“_Must_ you go?” said she. “Can’t something be done to stop it?”
I told her it was useless to try; but she begged me not to give up.
She said she would go to the doctor, and remind him how long and how
faithfully she had served in the family, and how she had taken her own
baby from her breast to nourish his wife. She would tell him I had
been out of the family so long they would not miss me; that she would
pay them for my time, and the money would procure a woman who had more
strength for the situation than I had. I begged her not to go; but she
persisted in saying, “He will listen to _me_, Linda.” She went, and was
treated as I expected. He coolly listened to what she said, but denied
her request. He told her that what he did was for my good, that my
feelings were entirely above my situation, and that on the plantation I
would receive treatment that was suitable to my behavior.
My grandmother was much cast down. I had my secret hopes; but I must
fight my battle alone. I had a woman’s pride, and a mother’s love for
my children; and I resolved that out of the darkness of this hour a
brighter dawn should rise for them. My master had power and law on his
side; I had a determined will. There is might in each.