“I understand the meaning of the word ‘alarmist’ to be ‘one who needlessly excites alarm’, which certainly does not apply to Reuben, and when he says ‘somethin’ is goin’ to happen,’ it invariably does happen.”
“What is his latest prediction?” Hernando asked with a light laugh.
Eletheer could not help smiling in return as she replied: “Nothing in words, but his actions indicate that some calamity is impending over this family.”
“What was it you quoted to me the other day, ‘Nothing can happen to any man that is not a human accident, nor to an ox which is not according to the nature of an ox, nor to a vine which is not according to the nature of a vine, nor to a stone which is not proper to a stone.’ If then, there happen to each thing both what is usual and natural, why shouldst thou complain, for the common nature brings nothing which may not be borne by thee.”
Eletheer looked very sober and he continued, “Far be it from me to disparage Reuben, but like all of the colored race he is superstitious. You must not remain so much indoors. Mary’s illness and the preparation for this wedding have made you morbid,” he said, shivering slightly.
“Are you cold?” she asked in some surprise, at the same time poking the fire vigorously. The blaze which followed illuminated the room, revealing Hernando in a vain effort to repress a chill.
“I fear you are ill, Hernando.”
Reuben here entered with an armful of wood. His observing eye recognized at a glance the indications of suffering which Hernando could not conceal, and hastily depositing his burden, he returned in a few minutes with a glass which he handed to Hernando saying, “Heah, my boy, drink dis hot toddy. Yo’ bettah keep out of dat mine. Dampness haint good fo’ rheumatism.”
Hernando drank the mixture and with Reuben’s assistance went up to his room. Striking a light, the faithful negro opened the bed and turned to aid his charge in disrobing. The latter’s face was positively livid.
“I reckon I gave yo’ a po’ful dose, Massa. Yo’ head is ready to pop,” said Reuben apologetically.