Idle and shiftless, relying on the frequent absence of the master and the ease of gaining a living, they worked no more than was necessary to keep up a semblance of routine.

In some way the acres got plowed and reaped, in some way the meats were cured, in some way the animals were fed and the table was served and the rooms kept in a semi-tidiness, none too scrupulous.

Always in Tallwoods there was something at hand ready to eat, and there was fuel whereby fires might be made.
Such as it was, the hospitality of the place was ready.

It was a rich, loose way of life, and went on lazily and loosely, like the fashion of some roomy old vehicle, not quite run down, but advancing now and then with a groan or a creak at tasks imposed.
But now, another and most important matter for our note--there was no woman's hand at Tallwoods.

The care was that of servants, of slaves.