Our Nig: Sketches from the Life of a Free Black

After James’s death, Mr. Bellmont starts to take more notice of Frado’s spiritual education. He encourages Aunt Abby to take Frado to evening sermons. During these sermons, Frado’s curiosity as a young black girl makes her a novelty. One of the neighbors, observing Frado’s participation, informs Mrs. Bellmont of the young girl’s nature during these sermons. Mrs. Bellmont worries that Frado may reveal her abuses during the sermons, so she orders the young girl to not attend religious services, or else Mrs. Bellmont “would whip her to death” (58).

One day, Mr. Bellmont cautions Frado, “You are looking sick […] you cannot endure beating as you once would” (58). Motivated by his warning, Frado stands up to Mrs. Bellmont one day when the mistress threatens to strike her. Frado orders Mrs. Bellmont to stop or else she will never work her again. This seems to have an impact on Mrs. Bellmont, who ceases her abuses for a while, though the scolding remains.

The Bellmonts receive word that Mary has passed away. Mrs. Bellmont, in her grief, returns to some of her abusive behavior. The inconsistency of Mrs. Bellmont’s cruelty torments Frado. When Jane visits to offer Mrs. Bellmont some relief, Frado does not feel the same comfort she once felt from her allies in the house.