Where is Clotilda?" And she stared vacantly round the
room, as if unconscious of her position. "Guess 'e aint 'bout
nowhere. Ye see, Miss, how she don't take no care on ye,-takes dis
child to stir up de old cook, when ye comes to see us." And stepping
to the stand she brings the salver; and in her excitement to serve
Missus, forgets that the coffee is cold. "Da'h he is; just as nice
as 'em get in de city. Rachel made 'em!"
"I want Clotilda, Rachel; you must bring her to me. I was dreaming
of her and Annette; and she can tell dreams-"
The old slave interrupts her. "If Miss Franconia hab had dream, 'e
bad, sartin. Old Mas'r spoil dat gal, Clotilda,-make her tink she
lady, anyhow. She mos' white, fo'h true; but aint no better den oder
nigger on de plantation," she returns. Franconia sips her coffee,
takes a waf from the plate as the old servant holds it before her,
and orders Dandy to summon Clotilda.
CHAPTER III.
THINGS ARE NOT SO BRIGHT AS THEY SEEM.
THE following morning broke forth bright and serene. Marston and his
guests, after passing a pleasant night, were early at breakfast.
When over, they joined him for a stroll over the plantation, to hear
him descant upon the prospects of the coming crop. Nothing could be
more certain, to his mind, than a bountiful harvest. The rice,
cotton, and corn grounds had been well prepared, the weather was
most favourable, he had plenty of help, a good overseer, and
faithful drivers.
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