"That won't do," said Mrs. Benton. "Lily's in mourning."
"Mourning?"
"Yes, for her husband; he died in jail, and Lily's wearing a long crape veil."
When Lily returned, her young mistress expressed regret. "I'll give the blouse to Lizzie," she said, "and get you something else."
Lily looked at the blouse, then she swallowed. "Don't you give that blouse to no Lizzie, Miss Annette, cos nex' mont' I'se gwine outa mournin' from the waist up."—Harper's.
"G'wan, nigger, you-all ain't got no sense nohow."
"Ain't got no sense? Whut's dis yere haid for?"
"Dat thing? Dat ain't no haid, nigger; dat's jes er button on top er yo body ter keep yer backbone from unravelin'."