"Why, Ishmael, I have been looking in vain for a seamstress for the last three or four weeks. And I thought I really should have to go to the trouble and expense of sending to Baltimore or Washington for one; for all our spring and summer sewing is yet to do. I am sure I could keep one woman in fine needlework all the year round."
"Oh, ma'am, how glad I would be if Aunt Hannah would suit you."
"I can easily tell that. Does she make your clothes?"
"All of them, ma'am, and her own too."
"Come here, then, and let me look at her sewing."
Ishmael went to the lady, who took his arm and carefully examined the stitching of his jacket and shirt sleeve.
"She sews beautifully. That will do, my boy. Ring that bell for me."
Ishmael obeyed and a servant answered the summons.
"Jane," she said, "hand me that roll of linen from the wardrobe."
The woman complied, and the mistress put the bundle in the hands of Ishmael, saying: