I believe old Mrs.Thomas thinks a coloured person can't get to Heaven, without first living at service a little while." The school bell ringing put an end to this important conversation, and the boys recommenced their lessons.
When Charlie returned from school, the first person he saw on entering the house was Robberts, Mrs.Thomas's chief functionary, and the presiding genius of the wine cellar--when he was trusted with the key.

Charlie learned, to his horror and dismay, that he had been sent by Mrs.Thomas to inquire into the possibility of obtaining his services immediately, as they were going to have a series of dinner parties, and it was thought that he could be rendered quite useful.
"And must I go, mother ?" he asked.
"Yes, my son; I've told Robberts that you shall come up in the morning," replied Mrs.Ellis.Then turning to Robberts, she inquired, "How is Aunt Rachel ?" At this question, the liveried gentleman from Mrs.Thomas's shook his head dismally, and answered: "Don't ask me, woman; don't ask me, if you please.
That old sinner gets worse and worse every day she lives.

These dinners we're 'spectin to have has just set her wild--she is mad as fury 'bout 'em--and she snaps me up just as if I was to blame.

That is an awful old woman, now mind I tell you." As Mr.Robberts concluded, he took his hat and departed, giving Charlie the cheering intelligence that he should expect him early next morning.
Charlie quite lost his appetite for supper in consequence of his approaching trials, and, laying aside his books with a sigh of regret, sat listlessly regarding his sisters; enlivened now and then by some cheerful remark from Caddy, such as:-- "You'll have to keep your feet cleaner up there than you do at home, or you'll have aunt Rach in your wool half a dozen times a day.

And you mustn't throw your cap and coat down where you please, on the chairs or tables--she'll bring you out of all that in a short time.