"She has been sold." "To the trader?" "Yes, but don't talk about it; perhaps she is better off than we think." "Is it wise for us thus to silence our sympathies?" "Yes, it is, when we are powerless to act." "But have we not, each of us, an influence?" "Yes, but in such a dubious way, that in cases like the present, we had better not openly manifest it." "Offensive we should never be; but surely we ought to assume a defensive position." "Yes, but you must not excite yourself." "Don't think of me. Already I fear I am too self-indulged. Too much time I have wasted in inaction." "What could you have done? And now what can you do?" "That is the very question that agitates me. Oh, that I knew my mission, and had the power to fulfil it!" "Who of the others are sold?" he asked, turning to me. "Amy's sisters and brother," and I could not avoid tears. "Amy, too?" "No, sir." "Oh, God, this is too bad! and is she not half-distracted?" I made no reply, for an admonitory look from Miss Bradly warned me to be careful as to what I said. "Where is father?" "In his chamber." "Ann, go tell him I wish to speak with him." Before obeying I looked toward Miss Bradly, and, finding nothing adverse in her expression, I went to do as he bade. "Is he any worse?" master asked, when I had delivered the message. "No, sir; he does not appear to be worse, yet I think he is very feeble." "What right has you to think anything 'bout it?" he said, as he took from the mantle a large, black bottle and drank from it. I made no reply, but followed him into young master's room, and pretended to busy myself about some trifling matter. "What is it you want, Johnny?" "Father, you have done a wicked thing!" "What do you mean, boy?" "You have sold Amy's sisters and brothers away from her." "And what's wicked in selling a nigger?" "Hasn't a negro human feeling?" "Why, they don't feel like white people; of course not." "That must be proved, father." "Oh, now, my boy, 'taint no use for yer to be wastin' of yer good feelin's on them miserable, ongrateful niggers." "They are not ungrateful; miserable they are, for they have had much misery imposed upon them." "Oh, 'taint no use of talking 'bout it, child, go to sleep." "Yes, father, I shall soon sleep soundly enough, in our graveyard." Mr. Peterkin moved nervously in his chair, and young master continued,