“I think that is for you to suggest. Clovis was not, as you know, ever bought or sold; she was born on Beulah Land. We do not sell our people, unless they ask it.”

“I propose that she be valued at one thousand dollars,” Roscoe said. “I have enquired, and that appears to be the price of a woman her age and strength at this time.”

Deborah managed to say with an appearance of calm, although light sweat had come out on her forehead, “That is then perfectly reasonable. And is it your wish—I hope not—to take leave of Beulah Land?”

“No, Mistress.” Deborah smiled her relief. “I merely want Mrs. Elk to live as a free woman, and for our child—our children to be free born.”

“Yes, I understand that. Let us say that we are agreed, and that you may pay when and how you choose.”

“I am prepared to pay now.” He took the casket in both hands.

“But I shall have to ask Mr. Felix Kendrick to draw up a paper to this effect—”

Roscoe nodded. “I wish to pay now if the mistress please. The legal paper will come, and young Master Leon Kendrick will be witness that I have paid the agreed-upon sum of money.”

“Very well,” Deborah said, and resigned herself to what must follow.

Roscoe held out the casket to them and opened the lid, revealing an interior packed with coins. “I ask mistress—or master—to tally the amount in case I have made an error.”

“I am sure you have counted accurately,” Deborah said. “I shall give you a receipt.”

“Please, Mistress. I cannot accept a receipt until the money has been counted,” Roscoe said. “That is not proper business. If the young master—”

Deborah and Leon exchanged looks, and Leon took the casket of money and sat down at Deborah’s desk. She stood on one side of the desk, Roscoe on the other, both attending and watching.

Leon began to count. He made small notations on a sheet of paper provided by Deborah. Three quarters of an hour later he was finished, and he added the various columns of figures—the money was in both American and English denominations—he had made during the counting. Finishing, he passed the figures to Deborah. She looked them over carefully, nodding now and then as she paused to register a certain sum. Presently she said, “I find that correct.”

“The receipt we spoke of?” Roscoe said.

“Certainly.”

Leon got up from the desk, giving the chair he had sat on to his mother. Quickly she composed a receipt for the amount, giving the purpose for which it was paid, signing it, then handing it to Roscoe.

Roscoe read it carefully and nodded, then turned deferentially to Leon. “If Master Leon will also sign?”