CHAPTER XIII
September 8.
Rose at five and read the lessons on the piazza and then churned. There is certainly a wonderful freshness and life in the early morning air, a kind of inspiration in watching the birth of a new day. I get terribly hungry, however, before I can get any breakfast. This morning a delightful waiter arrived. It had shrimps and flounders fresh from the sea and great yellow pears with one red cheek.
I did not go to the plantation, so had a day off and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have a most delightful book which I have been pining to read, but had to resist until to-day. It is the life of Alice Freeman Palmer, and no words can express the refreshment and uplift it has given me.
I wish I could give the book to every young woman in whom I am interested.
September 9.
A brilliant morning. I tried to get to church in time and succeeded. All the invalids out, which was such a comfort. Our rector gave us a very good sermon on prayer. There was a terrible mix-up in the choir in the "Gloria in Excelsis." I sang one, while Miss Penelope played another! The results were truly heartrending, which was a pity. Still, the intentions were good, and we were both so in earnest, that we could not stop, apparently. The worse the sounds were the more we persevered.
September 10.
Every effort that I have made to induce the men to pay their rent has been vain. Last evening as I was coming back from Casa Bianca late in the afternoon, feeling very discouraged, I saw Green ahead of me carrying a pair of wild ducks and a string of coots. He was going toward Peaceville and I had a moment of satisfaction, for I thought he was taking them to me to pay on his rent. So as I came up with him I said in a cheery voice:—
"My, Green, I am so glad you are bringing me those ducks and coots. I have only eaten one coot this year."