"She has been, madam, but though I had nothing else in the world, when I became of age, she was made a free woman."
"But she is not very black—at least, in the dim light, I saw but faint traces of it."
Again Agnes smiled a soft unpleasant smile, that one could put no faith in:
"Perhaps it was that which rendered her so valuable, but black or white, the woman you saw was a born slave."
"And how does she support herself in that solitary house?"
"She has a garden, and some poultry. The woods around afford plenty of dry fuel, and my own humble labors supply the rest."
Mabel became thoughtful and ceased to ask questions. The governess stood quietly waiting. All her answers had been straightforward and given unhesitatingly, but they did not bring confidence or conviction with them. Still Mrs. Harrington was silenced for the time, and remained in deep thought.
"May I retire, madam?" said the governess at last, drawing slowly toward the door.
Mabel started from her reverie.
"Not yet. I would know more of you, of your parents, and previous life. Where we intrust those most dear to us, there should be a perfect knowledge and profound confidence."