Even young darkies like big-sounding speech.

The morning passed quickly to Beth. To her delight, towards noon the
sun broke through the clouds. This reminded her of Harvey Baker's
invitation to fish.

"Mamma, may I go down to the wharf?" she asked immediately after
luncheon. "Harvey Baker asked me to fish with him. He's a neighbor's
boy I met Saturday."

"Well, I declare. Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I forgot." She had had so many things to think of and talk about,
that she had not thought much about Harvey except at night. Then that
awful alligator haunted her until she wanted to call her mamma, but she
had not dared because of her promise.

"May I go, mamma?"

"But I do not know anything about him. He may not be nice at all."

Maggie, who chanced to be present, now spoke up:

"De Bakers am quality, Miss Mary. I wouldn't be feared to let missy go
wid any Baker. I'se s'prised, do, dat Harvey axed her, 'cause he don't
like girls. Are yo' sure, honey, he axed yo'?"

"Of course I am."

"Den yo' needn't fear, Miss Mary. Harvey's a big boy, and he'll take