The winter passed undisturbed by the doctor.  The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.  My drooping hopes came to life again with the flowers.  I was dreaming of freedom again; more for my children’s sake than my own.  I planned and I planned.  Obstacles hit against plans.  There seemed no way of overcoming them; and yet I hoped.

Back came the wily doctor.  I was not at home when he called.  A friend had invited me to a small party, and to gratify her I went.  To my great consternation, a messenger came in haste to say that Dr. Flint was at my grandmother’s, and insisted on seeing me.  They did not tell him where I was, or he would have come and raised a disturbance in my friend’s house.  They sent me a dark wrapper, I threw it on and hurried home.  My speed did not save me; the doctor had gone away in anger.  I dreaded the morning, but I could not delay it; it came, warm and bright.  At an early hour the doctor came and asked me where I had been last night.  I told him.  He did not believe me, and sent to my friend’s house to ascertain the facts.  He came in the afternoon to assure me he was satisfied that I had spoken the truth.  He seemed to be in a facetious mood, and I expected some jeers were coming.  “I suppose you need some recreation,” said he, “but I am surprised at your being there, among those negroes.  It was not the place for you.  Are you allowed to visit such people?”

I understood this covert fling at the white gentleman who was my friend; but I merely replied, “I went to visit my friends, and any company they keep is good enough for me.”

He went on to say, “I have seen very little of you of late, but my interest in you is unchanged.  When I said I would have no more mercy on you I was rash.  I recall my words.  Linda, you desire freedom for yourself and your children, and you can obtain it only through me.  If you agree to what I am about to propose, you and they shall be free.  There must be no communication of any kind between you and their father.  I will procure a cottage, where you and the children can live together.  Your labor shall be light, such as sewing for my family.  Think what is offered you, Linda—­a home and freedom!  Let the past be forgotten.  If I have been harsh with you at times, your willfulness drove me to it.  You know I exact obedience from my own children, and I consider you as yet a child.”

He paused for an answer, but I remained silent.  “Why don’t you speak?” said he.  “What more do you wait for?”

“Nothing, sir.”

“Then you accept my offer?”

“No, sir.”

His anger was ready to break loose; but he succeeded in curbing it, and replied, “You have answered without thought.  But I must let you know there are two sides to my proposition; if you reject the bright side, you will be obliged to take the dark one.  You must either accept my offer, or you and your children shall be sent to your young master’s plantation, there to remain till your young mistress is married; and your children shall fare like the rest of the negro children.  I give you a week to consider it.”