It seemed to me in this instance, as in many others, that the close personal attendance of these sable shadows, must be very annoying; but whenever I mentioned it, I was assured that no such feeling existed, and that use rendered them almost unconscious of their presence.
I had, indeed, frequent opportunities of observing this habitual indifference to the presence of their slaves.

They talk of them, of their condition, of their faculties, of their conduct, exactly as if they were incapable of hearing.

I once saw a young lady, who, when seated at table between a male and a female, was induced by her modesty to intrude on the chair of her female neighbour to avoid the indelicacy of touching the elbow of a man.
I once saw this very young lady lacing her stays with the most perfect composure before a negro footman.

A Virginian gentleman told me that ever since he had married, he had been accustomed to have a negro girl sleep in the same chamber with himself and his wife.

I asked for what purpose this nocturnal attendance was necessary?
"Good heaven!" was the reply, "if I wanted a glass of water during the night, what would become of me ?".