"Watch out which one 'Gene gives his wife," cried Bud, sarcastically.
The babies on the bed, four of them, were aroused by the noise, and joined their voices thereto. Three older children, who were sleeping rosily under the covers, slumbered on peacefully.
"One poke, or two, Mr. Baron? Ah'm proud to see you-all here," said Bud.
"A poke is a bag, eh? Give me two pokes, if you please, Bud. Yes, the large ones."
Returning to the dancing-room, he made his way to Mrs. Lance, Melissa's mother, who was sitting near the window. She was flattered into silence by the attention of the offered poke, and they ate the contents of their bags with solemnity.
A figure moving in the dim light outside attracted Friedrich's attention. He put his head out of the window. The man came directly beneath, and looked up.
"Ah, Pink, I thought that was you. I want to see you at some time."
"Ah'll watch out fo' ye when you-all's unhitchin' yo' mule."
"Very well. I'm going in a few minutes. You do not come in?"
"No. Hit's M'lissy's party, 'n she 'n me ain' friends."