"Yes, Missis," replied the negro, touching his hat.
She beckoned him to come and open her carriage-door, and, speaking in a low voice, she said: "I want to ask you about a Spanish lady who used to live in a cottage, not far from Mr. Fitzgerald's plantation. She had a black servant named Tulee, who used to call her Missy Rosy. We went to the cottage yesterday, and found it shut up. Can you tell us where they have gone?"
Tom looked at them very inquisitively, and answered, "Dunno, Missis."
"We are Missy Rosy's friends, and have come to bring her some good news. If you can tell us anything about her, I will give you this gold piece."
Tom half stretched forth his hand to take the coin, then drew it back, and repeated, "Dunno, Missis."
Flora, who felt her heart rising in her throat, tossed back her veil, and said, "Tom, don't you know me?"
The negro started as if a ghost had risen before him.
"Now tell me where Missy Rosy has gone, and who went with her," said she, coaxingly.
"Bress yer, Missy Flory! am yer alive!" exclaimed the bewildered negro.
Flora laughed, and, drawing off her glove, shook hands with him. "Now you know I'm alive, Tom. But don't tell anybody. Where's Missy Rosy gone."