Hearts and Attitudes are Changing

Chapter XVII – The Freeman’s Defence

George and Eliza, with Harry, prepare to leave in the night, but not before being informed by Phineas that there is a party (that would be Loker and Marks) looking for them and headed in their direction.  Phineas takes them at night fall, along with two other runaways, Jim and his elderly mother, when the party catches up to them; therefore they hide until Loker, Marks, and others with them, exchange fire, hitting Loker.  The remaining men retreat, leaving the injured Loker, but Phineas’ party takes Loker with them to a home where he can be cared for.

Chapter XVIII – Miss Ophelia’s Experiences and Opinions

Since St. Clare is irresponsible with his money and his own health, Tom gradually takes over the finances, as he is trustworthy and honest; he also confronts his master about his drinking, which St. Clare says he will change.  Miss Ophelia, a woman with a command for orderliness, brings order at least to the kitchen.  When Prue, a neighboring slave who sells rolls, comes by, Tom inquires of her miserable state, and she tells the mortifying story of her life.  Tom tries to share the Gospel with her, but her heart is so hardened, she believes that if heaven is where white people go, she rather go to hell.

Chapter XIX – Miss Ophelia’s Experiences and Opinions, Cont.

Upon hearing that Prue was whipped to death by her master, upsetting Miss Ophelia, St. Clare opens up about his true feelings regarding slavery: he shuts his eyes to the travesty because he does not think he can do anything about it; in addition, he does not believe that slaves are not capable to care for themselves without his generosity; and he agrees that slavery is the same enslavement that is practiced by the European aristocracy of the lower masses.  But, although he is not a religious man, his mother’s moral teaching influenced him, and he has a soft heart for the people he cares for.  Meanwhile, Tom writes, with Eva’s help, a letter home to Chloe.

Chapter XX – Topsy

Considering Miss Ophelia's suggestion, that the servants should be instructed and educated, St. Clare rescues a young girl named Topsy from her cruel master and gives her to his cousin to train up.  After St. Clare convicts Miss Ophelia of her Christian hypocrisy, Miss Ophelia becomes Topsy’s teacher; however, Topsy is uninhabited and uncontainable, and it is going to be quite a challenge to work with her.  Nonetheless, Eva and Topsy get along very well together.