He found Rachel in her bed, the daylight shut out,
her door locked.
Its been a right busy time on the place, Aunt
Sapphy. And how did the gentlemen cometo know you were related to Mr. He wouldnt
come prowling around back here among theweeds. Youve kept me waiting for you along
while, Martin.
God, Idrather it had been any other nigger on the
place!
Never mind; he would keep at a distance for a
while, as if he hadforgotten the cherry tree. People say they used to keep theplace
up as long as you went to visit there. Hell be shore to overtake me up in
thewoods.
Nancy dropped her basket and almost fell out of the
treeherself.
For years, ever since she was a child, Nancy had
seemed to him morelike an influence than a person. The jokes on me,his giggle seemed
to say. The slimblack girl straightened up and stood with her bare feet wide
apartbetween rows of lettuce.
Letters came often; those from Robbie were
especially cherished.
They took him at his word, and did him in
completely.
Nancy said she was took giddy like in the tree, and
was afraidshe would faint and fall.
Young Colbert walked along carelessly, finding
exercise agreeableafter the jolting of the stage. Nancy gasped and put out her hand
beseechingly. People say they used to keep theplace up as long as you went to visit
there.
The Mistress is waiting for you in the parlour, Mr.
Youll let me come over and see you some night after supper? She had refused to admit
her doctor and Michaels lawyer. I dont hardly know what to say, butIm afraid to go
up the holler road this mornin.
He looked the young man over with interest. But
Chestnut Hill hasnever been the same since old Matchem died. Hed have come outall
right, too, except for a funny thing. If I happen to be away,take Mary and Betty
with you.