His clothes, too, are somewhat shabby, which, in the
estimation of the Rosebrook negroes-who are notoriously aristocratic
in their notions-is some detriment to his ministerial character. At
the same time, they are not quite sure that Harry Marston, as he
must now be called, will preach to please their peculiar mode of
thinking. Master and missus have given them an interest in their
labour; and, having laid by a little money in missus's savings bank,
they are all looking forward to the time when they will have gained
their freedom, according to the promises held out. With these
incitements of renewed energy they work cheerfully, take a deep
interest in the amount of crop produced, and have a worthy regard
for their own moral condition. And as they will now pay tribute for
the support of a minister of the Gospel, his respectability is a
particular object of their watchfulness. Thus, Harry's first
appearance on the plantation, shabbily dressed, is viewed with
distrust. Uncle Bradshaw, and old Bill, the coachman, and Aunt
Sophy, and Sophy's two gals, and their husbands, are heard in
serious conclave to say that "It won't do!" A clergy gentleman, with
no better clothes than that newcomer wears, can't preach good and
strong, nohow! Dad Daniel is heard to say. Bradshaw shakes his white
head, and says he's goin' to have a short talk with master about it.
Something must be done to reconcile the matter.
Franconia and good Mrs. Rosebrook are not so exacting: the latter
has received him with a warm welcome, while the former, her heart
bounding with joy on hearing of his return, hastened into his
presence, and with the affection of a child shook, and shook, and
shook his hand, as he fell on his knees and kissed hers.
Pages:
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592