“My name’s Aunt Hector, honey, ladies’ nuss, which I have recommendments to show from the head doctors, ma’am,” answered “mammy,” curtseying.

“I think it very fortunate for me that you are here. I hope you will be able to stay with me.”

“Which it is my intention so to do, long as I shall be wanted, honey, and no longer.”

“Thank you, I would like to talk with you a little. I have no mother, and I am as ignorant as a child of many things I ought to know—Pina, my good girl, you may leave the room, and you needn’t come back until you are called. I wish to speak in private to this good nurse.”

As Pina left the room and closed the door behind her, mammy turned to her patient, and said:

“I hope, ma’am, that gal does her duty, which it is always my pride and ambition to bring up my chillun so to do.”

“She is a very good girl, and pleases me perfectly.”

“I am oncommon glad to hear it, ma’am.”

“And now I wish to speak to you of——” Drusilla hesitated.

“Yes, honey, I understand. Speak out and don’t mind me. I’m an ole nuss, you know, chile.”