I trembled as I replied:
"Yes, I am very fond of flowers."
He noticed my embarrassment, and smiled most benignantly.
"Did you ever see a magnolia before?"
"Is this a magnolia?" I inquired, pointing to the luxurious flower.
"Yes, and one of the finest I ever saw. It belongs to the South. Are you sure you never saw one before?" He fixed his eyes inquiringly upon me as I answered:
"Oh, quite sure, sir; I never was ten miles from my master's farm in my life."
"You are a slave?"
"Yes, sir, I am."