g hair. "But have you the necessary data for
our estimates?"

"The number to be clothed, papa? I know how many house-servants, how many
babies and older children at the quarter, but not the number of field
hands."

"That will be easily ascertained. I will send a note to Spriggs, who can
tell us all about it."

Mr. Dinsmore's plans were carried out to the letter, and with entire
success. This was Saturday; the orders were sent that afternoon, and on
Monday morning the work began. Aunt Chloe proved fully equal to the
cutting of the garments, and Uncle Joe an apt scholar under her patient,
loving teaching, and a willing worker at his new employment. There was
scarcely need of even oversight on the part of the young mistress. She
would drop in occasionally, commend their industry, and inquire if
anything were wanting; then felt free for books, rides or walks, music or
conversation with her father.

But she was often down at the quarter visiting the sick, the aged and
infirm, seeing that their wants were supplied, reading the Bible to them,
praying with them, telling of the better land where no trouble or sorrow
can come, and trying to make the way to it, through the shed blood of
Christ, very plain and clear. 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 noti