at I call a solemn promise," exclaimed Tom, as Nanny concluded
the prescribed speech. "Well, here goes!"

Just what was said in Nan's ear we may never know, but that it was
pleasing to both parties may be judged by what followed. The moment the
grand secret became the property of two, there was such a clapping of
hands, and whooping and laughing, and such a dancing up and down the
room as made the boards tremble, and brought old Aunt Susan from her
realms in the kitchen to the dining-room door.

"Bress de Lor', chillun, what dose yer mean cuttin' up like dat! yous'll
bring de roof down, an' no mistake! Stop dat noise! I guess yese
disremember dere's comp'ny in de spare room yonder, gettin' ready fo'
tea."

"Now you never mind the company, Aunt Sukey. Nan and I are only
practicing a war jig we've got to dance for Miss Almira to-night."

"Drat your war jigs, an' 'have like 'spectable chillun! Ring de
tea-bell, and make you'selves useful; you's got younger bones dan dis
ole Susan, tank de Lor'!"

"Remember!" said Tom, with a warning gesture to Nan, for he heard
footsteps coming.

The next morning after breakfast Tom walked into the kitchen, where Aunt
Sukey was putting the finishing touches to a dozen or more pies, for it
was baking-day.

"Look here, Aunt Susan," exclaimed the youngster, "I've heard you say
how much you would like to see 'Marse Linkum,' haven't I? Well, you've
never had a sleigh-ride since you come North, have you? And I was just
thinking last night that I'd take you for one when Nan and I go to
school this morning. There! it won't take more'n a few minutes. Get your
hood and shawl, and come along; it's only beyond Deacon Johnson's. Marse
Lincoln would like to see you first-rate."

"Oh, bress de Lor', honey, who tole you dat? Has ole aunty libbed to lay
her eyes on de savior ob her people? Yous two dun wait for ole Aunt
Susan, and she'll be wid you in a jiffy."

"Hurry up! Jocko's waiting," screamed Tom, as the old lady bustled off
to get her "fixin's."

"But, Tom, what'll ma say? and she's got company, too," asked Nan,
uneasily.

"Why, it's all the better for our fun. She'll have some one to help her.
Miss Almira can turn to and do up the pies and things, and make herself
useful as well as ornamental."

The war of the great rebellion was nearly over, and the old woman, like
many of her people, had made her way North, and this was her first
winter; so Tom and Nan expected great sport over h