Mason gave a
report of the condition of the people and his work among them, also
assuring Mrs. Travilla that Spriggs had carefully carried out her wishes,
that the prospect for the crops was fine, and everything on the estate in
excellent order.
She expressed her gratification, appealing to Mr. Travilla for his
approval, which was cordially given; said she had brought a little gift
for each of the people, and desired they should be sent up to the house
about sunset the next evening to receive it.
The chaplain promised that her order should be attended to, then retired,
leaving husband and wife alone together.
"All very satisfactory, my little friend, was it not?" said Mr. Travilla.
"Yes, sir, very. I'm so glad to have secured such a man as Mr. Mason to
look after the welfare of these poor helpless creatures. And you like the
house, Mr. Travilla, do you not?"
"Very much, so far as I have seen it. This is a beautiful room, and the
dining-room pleased me equally well."
"Ah, I am eager to show you all!" she cried, rising quickly and laying her
hand on the bell-rope.
"Stay, little wife, not to-night," he said, "you are too much fatigued."
She glided to the back of the easy chair in which he sat, and leaning over
him, said laughingly, "I'm not conscious of being fatigued, but I have
promised to obey and----"
"Hush, hush!" he said flushing, "I meant to have that left out; and did I
not tell you you were to have your own way that night and ever after?
You've already done enough of obeying to last you a lifetime.
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