Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/153

Rh constructed a fine head-dress of showy patches, and cock's feathers!

In other respects the slaves live in the bohea very much like cattle. Men and women live together, and part again according to fancy or whim. If a couple, after having lived together for some time, grow weary of each other, the one will give the other some cause of displeasure, and then they separate. In case of any noisy quarrel the majoral is at hand with his whip to establish peace.

“Are there here no couples who live constantly together as in proper marriage; no men and women who love one another sufficiently well to be faithful to each other, as husband and wife?” inquired I from my young, candid conductor.

“Yes,” replied he, “there are really such couples who have always remained together since they have been upon this plantation.”

“Lead me to one of these couples,” said I.

It was just dinner-time. My companion led me to one of the rooms in the wall. The door stood open, as is commonly the case to admit light and air. The man was out, the woman sate alone in the room; she might be about fifty, and was busy at some work. She had a round face, without beauty, but with a good and peaceful expression.

I asked her, through my interpreter, whether she was fond of her husband.

She replied cheerfully and without hesitation, “Yes; he is a good husband.”

I inquired whether she had been attached to him in Africa?

“Yes, in Africa,” she replied.

I asked how long she had been united to her husband; how many years?

This question seemed to trouble or perplex her; she smiled, and replied at length that she had had him always!