Mr. Weston now entered, much depressed from a recent interview with Phillis.  This faithful and honored servant was near her departure.  Angels were waiting at the throne of the Eternal, for his command to bear her purified spirit home.

* * * * *

The master and the slave were alone.  No eye save their Maker’s looked upon them; no ear save his, heard what passed between them.

Mr. Weston was seated in the easy chair, which had been removed from the other room, and in which his wife had died.

Phillis was extended on a bed of death.  Her thin hands crossed on her bosom, her eyes fearfully bright, a hectic glow upon her cheek.

“Master,” she said, “you have no occasion to feel uneasy about that.  I have never had a want, I nor the children.  There was a time, sir, when I was restless about being a slave.  When I went with you and Miss Anna away from home, and heard the people saying colored people ought to be free, it made me feel bad.  I thought then that God did not mean one of his creatures to be a slave; when I came home and considered about it, I would often be put out, and discontented.  It was wicked, I know, but I could not help it for a while.

“I saw my husband and children doing well and happy, but I used to say to myself, they are slaves, and so am I. So I went about my work with a heavy heart.  When my children was born, I would think ’what comfort is it to give birth to a child when I know its a slave.’  I struggled hard though, with these feelings, sir, and God gave me grace to get the better of them, for I could not read my Bible without seeing there was nothing agin slavery there; and that God had told the master his duty, and the slave his duty.  You’ve done your duty by me and mine, sir; and I hope where I have come short you will forgive me, for I couldn’t die in peace, without I thought you and I was all right together.”

“Forgive you, Phillis,” said Mr. Weston, much affected.  “What have I to forgive?  Rather do I thank you for all you have done for me.  You were a friend and nurse to my wife, and a mother to my only child.  Was ever servant or friend so faithful as you have been!”

Phillis smiled and looked very happy.  “Thank you, master,” she said, “from my heart.  How good the Lord is to me, to make my dying bed so easy.  It puts me in mind of the hymn Esther sings.  She’s got a pleasant voice, hasn’t she, sir?

  ’And while I feel my heart-strings break,
    How sweet the moments roll! 
  A mortal paleness on my cheek
    And glory in my soul.’