It is the amount of a voluntary
contribution-a gift for the new preacher. "Missus" is requested,
after adding her portion, to expend it in a suit of best black for
the newcomer, whom they would like to see, and say "how de, to."
Missus receives this noble expression of their gratitude with thanks
and kind words. Harry is summoned to the veranda, where, on making
his appearance, he is introduced to Dad Daniel, who, in return,
escorts him down on the plazza where numbers of the people have
assembled to receive him. Here, with wondrous ceremony, Dad Daniel
doing the polite rather strong, he is introduced to all the
important people of the plantation. And such a shaking of hands,
earnest congratulations, happy "how des," bows, and joyous laughs,
as follow, place the scene so expressive of happiness beyond the
power of pen to describe. Then he is led away, followed by a train
of curious faces, to see Dad Daniel's neatly-arranged cabin; after
which he will see plantation church, and successively the people's
cabins. To-morrow evening, at early dusk, it is said, according to
invitation and arrangement, he will sup on the green with his sable
brethren, old and young, and spice up the evening's entertainment
with an exhortation; Dad Daniel, as is his custom, performing the
duties of deacon.
Let us pass over this scene, and-Harry having ingratiated himself
with the plantation people, who are ready to give him their
distinguished consideration-ask the reader to follow us through the
description of another, which took place a few days after.
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