“We will begin with the elephants,” she said, “and as I go around the tree please follow me.”
“Yas, yas, indeed, Missy Roxy,” came the reply from the delighted negroes, and Roxy pointed out elephants, camels and zebras, and told briefly where such animals lived, and something of their habits that she had learned from the big red-covered book in Grandma’s book-closet.
There were many exclamations of wonder and surprise, and, when Roxy finished, a chorus of thanks, and Grandma Miller and Roxy’s mother came down from the porch and told Dulcie to serve everyone with an extra good supper that night. “And remember it is a treat from Miss Roxy,” she added smilingly; and Roxy again thought that her grandmother was a pattern for all grandmothers to follow, as the well-pleased negroes followed Dulcie toward the kitchen.
“It was fun to show them the circus,” Roxy declared, her eyes shining with delight, as her mother helped her gather up the animals and put them in the boxes. “And I don’t see why slaves are not as happy as other people,” she added thoughtfully. “I’m sure Jacob and Dulcie are happy.”
“They are not slaves, my dear. Your grandfather gave all his negroes their freedom, and that is what many Southern people have done and many more were planning to do so before this war began,” replied Grandma Miller.
“When the war is over every negro will be free, won’t they, Grandma?” questioned Roxy, as they all walked up the slope.
“If the Union Army conquers the Confederates there will be no more slavery in America,” Mrs. Miller replied gravely.
Roxy set her boxes on the porch steps, and stood looking off toward the bridge, remembering that Polly had told her that, after all, her father might secure leave of absence and appear at any time.
It had been a happy day, even if Polly’s news had been discouraging, she thought, as her glance rested on the glimpse of quiet river, the stretch of gray road, and the distant bridge.
And as she looked Roxy’s heart began to beat more quickly, for she could see a figure on horseback coming across the bridge; as it drew near she saw that the rider’s coat was blue.