her in check; and, on this particular
occasion, she was absolutely what she declared herself--"chief cook and
bottle-washer."

This sable functionary was very busy two or three mornings before the
time set for her master's wedding, not only in the general preparations
for that event, but with a grand idea of her own, which she was
earnestly carrying into effect. If the house was going into the hands of
a new mistress, the colored persons of the establishment had resolved to
commemorate the event in advance with a grand entertainment.

To this end, Clorinda, who appointed herself lady patroness in general,
had betaken herself to Mr. Mellen's library with Caleb Benson, the
high-shouldered, bald-headed occupant of "The Sailor's Safe Anchor," and
the person whose prerogative it had been to supply fresh fish to the
family at Piney Cove. Besides this, he performed a good deal of work in
the grounds, and made himself generally useful.

This morning Benson had come up to the house at Miss Clorinda's special
request, in order to assist in the literary department of the coming
entertainment. Neither Clorinda nor any of her dark compeers could read
or write, but invitations must be sent out after the most approved
fashion; and Clorinda had a fancy that the neighborhood of so many books
would be a great help, so she led Caleb with august ceremony into the
spacious library, and laid a quantity of pink note-paper and yellow
envelopes, all covered and embossed with silver, on the table before
him.

"Jes set down, Mr. Caleb, and write dem tings out special," she said,
rolling up a great leathern chair, and patting its glossy green cushions
enticingly. "Set down, Caleb, an' write, for I know yer kin."

Caleb laid his cap on one chair, and his stout walking-stick across
another. Then he rubbed the hard palms of his hands fiercely together,
and sat down on the edge of Mr. Mellen's chair, that threatened to roll
from under him each moment.

"Now, Miss Clo, what is it you want of me? I'm on hand for a'most
anything."

"I knows you is, and ales wuz, Caleb; that's why I trusted yer wid de
delicatest part ob dis entertainment. 'Member its premptory to de
weddin'."

"Preparatory, isn't that the correct word, Miss Clo?"

"Well, take yer chice, if you ain't suited, Caleb Benson."

"Wal, wal; don't git out to sea afore the tide's up, old woman."

"Ole woman! Ole woman yerself, Caleb Benson!" retorted Clorinda.

"Jes so!" answered t