There was hardly a negro on the place who was not there. However they might follow Still in politics, they had not yet learned to forget the old ties that bound them in other matters to their old masters, and they were profoundly affected by this step, which they could all appreciate.
“I drives you away, my mistis,” said the driver, old Waverley. “I prays Gord I may live to drive you back.”
“Not me, Waverley; but, maybe, this boy,” said Mrs. Gray, laying her hand on Rupert’s shoulder.
“Yes’m, we heah him say he comin’ back,” said the old driver, with pride. “Gord knows we hopes so.”
Just then Hiram Still, accompanied by Leech, rode up into the yard. He had evidently kept himself informed as to Mrs. Gray’s movements. He rode across the grass and gave orders to the negroes to clear away. Mrs. Gray took not the least notice of him, but, outraged by his insolence, Rupert suddenly sprang forward and denounced him passionately. His mother checked him: “Rupert, my son.” But the boy was wild with anger. “We are coming back some day,” he cried to Still. “You have robbed us; but wait till my brother returns.”
Both Still and Leech laughed, and Still ostentatiously ordered the negroes off. Still moved in that afternoon.
Before Still had been installed in his new mansion twenty-four hours he repented of his indiscretion, if not of his insolence. He was absent a part of the evening, and on his return he heard that Captain Allen had been to see him. The face of the servant who gave the message told more than the words he delivered.
“What did he want?” Still asked, sharply.
“He say he want to see you, and he want to see you pussonally.” The negro looked significant.