What is wrong, tell me." Sympathy even of this sort was balm to a woman wholly unnerved.

Josephine found her head on the old negro woman's shoulder.
[Illustration: Her fine courage for once outworn.] "Now you jus' lay right quiet, Ma'am," went on Sally.

"I'se gwine to git you a little something warm to drink and something to eat right soon, and den I'se gwine put you-all to bed nice and clean, and in de mawnin' you'll feel like you was anotheh lady, you suttinly will, Ma'am." "Who are you ?" demanded Josephine, turning to look into the old and wrinkled face.
"I'se jus' Sally." "I suppose you are keeper of the prison," commented Josephine bitterly.
"Dis ain't no prisum, Ma'am, I'se bin heah a long time 'mong dese triflin' niggahs.

Dis ain't no prisum--but God knows, Ma'am, we needs a lady heah to run things.

Is you come foh dat ?" "No, no," said Josephine.