Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/266

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264
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

me to wat me want to say to you. Robert is now wery rich; has earned great deal,—large wealth; but me cannot live in great house; me cannot drive fine coach. If Massa den will keep his word, and share wit Robert, his fortune now is all Massa's."

The ambiguity which Robert threw into his discourse prevented the General from thoroughly understanding him; but he was at no loss when Robert, upon unlocking a bureau, placed a parchment on a table before him, requesting him to sign it with his name.

Amazed, surprised at what struck upon his sense as an act of the most magnanimous and generous description, yet still doubting whether in his conjecture he was right or wrong, the General exclaimed with emotion, "What can this mean? You are too sudden in your operations, Robert; let me read before I sign, and I will tell you afterwards if my conscience can well acquit me of doing so."

"Read, Massa, read; but if you object to do as Robert would have you, it will not be to make Robert happy, and die in peace, as you would wish him."

Making himself quickly acquainted with the contents of the parchment, the General raised his eyes to fix them upon Robert, with an expression of the most unbounded admiration. From what he discovered, he found it to be regularly drawn up according to the rules of law; a property specified, amassed by the sale of lands, farm, tavern, at the Cape of Good