Our Nig: Sketches from the Life of a Free Black

As James’s health deteriorates, he spends much of his resting days talking to Aunt Abby about Frado’s conditions in the house. Aunt Abby and James agree that the world treats black people unfairly and assumes that they are “incapable of cultivation and refinement” (41). Frado gives them hope of what the liberation of black people might look like if given the opportunity to grow spiritually. They agree that it’s impossible for Frado to grow in this way if left alone in the house. While James still intends on taking Frado with him when he gets better, his health reaches a debilitating state, to the point where a physician is called to perform a surgical operation on him. Frado is so concerned about James’s state of health that she cries. When Mrs. Bellmont sees Frado crying, she beats her, thinking that the young girl is crying over work. Frado does not cry in Mrs. Bellmont’s presence after that.

As James realizes his health is declining, he sends Mary to Baltimore, in order to tend to his home. Frado rejoices when Mary leaves. Aunt Abby scolds her for rejoicing, stating that they should do “good to those that hate us” (45).