Sylvia did not even think of the lace-making until she brought down her
pretty box to show to her mother and father.
"The Charleston people have been so kind to us," Mrs. Fulton said, a
little sadly.
"They are the most courteous and kindly people in the world," declared
Mr. Fulton.
Sylvia went up to her room wondering why her mother and father seemed so
serious, when everything was so lovely. She had almost forgotten her
adventure of the previous night, and went happily to bed with Flora's
pretty gift on the light-stand beside her bed.
CHAPTER XIV
MR. ROBERT WAITE
It was a very sober little darky who came up to Sylvia's room the next
morning. She set down the pitcher of water and moved silently toward the
door.
"What's the matter, Estralla?" Sylvia called; for usually Estralla was
all smiles, and had a good deal to say.
Estralla shook her head. "Nuffin', Missy. I knowed you couldn't do
nuffin' 'bout it. My mammy says how nobody can."
"Wait, Estralla! What do you mean?" exclaimed Sylvia, sitting up in bed.
"I'se gwine to be sold! Jes' like I tells you. My mammy was over to
Massa Waite's house las' night, and she hears ober dar dat Massa
Robert's gwine to sell off every nigger what ain't workin'--this week!"
Estralla's voice had drifted into her old-time wail.
"Oh, Estralla! What can I do?" and Sylvia was out of bed in a second,
standing close beside the little colored girl.
"I dunno, Missy Sylvia. I 'spec' dar ain't nuffin' you kin do.
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