But Leroy, happy in his choice, attended to the interests of his plantation, and found companionship in his books and in the society of his wife.

A few male companions visited him occasionally, admired the magnificent beauty of his wife, shook their heads, and spoke of him as being very eccentric, but thought his marriage the great mistake of his life.

But none of his female friends ever entered his doors, when it became known that Marie held the position of mistress of his mansion, and presided at his table.

But she, sheltered in the warm clasp of loving arms, found her life like a joyous dream.
Into that quiet and beautiful home three children were born, unconscious of the doom suspended over their heads.
"Oh, how glad I am," Marie would often say, "that these children are free.

I could never understand how a cultured white man could have his own children enslaved.