I thought I would act a friend's part by you, and try to prevail on you to dismiss these two coloured children at once.

I so far relied upon your right judgment as to assure them that you would not hesitate for a moment to comply with their wishes; and I candidly tell you, that it was only by my so doing that they were prevented from keeping their children at home to-day." Miss Jordan looked aghast at this startling intelligence; if Mrs.Roth and Mrs.Kinney withdrew their patronage and influence, her little school (the sole support of her mother and herself) would be well-nigh broken up.
She buried her face in her hands, and sat in silence for a few seconds; then looking at Mrs.Stevens, with tearful eyes, exclaimed, "God forgive me if it must be so; nothing but the utter ruin that stares me in the face if I refuse induces me to accede to your request." "I am sorry that you distress yourself so much about it.

You know you are your own mistress, and can do as you choose," said Mrs.Stevens; "but if you will be advised by me, you will send them away at once." "After school I will," hesitatingly replied Miss Jordan.
"I hate to appear so pressing," resumed Mrs.Stevens; "but I feel it my duty to suggest that you had better do it at once, and before the rest of the scholars.

I did not wish, to inform you to what extent this thing had gone; but it really has been talked of in many quarters, and it is generally supposed that you are cognisant of the fact that the Garies are coloured; therefore you see the necessity of doing something at once to vindicate yourself from the reproach of abolitionism." At the pronunciation of this then terrible word in such connection with herself, Miss Jordan turned quite pale, and for a moment struggled to acquire sufficient control of her feelings to enable her to do as Mrs.
Stevens suggested; at last, bursting into tears, she said, "Oh, I cannot--will not--do it.

I'll dismiss them, but not in that unfeeling manner; that I cannot do." The children were now entirely neglecting their lessons, and seemed much affected by Miss Jordan's tears, of which they could not understand the cause.