coldly answered; but no hand was extended to her. "Good-bye, Miss Tildy." Miss Tildy, who was standing at the glass arranging her hair, never turned round to look upon the poor wretch, but carelessly said, "Good-bye." She looked toward me; her lip was quivering and tears were rolling down her cheeks. I turned my head away, and she walked off with the farewell unspoken. Quickly I heard Jake calling for me. Then I knew that my worst fears were on the point of realization. With a timid, hesitating step, I walked to the kitchen. There, ranged in single file, stood the servants, with anxious faces, where a variety of contending feelings were written. I nerved myself for what I knew was to follow, and stepping firmly up, joined the phalanx.