Faithful reader, I was well and truly depleted at this point; my day had been long and arduous. I decided to spend some time with the girl in conversation. I used my sleeve to brush away her tears, and again carefully removed the pear from her mouth after warning her to keep a civil tongue in her head.
"So, Fine Bitch; now you have experienced the loss of one of your virginities, and I will take your two others by morning. The most painful is done; the most pleasant will be last. Tell me, wench, how do you fare?"
"Captain, Sir, I feel to have suffered the pains of the damned. As a Convent-raised girl, I beg your mercy. My heart is a-flutter thanks to your clever hands, while my back and bottom ache in spite of your careful behaviors, Sir. Beyond that, although the memories of the pain are vivid, the stripes from the beating are only a burn. I am actually surprised, Sir."
"How say you then, Bitch, about your submission to your masters?"
"Master, I feel sure you would not turn me over to your officers unless I were to be safe; as you have said, you wish my value to be high at Jamaica or my health to survive for ransom. Will you be sure, and be able to assure me, that such a submission will not lead to harm at the hands of your crew?"
"And what kind of submission is this? Dare you BARGAIN with me on my own ship? Your surrender must be unconditional, Bitch, or punishment will continue! I WILL break you! " The tears began to flow once again, and her and she began to wail. I picked up the pear and approached her; she made an effort to control herself and begged me to wait.
"Captain, Master, please! Understand that I am an educated woman, and daughter of a slaveowner. I know how the slaves are treated! Why would I not be afraid?"
Putting the pear back down, I sat down again. "Tell me about your life at home."