There was a flavor of much-needed romance in this survival at our very doors of an ante-bellum unrighteousness.

The town cherished a hope that Clem would try to run off some time, or that Miss Caroline would have his back cut to ribbons, or try to sell or mortgage him or something, thus creating entertainment of an agreeable and exciting character.
If the town could have overheard Clem scolding the lady with frank irritation in his voice,--as I chanced to do once or twice,--had it beheld his scowl as he raged, "Miss Cahline, yo' sho'ly gittin' old 'nuff to know betteh'n _that_.

I suttinly do wish yo' Paw was alive an' yeh'bouts.

Ah git him afteh yo' maghty quick.

Now yo' jes' remembeh Ah ain't go'n' a' _have_ no sech doin's!"-- if it could have noted the quailing consternation of the mistress at these moments, it might have been puzzled; but of such phenomena it never knew.