“I have heard about you all my life, Aunt Melpomene, and you look just as I supposed you would. I never did hope to have the pleasure of seeing you face to face; but, oh, I am so glad to meet you now!” “So am I you, miss. But, law—did anybody _ever_ see such a likeness in this world?” exclaimed, the woman, almost staring the girl out of countenance. “As between this lady and myself?” she replied, with a blush and smile of embarrassment. “Oh, yes, I have heard it commented upon by so many people—all, I think, whoever chanced to see us both.” “Yes,” added Susan, laughing, “and I have expounded and explained how it was until I am tired. Why, Pony, woman, why shouldn’t my child be the very image of your young mistress when I had her face in my mind for months before this child arrived.” “Well, it’s made her mighty pretty, and that’s the solemn truth,” said the woman gravely. “But I’ll tell you what, Miss Em., beauty is a great snare to the young, and unless it is supported by Christian grace, my honey, it is likely to fetch more misery than happiness.” “‘Sich is life,’” said John sententiously. “Oh, I declare I forgot—Pony, you remember my husband, don’t you?” “Who—Mr. Palmer? Why, to be sure I do! I hope I find you well, sir! But my, how stout and portable you have got to be, sir!” exclaimed Pony, turning her attention now to the overseer. “I am sure I can return the compliment,” said John, laughing. “Well, you see, sir, we colored female women folks, when we keeps in good health, and is in peace with the Lord and the neighbor, is most in general ’clined to wax fat as we grow old,” replied Pony, showing all her teeth. “‘Sich is life,’” said John solemnly. “Indeed, and that is very true, sir, if we could only live up to it,” remarked Pony. “_You_ have seen a great deal of the world since _I_ saw _you_, Pony,” put in Susan. “I b’lieve you, ma’am! Me and my mist’ess ’mind me more of ole Satan in Job than anything else in de world—a ‘walking up and down in the earth and going to and fro in it.’ Yes, ma’am, me and mist’ess has been all over the universe, from Dansheba to de Debbil’s Icy Peek!” “She means that I have been the tormenting Satan and she has been the patient Job,” explained Mrs. Lynn with a smile, adding: “Now, Pony, we will detain you no longer from your lunch.” The woman took a laughing leave of her old friends and left the room. Then Emolyn turned to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, and addressing both, said: