Page:A Study in Colour - Augusta Zelia Fraser.pdf/39

28 seemed on his side perfectly contented with the new arrangement, and prospered even more than before.

Justina would play, romp, and talk with the baby with the frankest enjoyment, and for answer the little fellow would gaze at her with calm and solemn eyes, as if amazed at his attendant's frivolity.

The gravity of little children surpasses anything of the kind in grown-up people. Few men can attain to it. Even a bishop might copy it with credit and advantage.

Justina was indefatigable wherever her "lilly Buckra Massa" was concerned, and a cross or impatient word never crossed her lips where he was in question.

At five o'clock, when it was still dusk, and the only signs of the fast-approaching day were the orange streaks in the purple-blue sky, Justina arose and dressed with care her little "tredger," as she called Baby Billy. Her own toilet at this early hour was a rapid one, and the elaborate washing, combing and oiling that no negress omits, was put off until the heat of the day, when her "tredger" should be fast asleep. Now she merely unswathed her head from the weird-