"And your father?"
"Is in heaven."
"Truly," mused the gentleman, "and your sainted mother likewise."
"Permit me to ask your address, gentle lady," said the artist, as his visitors prepared to retire.
"And in return you will allow me to come every day, and look upon this dear face?"
"You are the only person whom I have bade a welcome to my presence for years;" and bidding them a "good morning," the artist retired to brood over other than his sorrows.
It was then that Natalie remembered the poor black woman, though not a thought of the object of her own visit thither, crossed her mind. The woman was silently contemplating the Sea-flower, as if she were an angel of mercy.
"Where do you live, my good woman?" inquired Natalie.
"One spot am not my home more dan anoder, missy; de wide earth am my home. But tell me, missy, did ole Phillis hear you straight, or am she so warped troughout, dat she hot get de right comprehensions?"
"What I have told you, you may rely upon; come here in a day or two again, and you shall hear farther."