As he spoke Robert gazed admiringly on the young face, lit up by noble purposes and lofty enthusiasm.

“You are right, Harry.  I think it would be treason, not only to the race, but to humanity, to have you ignoring your kindred and masquerading as a white man.”

“I think so, too,” said Marie.

“But, sister, I am anxious for you all to come North.  If Harry feels that the place of danger is the post of duty, let him stay, and he can spend his vacations with us.  I think both you and Iola need rest and change.  Mother longs to see you before she dies.  She feels that we have been the children of many prayers and tears, and I want to make her last days as happy as possible.  The South has not been a paradise to you all the time, and I should think you would be willing to leave it.”

“Yes, that is so.  Iola needs rest and change, and she would be such a comfort to mother.  I suppose, for her sake, I will consent to have her go back with you, at least for awhile.”

In a few days, with many prayers and tears, Marie, half reluctantly, permitted Iola to start for the North in company with Robert Johnson, intending to follow as soon as she could settle her business and see Harry in a good boarding place.

Very joyful was the greeting of the dear grandmother.  Iola soon nestled in her heart and lent additional sunshine to her once checkered life, and Robert, who had so long been robbed of kith and kin, was delighted with the new accession to his home life.

CHAPTER XXIV.

NORTHERN EXPERIENCE.

“Uncle Robert,” said Iola, after she had been North several weeks, “I have a theory that every woman ought to know how to earn her own living.  I believe that a great amount of sin and misery springs from the weakness and inefficiency of women.”

“Perhaps that’s so, but what are you going to do about it?”

“I am going to join the great rank of bread-winners.  Mr. Waterman has advertised for a number of saleswomen, and I intend to make application.”

“When he advertises for help he means white women,” said Robert.

“He said nothing about color,” responded Iola.

“I don’t suppose he did.  He doesn’t expect any colored girl to apply.”

“Well, I think I could fill the place.  At least I should like to try.  And I do not think when I apply that I am in duty bound to tell him my great-grandmother was a negro.”

“Well, child, there is no necessity for you to go out to work.  You are perfectly welcome here, and I hope that you feel so.”

“Oh, I certainly do.  But still I would rather earn my own living.”

That morning Iola applied for the situation, and, being prepossessing in her appearance, she obtained it.