Then she would gather the children about her and tell them of the blessed Jesus and His love for little ones.
"Does He lub niggahs, missus ?" queried one grinning little wooly head.
"Yes, if they love Him: and they won't be negroes in heaven." "White folks, missus?
Oh, dat nice! Guess I go dar; ef dey let me in." But we are anticipating somewhat, though Elsie found time for a short visit to the sick and aged on the afternoon of even that first day at Viamede.

The next was the Sabbath, and as lovely a day as could be desired.

The horses were ordered for an early hour, and father and daughter rode some miles together to morning service, then home again.
As the shadows began to lengthen in the afternoon, Elsie was sitting alone on the veranda, her father having left her side but a moment before, when an old negro, familiarly known as Uncle Ben, came round the corner of the house, and slowly approached her.
Very sweet and fair, very beautiful she looked to his admiring eyes.

She held a Bible in her hand, and was so intent upon its perusal that she was not aware of his coming until he had drawn quite near.

Ascending the steps, and standing at a respectful distance, hat in hand, he waited till she should notice and address him.
Glancing up from her book, "Ah, Uncle Ben, good evening," she said.