"And he so young! I must kiss him, too!" said Margaret; and, considerably to our hero's embarrassment, Margaret gave him a resounding kiss.
"This boy also assisted," said Mr. Pearson, indicating Clip, with a smile.
Margaret hesitated a moment—she was not quite prepared to kiss a colored boy—but compromised by shaking his hand cordially.
"You look like a nice boy, Clip," she said.
"So I is, missus; yah, yah!" responded Clip, laughing.
"Now, Margaret, can you give us something to eat?" said Mr. Pearson.
"It's all ready, sir. I thought you and Miss Maud would be hungry."
"I suspect we are all hungry," said Mr. Pearson, leading the way into a handsome dining-room.
"Now, boys, take your seats," he said.
Clip felt a little awkward, for he was not used to being a guest at a rich man's table, but he did not allow his bashfulness to interfere with the gratification of an excellent appetite.