Then off would roam Sally, perhaps loitering around fair Ingleside, or returning to her beloved pine woods and leafy oak-tree.
One evening, as Sally was returning through Lover's Lane, she saw Mammy Leezer coming toward her, and very glad she was to meet the good-looking old colored woman. Mammy came on with her usual slow step, and said, as Sally drew near:
"Hot, isn't it, honey?"
"Yes, it is hot," Sally made answer, "but this is a pretty evening for those who can go riding."
Mammy tossed her independent old head.
"Neber you fret 'bout dose as hev kerridges to tote 'em," she said. "You's jus' as good as some folkses dat rides all de time."
"Oh, but it is nice to be born to fine things," said Sally, with a little laugh.
"How'd you know what you's borned to?" asked Mammy, with another toss of her head. "You doan't b'long to dat Slipside Row no more'n nothin'. I've heah tell o' your pappy. If he had done live' you'd be gettin' learnin' all dis time, shor! You oughten be gettin' it now."
Mammy had sunk down on a low stump and took on an air of importance that covered her like unto a garment. And as no class of people enjoy telling a story or airing their ideas more than do the colored race, Mammy settled herself as if for a long speech, and began, feeling all the time much pleased at Sally's attention:
"Now, ob course, I ain't for sayin' one word 'gainst my marster or mistis, not by no means. Why, bress yo' young soul, I'se been part ob de fambly most eber since Mars' Perc'val and Mistis Gabrelle wor married. And I nussed Miss 'Cretia right f'om de day she wor borned, and as for Mars' Lion, he's my babby shor!