midnight
And though she has been but a slave , there is a glow of gentleness pervading her countenance , over which a playful smile now sheds a glow of vivacity , as if awakening within her bosom new hopes of the future . The suddenness with which they embarked served to confuse and dispel all traces of recognition ; and even the stranger , as they advanced toward him , hesitated ere he greeted Annette and extended his hand . But they soon joined in conversation , promenaded and mingled with the passengers . Cautious not to enter the main cabin , they remained , supperless , on the upper deck , until near midnight . That social prejudice which acts like a crushing weight upon the slave 's mind was no longer to deaden her faculties ; no , she seemed like a new being , as , with childish simplicity , her soul bounded forth in rhapsody of praise and thankfulness . Holding Franconia by the hand , she would kiss her , fondle her head on her bosom , and continue to recount the pleasure she anticipated when meeting her long-lost mother . `` They 'll sell me no more , Franconia , will they ? ''