fast as the
uncertain condition of his pantaloons would allow him, "did you 'spose I
was sich a fool as to wear dis to meetin to-day?"

"Yes, I did," said Phillis.

"Why, t'aint fit for a nigger to hoe corn in, its as big as a hay-stack."

"Have you tried it on?" asked Phillis.

"T'aint no use," said Bacchus, "I can tell by de looks."

"I'm sorry you don't like it," said Phillis.

"Like it," said Bacchus, contemptuously, "why, if it twasn't for the
trouble of going to my chist, I'd wear one of my old ones. Cuss de ruffles,
I wish you'd cut 'em off."

Bacchus went in, and in due time made his appearance in full dress. He wore
the blue coat and buff vest, and a pair of white pantaloons, made after the
old style. His shoes were as bright as his eyes, and his hat dusted until
it only wanted an entire new nap to make it as good as new. His hair was
combed in a sort of mound in front, and the _tout ensemble_ was astounding.
He passed Phillis in a dignified way, as if she were a valuable cat that he
would not like to tread upon.

Phillis looked after him with a most determined expression of face. If she
had been made out of stone she could not have seemed more resolved. She got
up, however, soon after, and went in to arrange matters after her lord and
master.

Bacchus purposely passed Aunt Peggy's cabin, making her a stylish bow.
Peggy had taken off her handkerchief, to air her head, her hair standing
off every which way, appearing determined to take her up somewhere, the
point of destination being a matter of no consequence. She chuckled audibly
as she saw Bacchus.

"Look at dat ole fool now, wid dat ruffled shirt on; he's gwine to bust dis
blessed mornin. Look at de way he's got his wool combed up. I b'lieves in
my soul he's got somebody buried up thar. He's a raal ole peacock. Dat's
de way! 'Kase I'm ole and wuthless, no matter 'bout me; and dat ole nigger
'lowed to make a fool of hisself, dressin up drunk in a ruffled shirt. No
matter, I'll be dead and out of der way, fore long."

Bacchus prayed with great effect this morning, calling himself and the
whole congregation the most dreadful names, with the utmost satisfaction.
He made a short address too, warning the servants against sin in general,
and a love of finery in particular. On his return he beamed forth upon
Phillis like one of her own "morning glories." The rest of the day he was
brimful of jokes and religion.

The next Sunday came around. Phillis smo