"Nuffin', only jes she wants ter talk wid yer 'bout sunthin', I reckon."
"Who is with her?"
"Miss Hetty."
"Yes"—musingly.
"An' de mistis 'pears powerfully put out 'bout sunthin' or udder," volunteered the girl.
"Yes," repeated Hesden, absently. "Well. Maggie, say to my mother that I am very closely engaged, and I hope she will please excuse me for a few hours."
The girl returned and delivered her message.
"What!" exclaimed the sick woman, in amazement. "He must have turned Radical sure enough, to send me such an answer as that! Maggie," she continued, with severe dignity, "you must be mistaken. Return and tell my son that I am sure you are mistaken."
"Oh, dar ain't no mistake 'bout it, mistis. Dem's de berry words
Marse Hesden said, shore."
"Do as I bade you, Maggie," said the mistress, quietly.