"But, 'deed, I'm feared I shall hurt your feelings, honey."
"You cannot do that."
"Well, then, honey—but 'deed you must excuse me, Miss Claudia, because I wouldn't say a word, only I think how it is my bounden duty."
"For Heaven's sake, Katie, say what you wish to without so much preface."
"Well, then, Miss Claudia—laws, honey, I's nussed you ever since you was borned, and been like another mammy to you ever since your own dear mammy went to heaven, and if I haven't got a right to speak free, I'd like to know who has!"
"Certainly; certainly! Only, in mercy, go on!" exclaimed Claudia, who, fevered, excited, and nearly maddened by what she had overheard, could scarcely be patient with her old servant.
"Well, Miss Claudia, honey, it is all about this strange foreign 'oman as is a-wisiting here."
"Ah!" exclaimed Claudia, looking up and becoming at once interested.
"Miss Claudia, honey, that 'oman aint no fitting company for you.
She aint."
"Ah! what do you know of her?" inquired Claudia in a low, breathless, eager voice.