And now they were thrown into great consternation by the fact that a slave-trader had been to look at Chloe, because Mr.Fitzgerald wanted money to spend in Europe, and had sent orders to have some of his negroes sold.
Mrs.Delano told him she didn't see how she could help him, but she would think about it; and Flora, with a sideway inclination of the head toward her, gave Tom an expressive glance, which he understood as a promise to persuade her.

He urged the matter no further, but asked what time it was.

Being told it was near nine o'clock, he said he must hasten to Chloe, for it was not allowable for negroes to be in the street after that hour.
He had scarcely closed the door, before Mrs.Delano said, "If Chloe is sold, I must buy her." "I thought you would say so," rejoined Flora.
A discussion then took place as to ways and means, and a strictly confidential letter was written to a lawyer from the North, with whom Mrs.Delano was acquainted, requesting him to buy the woman and her children for her, if they were to be sold.
It happened fortunately that a steamer was going to New Orleans the next day.

Just as they were going on board, a negro woman with two children came near, and, dropping a courtesy, said: "Skuse, Missis.
Dis ere's Chloe.

Please say Ise yer nigger! Do, Missis!" Flora seized the black woman's hand, and pressed it, while she whispered: "Do, Mamita! They're going to sell her, you know." She took the children by the hand, and hurried forward without waiting for an answer.