Everything contributed to
impart a cheering influence to his senses; and with spirits and a frame
newly braced and invigorated, he felt the bounding motion of the steed
beneath him with an animal exultation, which took from his countenance
that look of melancholy which had hitherto clouded it.
As our two friends proceeded on their way, successive and frequent
groups crossed their route, or fell into it from other roads--some
capriciously taking the by-paths and Indian tracks through the woods,
but all having the same object in view, and bending to the same point of
assemblage. Here gayly pranced on a small cluster of the young of both
sexes, laughing with unqualified glee at the jest of some of their
companions--while in the rear, the more staid, the antiques and those
rapidly becoming so, with more measured gait, paced on in suite. On the
road-side, striding on foot with step almost as rapid as that of the
riders, came at intervals, and one after the other, the now
trimly-dressed slaves of this or that plantation--all devoutly bent on
the place of meeting.
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