simple story, which, if not altogether approved of, yet did not, as she had anticipated, call forth any immediate animadversions. The lively gestures and looks of the young African having become his own intercessors, dictated by sensibility, and full of grace and candour, might have softened the breast of any, however repugnant to his caste or colour. He was, therefore, dismissed from the apartment without further comment.
But little older than his young master, Robert proved to him a great acquisition in promoting the success of his juvenile sports. Naturally ingenious, he failed not to accomplish whatever he attempted. In the construction of a boat, cross-bow, or kite, or any other sort of boyish handicraft, he was alike successful. Thus accustomed to participate with the young Aubrey in his hours of pastime, he at length began to associate with him in those more intimate links, the sympathies of the heart! If aught of anger from the father caused the son to shed a tear, retired and dismayed, Robert would silently give way to grief; and, on the contrary, if joy animated the young master, the same sentiment predominated in the servant. Thus, kindred in feeling, but never descending to familiarity, they grew to manhood. The black, in ever following the fortunes of De Brooke, was still, as we have
