"'My name Georgia, and I can tell you a story. It is about Blue Man's Beard.'
"'Oh,' said I, 'I would like to hear that very much indeed.'
"Then she put one little fat hand over the other, drew a long breath, and began: 'Blue Man's Beard, he dreffel cross, I tell you; and he say to he sister, "Now, don't you go in de rooms; you hear?" and she say, "No, neber;" but she tell story, and go; and oh, my! she drop de key, and de key he cum all over wid blood, and she try, try, try, to wipe um off. But he no cum off—and Blue Man's Beard, he say: "If you don't cum down I gib you popping." Den her brother he cum and tote her off to he home, and make a big fire, and burn Blue Man's Beard all up in de fire.'
"'Oh,' said I, 'how glad I am! Aren't you glad?'
"'Ah, no,' she replied, 'I don't want any body to be burn up—make 'em hurt:' which answer made me feel quite ashamed, because I was more cruel than she; then I gave Georgia some money, and sent her home quite happy. What do you think of that story? Don't the little mulatto girl talk queerly? All the black people talk so.
"The other night I felt quite ill, and the dear friend with whom I am staying sent Hannah, a black girl, up to me with a tub of warm water to bathe my feet. She dropped a little bobbing courtesy, and said: 'Please missis, you ain't berry well, I'se want to wash you foot.'
"'Oh dear, no, Hannah, I cannot let you bathe my feet; I always do that for myself.'
"'Oh do, please missis; I ain't got noting to do. I like to wash um.'
"'But, Hannah, I shall feel very funny to have you poking at my toes.'
"'Now missis, do,' said Hannah, in a coaxing tone; 'I'll do um fust rate.'