Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-14
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
1t was a still, sunny afternoon, and all
around quietude reigned supreme. The
tield-hands were all off in a distant por-
tiOn OF the plantation, and the women left
at home were III their cabins spinning.
The soft, drowsy hum Of the wheels
scarcely stirred the quiet air. The noisy
flock of children were all down behind the
big plum orchard, aud there they might
chatter like so many black crOws-it
would disturb no one.
Magdalen hung over the gate, gloveless
and bareheaded. She would not wear
bonnet, if she could advance a shadow of
an excuse TO leave. it off. In vain old
Manse limited darkly of scOrched skin and
burnt eyelashes. The girl only smiled,
and went on leaving her bonnet reposing
In some convenient corner of the house.
At last she heard the sound of tramp
ling feet and the roll of carriage wheels
on the hard road. Then the sound of
voices and the deep, Joyful baying of the
hounds told the news. The family had
arrived. MagdaleD's nerves tingled with
excitement. She lOnged to see COrdelia,
and yet she shrank from taking one step
nearer towards meeting her. A feeling
she did not then understand made her un-
willing to be the one TO seek, and not the
one sought.
If she hesitated her friend did not. Ten
minutes after the carriage stopped before
the door. A slight. pale, light-haired girl
slipped through the back gate into the
lane, and ran down towards the Overseer's
house. Magdalen's brown face flushed
and frightened. In a fash she had the
gate open and was running to meet her
playtellOW.
''Cordella."
son MapdaIenl,
And they Rugged and kissed in true girl
fashion.
81 am so glad you have come" said
Magdalen, when, with clasped arms, they
strOlled slowly along under the trees.
And m so glad to come" said COrde-
liza, looking about with sparkling, de-
lighted eyes. / do love to be in the coun-
try. New Orleans is not half as nice as
this place."
"Then you'll stay this time?' eyes.
we are not going away any more in a
long, long time, ever so many years,
Won't it be delightful" skipping a step
or two in the OVERLOOKING gladness of her
heart.
Through some mysterious agency the
little ''niRgers" had discovered the arrival
of "Ole Marse," Missus and Miss COdely,
and they came rushing through the or
chard in a solid phalanA, and in various
hAuEIb VI nAEn9 uhAA uuNlNbbs lucy were
right at the two girls before they knew it.
and the sudden discovery caused those in
front to fall back so abruptly that the rear
guard cOllided with them, and about half
rolled IN the dust.
After a hearty laugh, Cordelia spoke To
them pleasantly. and graciously as ever
young princess did To her subjects. At
the same time she established her rule
over them.
"TO-morrow ! intend to become better
acquainted with you, aud learn your
names, for we have come home to live
now, and grandpapa says you must all
obey me-"
They grinned and retreated. delighted
and yet embarrassed in the presence of
their youthful ruler. She dismissed them
and then turned eagerly towards Magda-
len.
There is a great plan in my head"
"What is it~
eve must be school teachers. 1 never
would have thought Of Il IL l had not
heard Henry talking about IL one night"
who is HenryF' inquired Magdaien
deliberately. She liked to understand a
subject thoroughly.
"Henry zee, and, next TO Lawrence,
love him. He is so good, and-and so
smart. He reads everything, and he said
If men would only educate their slaves IL
would be 80 much better. Not learn
them much, but enough TO show them
what 10 right and what is wrong. Now,
l thought right then, If you would help
me, we could teach the children"
The idea was new one 20 Nagdalen.
and reused train OF thought in her mind
destined 10 trouble her for many days 70
come. She made no reply when COrdelIa
paused, ana, after taking breath, that
young refOTmer continued.
I'VE could use old Whitenead's house.
Pm not afraid TO 20 there in day time"
But would they like TO gop
cob, we can make them GO"
"Y-yesY
"When Henry comes up 10 see us,
want 70 show him that we are not mean
10 our folks-that we can treat them like
Christian people should.
Nv hen do you want 10 o0mmenceW
Just as soon as grandpa will consent.
We must ask him in few days"
"WeY
Eyes, we. You must 90 with me.
know mamma and Miss Evelyn will not
care. Miss Evelyn IS my goVerness.
Come, walk around with me-"
"Well, my girl, how have you spent the
aiternOOnW inquired Mr.. Grant when
Magdalen sat down, and leaned her head
against his knee that-Dight after supper.
"With COrdelia. Father. want 10 tell
you something COrdelia wants me 70 help
her do.v
"well. out with it, stroking her brown
head with the soft caressing touch Of a
woman.
SO Cordella's scheme for the improve
ment Of the colorod race was unfolded.