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552 UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; OR
— could n't but jist stand. Remember how tickled he used to be, 'cause she would keep a-fallin' over, when she sot out to walk. Laws a me! "
The rattling of wheels now was heard.
" Mas'r George ! " said Aunt Chloe, starting to the window.
Mrs. Shelby ran to the entry door, and was folded in the arms of her son. Aunt Chloe stood anxiously straining her eyes out into the darkness.
" Oh, poor Aunt Chloe ! " said George, stopping compassionately, and taking her hard, black hand between "both his ; "I'd have given all my fortune to have brought him with me, but he 7s gone to a better country."
There was a passionate exclamation from Mrs. Shelby, but Aunt Chloe said nothing.
The party entered the supper-room. The money, of which Chloe was so proud, was still lying on the table.
" Thar," said she, gathering it up, and holding it, with a trembling hand, to her mistress, " don't never want to see nor hear on 't again. Jist as I knew 't would be, — sold, and murdered on dem ar old plantations !'
Chloe turned, and was walking proudly out of the room. Mrs. Shelby followed her, softly, and took one of her hands, drew her down into a chair, and sat down by her.
" My poor, good Chloe! " said she.
Chloe leaned her head on her mistress's shoulder, and sobbed out, " Oh, Missis ! 'scuse me, my heart 's broke, — dat 's all! "
" I know it is," said Mrs. Shelby, as her tears fell fast; " and I cannot heal it, but Jesus can. He healeth the broken-hearted, and bindeth up their wounds."
There was a silence for some time, and all wept together. At last, George, sitting down beside the mourner, took her hand, and, with simple pathos, repeated the triumphant scene of her husband's death, and his last mes« sages of love. |
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