mind. Was this the solution of the mystery which enshrouded her young
life? Did she indeed belong to that doomed and hated race, and must she
share the cruel treatment which bitter, relentless prejudice had
assigned them?

Thomas Carpenter and Anna were stopping in P., at the house of relatives
who knew Minnie's history, but who had never made any difference in
their treatment of her on that account.

"Is father and mother at home?" said Minnie to the servant, who opened
the door. She answered in the affirmative.

"Tell them to come into the parlor, they are wanted immediately."

"Sit down," said Minnie to the stranger, handing her a chair, "and wait
till father comes."

Anna and Thomas soon entered the room, and Minnie approaching them said,
"Father, this woman met me on the street to-day, and says she is my
mother. You know all about my history. Tell me if there is any truth in
this story."

"I don't know, Minnie, I never saw thy mother."

"But question her, father, and see if there is any truth in what she
says; but tell me first, father, am I white or colored?"

"Minnie, I believe there is a small portion of colored blood in thy
veins."