“Dat’s my name, sar,” said the negro smilingly. “Why, bress mah soul! I believe yo’ is Mistah Kimball. I’s po’erful glad teh see yo’, Mistah Kimball.”
“Well, I’m glad to see you back here, Toots. What’s goin’ on? Workmen slickin’ all up round the old place, hey?”
“Kindah makin’ it presentable, sar.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’s de ovahseer, sar,” was the proud answer. “Yo’ know Mistah Frank has done bought de ole place, an’ he’s gwine teh make it his home.”
“When is he coming?”
“Day after to-morrow, sar. To-morrow dey’s gwine teh decorate de church.”
“Hey?” squawked Bill Kimball. “Goin’ to what?”
“Decorate de church.”