I spied Melinda coming up, and signified to Miss Bradly that it would be unsafe to prolong the conversation, and quickly she departed; not, however, without reassuring me of the interest which she felt in my fate.
"What was Miss Emily Bradly talking wid you 'bout?" demanded Melinda, in a surly tone.
"Nothing that concerns you," I answered.
"Well, but you'll see that it consarns yerself, when I goes and tells Masser on you."
"What can you tell him on me?"
"Oh, I knows, I hearn you talking wid dat ar' woman;" and she gave a significant leer of her eye, and lolled her tongue out of her mouth, à la mad dog.
I was much disturbed lest she had heard the conversation, and should make a report of it, which would redound to the disadvantage of my new friend. I went about my usual duties with a slow and heavy heart; still, sometimes, like a star shining through clouds, was that little bright hope of liberty.