There was a good opportunity to send Benny in a vessel coming directly to New York.  He was put on board with a letter to a friend, who was requested to see him off to Boston.  Early one morning, there was a loud rap at my door, and in rushed Benjamin, all out of breath.  “O mother!” he exclaimed, “here I am!  I run all the way; and I come all alone.  How d’you do?”

O reader, can you imagine my joy?  No, you cannot, unless you have been a slave mother.  Benjamin rattled away as fast as his tongue could go.  “Mother, why don’t you bring Ellen here?  I went over to Brooklyn to see her, and she felt very bad when I bid her good by.  She said, ’O Ben, I wish I was going too.’  I thought she’d know ever so much; but she don’t know so much as I do; for I can read, and she can’t.  And, mother, I lost all my clothes coming.  What can I do to get some more?  I ’spose free boys can get along here at the north as well as white boys.”

I did not like to tell the sanguine, happy little fellow how much he was mistaken.  I took him to a tailor, and procured a change of clothes.  The rest of the day was spent in mutual asking and answering of questions, with the wish constantly repeated that the good old grandmother was with us, and frequent injunctions from Benny to write to her immediately, and be sure to tell her every thing about his voyage, and his journey to Boston.

Dr. Flint made his visit to New York, and made every exertion to call upon me, and invite me to return with him, but not being able to ascertain where I was, his hospitable intentions were frustrated, and the affectionate family, who were waiting for me with “open arms,” were doomed to disappointment.

As soon as I knew he was safely at home, I placed Benjamin in the care of my brother William, and returned to Mrs. Bruce.  There I remained through the winter and spring, endeavoring to perform my duties faithfully, and finding a good degree of happiness in the attractions of baby Mary, the considerate kindness of her excellent mother, and occasional interviews with my darling daughter.

But when summer came, the old feeling of insecurity haunted me.  It was necessary for me to take little Mary out daily, for exercise and fresh air, and the city was swarming with Southerners, some of whom might recognize me.  Hot weather brings out snakes and slaveholders, and I like one class of the venomous creatures as little as I do the other.  What a comfort it is, to be free to say so!

XXXV.  Prejudice Against Color.

It was a relief to my mind to see preparations for leaving the city.  We went to Albany in the steamboat Knickerbocker.  When the gong sounded for tea, Mrs. Bruce said, “Linda, it is late, and you and baby had better come to the table with me.”  I replied, “I know it is time baby had her supper, but I had rather not go with you, if you please.  I am afraid of being insulted.”  “O