“This is your place henceforth, my child—a place that has not been filled since my dear niece, your husband’s mother, married and left me.” Palma raised and kissed the pale hand that led her, and then sat down before the tea tray. The old gentleman sat opposite to her at the foot, Stuart on the right and Mrs. Pole on the left side. The venerable master of the house asked the blessing, and the feast began. The two colored women waited on the table—the elder one stood beside Palma to hand the cups; the younger beside Mr. Cleve, to pass the plates. Varied and appetizing as was the supper, the host partook but daintily, contenting himself with a cup of cocoa and a wafer. But Cleve and Palma had healthy young appetites, and so delighted the hearts of the waiting women with their appreciation of the good things set before them. When the meal was over and the table cleared of the service the elder woman set a lamp upon it; then brought the family Bible and laid it open where the place was kept by her master’s spectacles as a book mark. “Come, my dear children, let us draw near to Our Father,” said the patriarch. And once more they gathered around the table, on this occasion for worship. John Cleve read the first chapter of the Sermon on the Mount; then made a pause, that all might reflect on the divine lesson; next led in the evening thanksgiving and prayer, offering up on this occasion especially grateful acknowledgments for the dear children sent to be a comfort to his declining days, and prayers for their spiritual and eternal welfare. Then he pronounced the benediction, and the evening service was over. As soon as they arose from their knees the elder colored woman, whom her master had called Polly, came up to Palma and said: “Please, ma’am, if you would like to go to your room now I am ready to wait on you.” “Thank you. I should like to retire,” replied wearied Palma. “An’ de oder lady, likewise,” added the woman, nodding toward Mrs. Pole. “Yes, I’m sure she would. She is even more fatigued than I am—than either of us,” replied Palma. “W’ich it is her age-able years, ma’am, of coorse. She can’t be as young as she used to be,” said the woman gravely. “Probably not,” admitted Palma with a smile. The waiting woman lighted two short sperm candles, in short brackets, and, with one in each hand, prepared to lead the way. “Shall we bid you good-night, uncle, dear?” inquired Palma, going to the side of his easy-chair and bending over him. “You may, my dear, and your friend; but I must have ten minutes’ talk with your husband here before I let him go. I will not keep him longer than that,” replied the old gentleman benignly. “Good-night, then, uncle, dear,” she said, raising his delicate hands to her lips. “God bless you, my love,” he responded, drawing her to him and leaving a kiss on her forehead. “Good-night, sir,” said Mrs. Pole with a formal bow. “Good-night, ma’am,” replied Mr. Cleve, lifting his skullcap and bending his head.