The only person who took the change sadly to heart was old Marie, and her love for her mistress and the little one was all that kept her alive.
The fertile soil, so rich on the shores of the Bayou that it was fairly black, was soon heavily planted. There were rice fields in addition to those of indigo and sugar-cane, and for the home were planted watermelons, potatoes, peas, and beans; figs and bananas as well as pumpkins were abundant, and there were wild grapes and pecans to be had for the gathering.
With a gun the larder could be kept supplied with ducks, geese, wild swan, venison, pheasants, and partridges, and, most curious of all, wild beef, for unbranded cattle were considered common property, and many of them escaped from the ranges and roamed the forests in increasing companies.
The second year the plantation showed the results of Monsieur Valvier’s unceasing care, and he carried to New Orleans a crop of indigo seed which exceeded by many bushels his greatest hopes.
As the slaves pushed off from the landing, Pierre, standing in the stern of the boat, called out,—
“What shall I bring thee back, Clemence?”
“Whatever you think I shall like best,” she answered, waving her hand in farewell.
“What for the little daughter?” and as if she had only been waiting for the chance, Annette called out gaily,—
“Dolly.”
“How shall I get a dolly? Would you not rather have something else, a toy or a new frock?”