at black and white mean nothing, just nothing, that
it's hearts and souls, it's whether people are mean or generous, whether
they're kind or cruel, that counts. You'll never talk about 'cute
niggers' the way the women do who come to my school. You won't think
black people can't feel shame and mortification the same as white. You
won't say the women are all immoral and the men are all----"

"Oh, Ellen," Hertha cried, "I've said good-by to Tom!" She sat down at
the window and shook as though she were ill. "I can't help loving him
most. I love him the way you love me; I took care of him when he was a
baby."

"Yes, dear!"

"Go and tell that man that I'm coming by and by with you, and let me
stay here a while alone."

It was dark among the pines, but the clouds broke and the silver
moonlight greeted them as they turned under the live-oaks to Hertha's
new home. For the first time since they had come to Merryvale and the
great house they made their way to the front door. There, on the porch,
they kissed each other good-by; and standing outside, Ellen saw Hertha
Ogilvie, the baby that she had nursed, the child for whom she had made
daily sacrifice, leave her in the darkness to enter the white man's
world.

CHAPTER XI

"I never knew lawyers before to be so expeditious," Miss Witherspoon was
saying, "I shall not talk again of the dilatoriness of the South."

"It has all happened very quickly," Hertha answered.

A week had passed since the receipt of the letter, and Hertha and Miss
Witherspoon were sitting together on the gallery while Miss Patty took
her afternoon nap. The younger woman was sewing on some underwear but
the older sat with empty hands, looking now at the girl, now at the
landscape.

"You have been wise at once to bank your money, Hertha." Miss
Witherspoon had started with Miss Ogilvie, but had slipped back into the
familiar appellation. "You can draw it any time, but this way will make
you careful."

Hertha smiled.

"I am glad that you have decided to accompany me and enter upon work in
Boston. It seems a special providence that I should have come to
Merryvale at just this time, when I can be of use."

"I'm sure it is fortunate for me."

"I have made all the arrangements that we spoke of, and I know that you
will like the Institute. The course there in dressmaking is admirable.
It's a little late to enter, but as a special favor to me you will be
allowed to go at once into your class. I sa