The old man bowed gravely.
"Yassam. Right away, M'am."
Ben hurried to call his master as Sam edged into the front door and smiled at his mistress.
Mrs. Lee saw and recognized him for the first time. His loyalty touched her deeply in the hour of trial. She extended her hand in warm greeting.
"Why, Sam, you've come home!"
"Yassam. I come back ter stan' by my folks when dey needs me."
Mary's eyes were misty as she smiled her welcome.
"You're a good boy, Sam."
"Yassam. Marse Robert teach me."
The echo of Stuart's horse's hoof rang under the portico and Sam hurried to meet him.