When they arrived at home Bessie had a smoking dinner on the table for them, which they partook of with great relish.  After they had finished their dinner, their mother said that as they had but one session at school, they would have ample time to perform their tasks before tea-time.  Harry was to chop the wood, while Alfred was to pile it on the porch; and Cornelia would finish the garters that she was kniting as a Christmas present for papa.  And after that they were to study their lessons for the next day, so that they would be at leisure in the evening.  All cheerfully obeyed, and before tea-time their tasks were all performed and lessons learned.

After the tea-things had been removed, “Now,” said Mr. Ford,

    ’Stir the fire, and close the shutters fast,
    Let fall the curtain, and wheel the sofa round,’”

“And be ready for Aunt Judy’s story,” added Alfred.  “Come, mother, come; we are all waiting.”

“Have a little patience, my son, I will be there in a few minutes.”

She soon reappeared, and was greeted with “three cheers” from the children, and seating herself in the large comfortable rocking-chair, she began: 

“On the eastern side of the beautiful Roanoke was the residence of Mr. Madison, and here the first few years of Judy’s life was passed.  She had a kind master, and, while in his service, had a very happy time.  She had, like most of her race, a strong native talent for music, and was frequently called upon to exercise it by singing songs, and dancing, for the amusement of General Washington and the other officers of the Revolution who visited at her master’s house.  Judy was then quite young, and greatly enjoyed a sight of the soldier’s gay uniform.

“Her master died when she was a child.  Her mistress was then in very ill health, and little Judy spent most of the time in her room, in attendance upon her.  One day her mistress was seized with a violent fit of coughing.  Judy ran to her assistance, and finding that the cough did not yield to the usual remedies, called for help, but before aid was obtained, Mrs. Madison was dead!  She died with her arms around the neck of her faithful attendant.

“Mrs. Madison had made provision for the emancipation of Judy, and after her death she received her free papers, which she carefully guarded.

“After her mother’s death, the daughter of Mrs. Madison determined to remove to Kentucky, and Judy, being much attached to her and the family, accompanied them.

“Soon after her arrival there, Judy married a slave on the plantation of Mr. Jackson, which was several miles distant from that of Judy’s mistress.  John’s master was very cruel to him; he would not allow him to leave the estate, nor was Judy permitted to come to see him; and thus they lived apart for several months; but the brutal treatment of his master at last rendered John desperate, and he determined to run away.  It was a fearful risk, but if he succeeded, the prize, he thought, would be sufficient compensation.