"
"I've always tried to do right by you Keziah. I don't think you have
any call to be revengeful," said the poor lady, trembling.
"Mebbe I hain't and mebbe I hev," shrilled Keziah, tossing her head
disdainfully. "I guess I know them ez loves me from them ez don't. I
s'pose ye think I dunno wat yer husbun an Jonathan be a buryin daown
stairs."
"I'm sure you won't betray us, Keziah," said Mrs. Edwards. "You've had
a good place with us, Keziah. And there's that dimity dress of mine.
It's quite good yet. You could have it made over for you."
"Oh yes," replied Keziah, scornfully. "It's all well nuff ter talk
bout givin some o' yer things away wen yer likely to lose em all."
With that, turning her back upon her terrified mistress, with the air
of a queen refusing a petition, she patronizingly assured Desire that
she had met with more favor in her eyes than her mother, and she would
accordingly protect her. "Though," she added, "I guess ye won't need
my helpin for Cap'n Hamlin 'll see nobuddy teches ye cept hisself."
"Is he here?" gasped Desire, her dismay suddenly magnified into utter
panic.
"Fer sartain, my sweetheart ez sent me word 's under him," replied
Keziah.
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