Of whom have you made inquiry respecting a situation." "Oh, of lots of people; they can tell me of any number of families who are in want of a footman, but no one appears to know of a 'person who is willing to receive a black boy as an apprentice to a respectable calling.
It's too provoking; I really think, Ess, that the majority of white folks imagine that we are only fit for servants, and incapable of being rendered useful in any other capacity.

If that terrible misfortune had not befallen father, I should have learned his trade." "Ah!" sighed Esther, "but for that we should all have been happier.

But, Charlie," she added, "how do you know that you cannot obtain any other employment than that of a servant?
Have you ever applied personally to any one ?" "No, Esther, I haven't; but you know as well as I that white masters won't receive coloured apprentices." "I think a great deal of that is taken for granted," rejoined Esther, "try some one yourself." "I only wish I knew of any one to try," responded Charlie, "I'd hazard the experiment at any rate." "Look over the newspaper in the morning," advised Esther; "there are always a great many wants advertised--amongst them you may perhaps find something suitable." "Well, I will Ess--now then we won't talk about that any more--pray tell me, if I'm not too inquisitive, what do you purpose buying with your money--a wedding-dress, eh ?" he asked, with a merry twinkle in his eye.
Esther blushed and sighed, as she answered: "No, Charlie, that is all over for the present.

I told him yesterday I could not think of marrying now, whilst we are all so unsettled.

It grieved me to do it, Charlie, but I felt that it was my duty.