"But Isabella long since concluded that it was the impending fate of her only remaining children, which her mother but too well understood, even then, that called up those memories from the past, and made them crucify her heart afresh." (p. 4).

"'Oh,' he would exclaim, 'I had thought God would take me first,—Mau-mau was so much smarter than I, and could get about and take care of herself; —and I am so old, and so helpless. What is to become of me? I can't do any thing more—my children are all gone, and here I am left helpless and alone.'" (p. 7).

"Mankind often vainly attempt to atone for unkindness or cruelty to the living, by honoring the same after death; but John Ardinburgh undoubtedly meant his pot of paint and jug of whiskey should act as an opiate on his slaves...