Unc’ Aaron came in bowing and scraping. “I jes’ thought I’d ruminate around and require of yuh what was yo desires, Mistah Ned,” he began.
“My desires are for some ham and eggs, some cream and milk and butter. We’d better send Pablo up to the house for them while you whirl in and make the fire here. We’re nearly starved and we are counting on you to get supper for us, some of those famous griddle cakes of yours, and see that you are not stingy with them.”
“Yass suh, yass suh, I gits yuh-alls up a fine suppah, an’ does it puromptily, yass suh, I speeds aroun’ an’ represents dat suppah in de shake or two of a sheep’s tail.”
“All right. Go on with your representing while I light a fire in the dining-room.”
“Oh, can’t I go with Pablo to get the eggs and things?” begged Joanne, “and, oh, I do so want just to glimpse Chico.”
“Go along, then, and ask Mrs. Clover if she hasn’t some jam or some sort of sweet thing she can let us have. She’ll talk you to death if you let her, so if you want to see Chico you’ll have to head her off and hurry back.”
Pablo, who had already received his instructions from Unc’ Aaron, was starting off to the farmhouse. Joanne hurried after him. “I’m going too, Pablo,” she called.
Pablo waited and they went up the hill together. “Do you like it here?” inquired Joanne, who had no idea of keeping silence.
“I like ver’ mooch,” replied the boy.
“Tell me about Chico. He is well?”