Always keep a negro in ignorance of what you conceive to be
his abilities," returned the parson.

It was late on the Saturday afternoon, following the capture
of Jerome that, while Mr. Wilson was seated in his study preparing
his sermon for the next day, Georgiana entered the room and asked
in an excited tone if it were true that Jerome was to hanged on
the following Thursday.

The minister informed her that such was the decision of the court.

"Then," said she, "Clotelle will die of grief."

"What business has she to die of grief?" returned the father,
his eyes at the moment flashing fire.

"She has neither eaten nor slept since he was captured," replied Georgiana;
"and I am certain that she will not live through this."

"I cannot be disturbed now," said the parson; "I must get my sermon
ready for to-morrow. I expect to have some strangers to preach to,
and must, therefore, prepare a sermon that will do me credit."

While the man of God spoke, he seemed to say to himself,--

"With devotion's visage, and pious actions,
We do sugar over the devil himself."

Georgiana did all in her power to soothe the feelings
of Clotelle, and to induce her to put her trust in God.