"We haven't got any company hours," said Miss Sally, "and we haven't
just now any servants for company manners, for we're short-handed in the
fields and barns. When yo' came I was nailing up the laths for the vines
outside, because we couldn't spare carpenters from the factory. But,"
she added, with a faint accession of mischief in her voice, "yo' came to
talk about the fahm?"

"Yes," said Courtland, rising, "but not to interrupt the work on it.
Will you let me help you nail up the laths on the wall? I have some
experience that way, and we can talk as we work. Do oblige me!"

The young girl looked at him brightly.

"Well, now, there's nothing mean about THAT. Yo' mean it for sure?"

"Perfectly. I shall feel so much less as if I was enjoying your company
under false pretenses."

"Yo' just wait here, then."

She jumped from the sofa, ran out of the room, and returned presently,
tying the string of a long striped cotton blouse--evidently an extra one
of Sophy's--behind her back as she returned. It was gathered under her
oval chin by a tape also tied behind her, while her fair hair was tucked
under the usual red bandana handkerchief of the negro housemaid. It is
scarcely necessary to add that the effect was bewitching.

"But," said Miss Sally, eying her guest's smartly fitting frock-coat,
"yo' 'll spoil yo'r pooty clothes, sure! Take off yo'r coat--don't mind