Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/208

 "What sort of season does old Marse call it?"

"Very good," answered Philip.

"Marse Philip."

A long pause followed. It was evident that Hero was summoning up his courage to speak his mind.

"Well, Hero."

"Marse Philip."

Another long pause, during which the ragged cap was removed and the left ear gently caressed.

"Marse Philip, why don't you git married?"

"That 's a hard question to answer, Hero. What makes you think that I want to marry?"

"Marse Philip, you needs a wife to look arter you."

"A wife 's an expensive luxury. You look after me very well. What would you have to do if I took a wife?"

"A nigger can't take care of you, mor 'n to brush you clothes and keep trashy folks from a cheating of you too much. 'T would be a real 'conomy for you to be married, Marse Philip; wives is savin' folks."

"Indeed!" Philip observed, remembering certain sums of money extorted from him by Hero under plea of matrimonial expenses.

"Thar's that young lady," Hero continued, "her with the yallar har. Why would n't she make you a good wife?"