Not long afterwards, I married a prosperous farmer, who provided me with a happy home, where I brought my children into the world without the sin of slavery to strive against." On the return of Mrs.Cox to St.Louis she sent for my mother and told her that Nancy had run away.

Mother was very thankful, and in her heart arose a prayer of thanksgiving, but outwardly she pretended to be vexed and angry.

Oh! the impenetrable mask of these poor black creatures! how much of joy, of sorrow, of misery and anguish have they hidden from their tormentors! I was a small girl at that time, but remember how wildly mother showed her joy at Nancy's escape when we were alone together.

She would dance, clap her hands, and, waving them above her head, would indulge in one of those weird negro melodies, which so charm and fascinate the listener.
Mrs.Cox commenced housekeeping on a grand and extended scale, having a large acquaintance, she entertained lavishly.

My mother cared for the laundry, and I, who was living with a Mrs.Underhill, from New York, and was having rather good times, was compelled to go live with Mrs.Cox to mind the baby.