human
Yes, said Madame Oge:
gpt
There must, indeed, replied the abbess,
human
Father Gabriel says, observed sister Claire,
gpt
It is in the woods, added sister Benoite,
human
I have no doubt, said Madame Oge,
gpt
It is grievous to see so good a negro as Toussaint lost and spoiled. I knew him of old, when he was at Breda: and many a time has Monsieur Bayou told me that he was the most faithful, decent, clever, well-mannered negro on the estate.
human
I believe he preserves those qualities still,
gpt
If those had been masters who ought to have been masters, pursued Madame Oge,
human
Toussaint would, no doubt, have been placed at the head of the negroes: for we knew him well--I and they whom I have lost. Then, without insubordination,--without any being lifted out of their proper places, to put down others--we should have had a vast improvement in the negroes. Toussaint would have been made their model, and perhaps would have been rewarded with his freedom, some day or other, for an example. This would have satisfied all the ambition he had by nature. He would have died a free man, and perhaps have emancipated his family. As it is, they will all die slaves: and they will feel it all the harder for the farce of greatness they have been playing these ten years. I am very sorry for them: and I always was; for I foresaw from the beginning how it would end.
gpt
Do you really imagine that any one thinks of enslaving this wonderful man again? And what should make him submit to it?
human
He would sooner lay a train to the root of Cibao, and blow up the island,
gpt
Are you one of his party, young lady? You look too much as if you were but just landed from France for me to suppose that I was speaking before a friend of L'Ouverture's. If you really are lately from France, you may know that there is a greater than our poor Toussaint, to whom he must yield at command.
human
I have never been at Paris, madame; and I do not believe that there is a greater than L'Ouverture, there, or anywhere else.
gpt
You have been a happy child, I see: you have lived so retired from our miserable world as not to have heard of Bonaparte. It was by Bonaparte, my dear, for Bonaparte's convenience, and (it is my idea) for his amusement, that Toussaint was made what he is, and allowed to gallop about with his trumpeters behind him, for so long. You look as if you did not believe me, my dear. Well: time will show.
human
I thought, said Euphrosyne,
gpt
We shall see. Even I may live to see it; and I have no doubt you will. Bonaparte is going to try; and, if he cannot, as you say, do it by himself, he may now persuade all the world to help him: for he is making peace on all hands.
human
You have that news from France?
gpt
I have it from a sure quarter--never mind how. It will soon be generally known that the preliminaries of peace between France and England are signed: and I happen to know two things more: that Bonaparte has agreed to maintain negro slavery in Martinique, Guadaloupe, and Cayenne: and that--(pray listen, young lady)--he declares to the English that he can do what he pleases in Saint Domingo. I wish he could see that angry blush. Pray look at her, Madame! I see she thinks Bonaparte a very impertinent fellow.
human
I do, replied Euphrosyne;
gpt
Ha! he ought to know what disloyal little hearts there are beating against him in this Saint Domingo that he thinks all his own.
human
Perhaps, observed the abbess,
gpt
It is, declared Euphrosyne, looking up with glowing eyes.
human
He has not only served, but worshipped Bonaparte, all the years that they have both ruled. In his own family, Monsieur Pascal says--
gpt
What is Monsieur Pascal to do under the changes that are coming? interrupted Madame Oge.
human
He has placed himself in a difficulty, it seems to me. Will he go under the yoke with his father-in-law? (for I suppose, in his devotion, he will be marrying one of Toussaint's daughters). Will he take the hoe, and go into the field--? You are smiling, my dear young lady.