aid: "Colonel, you will find a happy
household. Your return has put a new phase on everything. The old
nurse is perfectly happy since she found out that you are no negro
buyer, and that you did not come to sell Godfrey's Cordial." "The old
woman must be averse to doctors. She no doubt is right, as nine times
out of ten, but very few of them know what they are doing." "Thinking
that you had not dined, Mrs. R. has prepared something for you. Try a
little more of the Cider Berry Juice and honey. You will feel better
prepared to enjoy what the madam has set before you." "I assure you,
Col. R., that since travelling in this county I have become
particularly fond of the juice. I have called at several places where
I was told they did not use the medicine, but always like to see it
sitting convenient." "The juice that you are now mixing was prepared
when our first child was born. It is very exhilarating in its effects,
and you are fortunate in having the pleasure of testing it at this
time. It is an honor that is extended to but few." "Col. R., allow me
to drink to the very good health of your first born. Was it a male or
female?" "It was a female, and I am glad to inform you that it was
Mrs. Bradley. She is away at present, but I hope that you may make it
convenient to stay until her return, which may be in a few days." A
very neat and polite negro man made his appearance from the
dining-room, and bowing very politely, said: "Marster, you can invite
the Colonel in; everything is ready." "Colonel, walk this way. It is
rather late for breakfast, but you will no doubt be able to make a
repast of what is before you." "Make no excuses, Col. R., about what
is before me, for it would satisfy the appetite of a king. That is the
besetting sin of the Old Virginia matrons. They will load the table
with everything that is good and palatable and say that they are sorry
that they have nothing you can eat." "Col. Godfrey," said Mrs. Ridley,
"I see that you are disposed to indulge in a little flattery. It is
true that we extend our hospitality to visiting strangers and friends,
but not to that extent which you ascribe to us." "It has been my
experience, madam, at every place at which I have had business in this
neighborhood, and I infer that it was a general thing." "Then,
Colonel," said Mrs. R., "you have had a very pleasant time since you
left our house?" "I cannot say that it has been altogether pleasant,
madam. When on the road I cannot s