returned to his meal.Martinfrowned. You could have sent a message with me, Sir.Ididnt think of it until after you were gone, Henry explained.I was just asking him to tell Hamiltons to expect me onSaturday. He turned with Martin toward the stair.Oh!What are you shopping for, Sir?Waistcoats,Henry told him. And whatever else catches my eye.Asthey climbed, Martin said, You know, Sir, I feel very lucky thatmy clothes come from Hamiltons. Not all my friends have things asnice as mine.Ithink we take good care of our slaves here, Henry said. Myfather wants you all to be content, so of course he gives you decentthings.Ithink were quite spoiled, actually, Sir.Asalways, Henry found Martins satisfaction with his lot in life alittle baffling. Certainly the Blackwell slaves had it goodforslavesand no doubt Martins life was a great deal morecomfortable than the lives of many free men, but Henry felt thatMartin deservedmore, though he only had vague ideas of what might constitute more.Martin ought to be able to make his own choices, his own decisions.But if Henry offered him these options, Henry knew hed only chooseto be with Henry, doing what Henry wanted. Was Martin even capable ofwanting things for himself?Butall he said was, Im glad you feel that way.OnSaturday, Henry wore his black-and-grey check and Martin wore hisusual uniform, and after Henry had his breakfast they rode theomnibus twenty blocks downtown to the haberdasher. This also put themwithin a few blocks of the Wilton residence, and it was tempting togo visit his relatives, but Henry did not feel comfortable simplydropping in unannounced. He wanted to see Reggie and his cousin soon,however.Prescottwas waiting for them at Hamiltons. He was a tall, elegant coloredgentleman of Fathers generation, exceptionally well-dressed.Father had bought his first bespoke suit at Hamiltons, and he hadbought it from Prescott. Everything Father had worn since had beensold to him by Prescott, and Prescott had helped Henry to buyvirtually every garment in his wardrobe. He had been out withappendicitis on the day the Blackwells had brought Martin in to beoutfitted, and he apologized for this now, seeming somewhat irritatedthat hed missed the opportunity to serve such esteemed customers.Ihope youre well now, Henry said.Ihad to have a little surgery, Prescott allowed. I was fineafter that. He clapped his hands together briskly. But enoughabout me. Who is this with you, Mr. Blackwell?Thisis Martin, Henry said. Martin, meet Mr. Prescott. He alwaysworks with us here.Atyour service, Sir, Martin said with a little bow.Sovery nice to meet you, young man. He gave Martin a cool smile andthen turned to Henry. What are you interested in today, Mr.Blackwell?Waistcoats,Henry said. For both of us.Martinwhirled to gape at him. Sir! Martin protested. I dontJustblack for you, Henry said reassuringly. But not plainblack.But,Sir, Martin said, pleading, Mr. Tim wears plain black.Itold Timothy what I wanted for you and he didnt have any problemwith it, Henry pointed out. He would have told me if he didntwant you to have different things. Really, Martin, if it were up tome, youd dress all in regular clothes, so be grateful Im notputting you in colors.Martinsaid nothing more, but looked