"You'll get lighter," returned Eugenia reassuringly. "You don't move about half enough, but I'll make you."
The general groaned again, and Miss Chris, pink and fresh in her linen sacque, came out upon the porch.
"Bless the child!" she exclaimed. "Where on earth did she lay hands on that bonnet? Don't stay out too long in the sun, Eugie, or you'll burn black."
The general caught at the straw.
"I wish you'd tell her she ought to sit in the house, Chris. She wants to drag me—me out in that heat." But Eugenia drew the sunbonnet over her dark head and disappeared across the lawn.
Having inspected the farmyard and the stables, she crossed the ragged field to the negro cabins, where she was received with hilarity.
"Ain't I al'ays tell you she uz de fines' lady in delan'?" demanded Delphy of the retreating Moses. "Ain't I al'ays tell you dar wa'n't her match in dese yer parts or outer dem? I ax you, ain't I?"
"Dat's so," admitted Moses meekly.
"Where's Betsey?" inquired Eugenia, twirling her sunbonnet. "Aunt Verbeny told me the baby died. I am so sorry."