ings for his comfort with more foresight than was shown by his
attendants, but when he had reached Loringwood, and Margeret gave
silent, conscientious care to his wants, there was never a word of
praise given her. He--Delaven--felt as if he was the only one there
who appreciated her ministrations; the others took them as a matter of
course.

He saw old Nelse hitching along, with his queer little walk, coming
from the direction of the stables. He motioned to him, and seated
himself on a circular bench, backed by a great, live oak, and facing
the river. Nelse proved that his sight was good despite his years, for
he hastened his irregular shuffle and drew near, cap in hand.

"Did the canoe from up the river bring visitors?" asked Delaven,
producing one cigar which he lighted, and another which he presented
to the old man, who received it with every evidence of delight.

"I can't even so much as recollect when I done put my hands on one o'
these real Cubas; I thank yo' kindly, sah. We all raise our own
patches o' tobacco, and smoke it in pipes dry, so! an' in course by
that-a-way we 'bleeged to 'spence with the julictious flavor o' the
Cubas. No, sah; ain't no visitors; just Mrs. McVeigh's man, Pluto,
done fetched some letters and Chloe--Chloe's cook, heah--she tell me
she reckon Miss Gertrude try get Mahstah Matt to go up there fo' good
'fore long, fo' Mrs. McVeigh, she comen' home from Mobile right away,
now; done sent word. An' Miss Lena, she jest in a jubilee ovah the
letter, fo' her ma gwine fotch home some great quality folks a
visiten'. Judge Clarkson, he plan to start in the mawnen' for
Savannah, he gwine meet 'em there."

"And in the meantime we can enjoy our tobacco; sit down. I've been so
much interested in your stories of long ago that I want to ask you
about one of the present time."

The smile of Nelse broadened. He felt he was appreciated by Miss
Gertrude's guests, even though Miss Gertrude herself was not
particularly cordial. He squatted on the grass and waited while
Delaven took two or three puffs at his cigar before speaking again.

"Now, in the first place, if there is any objection to answering my
question, I expect you to tell me so; you understand?" Nelse nodded
solemnly, and Delaven continued:

"I have one of the best nurses here that it has ever been my luck to
meet. You spoke of her today as in someway deprived of her senses for
a long time. I can't quite understand that, for she appears ve