"
"Yes, there is a meaning in this, a mystery to be solved. Who is
she?--this pure being. And your mother still lives," mused the artist;
"do you resemble her?"
"I am unlike any one of my family, so much so that strangers have noted
it."
"And your father?"
"Is in heaven."
"Truly," mused the gentleman, "and your sainted mother likewise."
"Permit me to ask your address, gentle lady," said the artist, as his
visitors prepared to retire.
"And in return you will allow me to come every day, and look upon this
dear face?"
"You are the only person whom I have bade a welcome to my presence for
years;" and bidding them a "good morning," the artist retired to brood
over other than his sorrows.
It was then that Natalie remembered the poor black woman, though not a
thought of the object of her own visit thither, crossed her mind. The
woman was silently contemplating the Sea-flower, as if she were an
angel of mercy.
"Where do you live, my good woman?" inquired Natalie.
"One spot am not my home more dan anoder, missy; de wide earth am my
home. But tell me, missy, did ole Phillis hear you straight, or am she
so warped troughout, dat she hot get de right comprehensions?"
"What I have told you, you may rely upon; come here in a day or two
again, and you shall hear farther.
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