Hunter had already groaned aloud.
"Law sakes, honey, what all dese?" the colored aunty asked.
"They are my start in trade," replied Mara, smiling.
"Den you's gwine to hab a mighty big start, fer I got lots o' tings in dis
basket."
"Why, Aun' Sheba! Did you think I was going to let you furnish the
materials?"
"Ef you furnish de makin' up ob de 'terials what mo' you oughter do, I'd
like ter know?"
"Aun' Sheba, I could cheat you out af your two black eyes."
"Dey see mo' dan you tink, Missy," she replied, nodding sagaciously.
"Yes, I reckon they do, but my eyes must look after your interests as well
as my own. I am going to be an honest partner. Do you see this book?"
"What dat ar got to do wid de pahnaship?"
"You will see. It will prevent you from ever losing a penny that belongs
to you."
"Penny, indeed! As if I'se gwine to stand on a penny!"
"Well, I am. Little as I know about business, I am sure it will be more
satisfactory if careful accounts are kept, and you must promise to tell me
the whole truth about things. That's the way partners do, you know, and
everything is put down in black and white."
"Oh, go 'long wid you, honey, an' hab you own way. All in my pahnaship go
down in black, I s'pose, an' you'se in white. How funny it all am!" and
the old woman sat back in her chair and laughed in her joyous content.
"It is all a very humiliating farce to me," said Mrs.
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