But we shuahly go long wid yo', Missy, an' thanks him. We
knows our manners."
Many eyes turned to watch the smiling colored woman and the delighted
little negro girl who walked down King Street that afternoon, one on
each side of a little white girl who looked as well pleased as her
companions, for Sylvia decided that no time should be lost in telling
Mr. Robert Waite of how greatly his generosity was appreciated.
He welcomed Sylvia with his usual cordiality, and told Aunt Connie that
he wished her good fortune, and sent her and Estralla home.
"I will walk back with your young mistress," he said, and Sylvia felt
that it was the proudest day of her life when she walked up King Street
beside the friendly southerner.
"He talks just as if I were grown up," thought Sylvia gratefully, when
Mr. Waite spoke of the forts, and of the possibilities of war between
the northern and southern states.
"Tell your father not to hasten his preparations to leave Charleston;
you are among friends, and these difficulties may be adjusted," Mr.
Waite said as he bade Sylvia good-bye, and wished her a happy Christmas.
CHAPTER XIX
SYLVIA MAKES A PROMISE
"It doesn't seem a bit like Christmas," declared Sylvia, as she stood at
the sitting-room window looking out at the falling rain.
Christmas day of 1860 was a gloomy, rainy day in Charleston, and many
people felt exactly as Sylvia did, that it was not like Christmas.
Grace came over in the morning bringing a little chased gold ring for
Sylvia, which the little girl promised always to wear.
Pages:
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137