had a little of the character of that
which usually exists between _debtor_ and _creditor_.

The information thus imparted by the doctor confirms what Scipio has
already told me. It confirms, too, my suspicions in regard to the young
Creole, that there is a cloud upon the horizon of her future, darker
than any that has shadowed her past--darker even than that produced by
the memory of Antoine!

_July 28th_.--Gayarre has been here to-day--at the house, I mean. In
fact, he visits Mademoiselle nearly every day; but Scipio tells me
something new and strange. It appears that some of the slaves who had
been flogged, complained of the overseer to their young mistress; and
she in her turn spoke to Gayarre on the subject. His reply was that the
"black rascals deserved all they had got, and more," and somewhat rudely
upheld the ruffian Larkin, who is beyond a doubt his _protege_. The
lady was silent.

Scipio learns these facts from Aurore. There is something ominous in
all this.

Poor Scipio has made me the confidant of another, and a private grief.
He suspects that the overseer is looking too kindly upon "him kettle
Chloe." The brute! if this be so!--My blood boils at the thought--oh!
slavery!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

_August 2nd_.--I hear of Gayarre again. He has been to the house, and
made a longer stay with Mademoiselle than usual. What can he have to do
with her? Can his society be agreeable to her? Surely that is
impossible! And yet such frequent visits--such long conferences! If
she marry such a man as this I pity her, poor victim!--for victim will
she be. He must have some power over her to act as he is doing. He
seems master of the plantation, says Scipio, and issues his orders to
every one with the air of its owner. All fear him and his
"nigger-driver," as the ruffian Larkin is called. The latter is more
feared by Scipio, who has noticed some further rude conduct on the part
of the overseer towards "him leettle Chloe." Poor fellow! he is greatly
distressed; and no wonder, when even the law does not allow him to
protect the honour of his own child!

I have promised to speak to Mademoiselle about the affair; but I fear,
from what reaches my ears, that she is almost as powerless as Scipio
himself!

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_August 3rd_.--To-day, for the first time, I am able to go out of my
room.