"I wish to tell you good-by while my mind is clear," pursued the old lady in her high, sweet voice. "You have been good servants to me for a long time, and I hope you will live many years to serve my children as faithfully. Always remember, Christopher--is Christopher there?" "I am here, dear mother." "Always remember that a man's first duty is to his wife and children, and his second to his slaves. The Lord has placed them in your hands, and you must answer to Him how you fulfill the trust. And now, Boaz--where is Boaz?" "I'm yer, ole miss; I'm right yer." "You may shake my hand, Boaz, for it is a long good-by. I've always promised you your freedom, and I haven't forgotten it, though you asked for it almost fifty years ago. You did something that I praised you for--I can't quite remember what it was--and when I asked you what you would like as a reward, you answered: 'Don't give me nothin' now, ole miss, but let the gift grow and set me free when you come to die.' It is a long time, Boaz, fifty years, but I give you your freedom now, as I promised, though it is very foolish of you to want it, and I'm sure you'll find it nothing but a burden and a trouble. Christopher, will you remember that Boaz is free?" Christopher crossed the room, and, catching her hands in his own, sought to force her back upon the pillows, but with an effort that showed in every tense line of her face she pushed him from her and sat erect and unsupported. "Let me dismiss them first," she said with her stately manner. "Good-by, Phyllis and Polly--and--and--all the rest of you. You may go now. I am a little tired, and I will lie down." Cynthia put the weeping servants from the room, and, filling a glass with brandy, held it with a shaking hand to her mother's lips. "Take this, dear, and lie down," she said. Mrs. Blake sipped the brandy obediently, but as she felt her strength revive from the strong spirit the animation reawoke in her face, and, turning toward Christopher, she stretched out her hand with an appealing gesture. "There is so much to say and I haven't the space to say it in, my son. There is so much advice I want to give you, but the time is short." "I understand, mother; I understand. Don't let it trouble you."