'It's Mas'r George,' cried Aunt Chloe, running to the window in great
excitement.

Mrs. Shelby ran to the door. As George met her he put his arms round
her, and kissed her tenderly.

Aunt Chloe stood behind anxiously looking out into the darkness.

'Oh, poor Aunt Chloe,' said George, gently taking her hard, black hand
between both his own. 'I'd have given all my fortune to have brought
Uncle Tom home with me; but he has gone to a better country.' Mrs.
Shelby cried out as if she had been hurt, but Aunt Chloe did not make a
sound.

In silence they went into the supper-room.

[Illustration:]

'There,' said Aunt Chloe, holding out her trembling hands to her
mistress, 'it's just as I knew it would be. He's been sold and murdered
on dem old plantations.'

Then she turned and walked proudly out of the room. Mrs. Shelby followed
her softly, took one of her hands, drew her down into a chair, and sat
down beside her.

'My poor, good Chloe,' she said gently.

Chloe leaned her head on her mistress's shoulder, and sobbed out, 'Oh,