His white relations set aside my father's will, had his marriage declared invalid, and my mother and her children were remanded to slavery." Iola shuddered as she pronounced the horrid word, and grew deadly pale; but, regaining her self-possession, continued: "Now, that freedom has come, I intend to search for my mother until I find her." "I do not wonder," said Robert, "that we had this war.

The nation had sinned enough to suffer." "Yes," said Iola, "if national sins bring down national judgments, then the nation is only reaping what it sowed." "What are your plans for the future, or have you any ?" asked Robert.
"I intend offering myself as a teacher in one of the schools which are being opened in different parts of the country," replied Iola.

"As soon as I am able I will begin my search for my dear mother.

I will advertise for her in the papers, hunt for her in the churches, and use all the means in my power to get some tidings of her and my brother Harry.

What a cruel thing it was to separate us!".