XXIV.
IN THE OLD HOME.
“Here, Miss Ruth, I has a cordial for ye. Drink it, honey,” said Phillis as Ruth sank into a chair.
“Don’t be down-hearted, Miss Ruth; old Pomp will take keer of ye.”
“I do not doubt it. You and Phillis have always been good to me, and now I have something to say to both of you. Would you like to be free, Pompey?”
“Would I like to be free, Miss Ruth?” the negro asked, hardly knowing what to make of the question.
“Yes, would you like to be free, to own yourself, to come and go as you please?”
“’Deed I would, Miss Ruth. Massa and missus was always very good to old Pomp, but ’pears I would like to be myself.”
She rose and took Pompey and Phillis by their hands.