little thing, and could sing like a lark. Joe too was of a cheerful
disposition, but from scraping the chins of aristocrats came to imbibe
some of their ideas, and rather too early in life bid fair to be a
dandy. But his father encouraged him, for, said he, "It 's de p'opah
thing fu' a man what waits on quality to have quality mannahs an' to
waih quality clothes."

"'T ain't no use to be a-humo'in' dat boy too much, Be'y," Fannie had
replied, although she did fully as much "humo'in'" as her husband; "hit
sho' do mek' him biggety, an' a biggety po' niggah is a 'bomination
befo' de face of de Lawd; but I know 't ain't no use a-talkin' to you,
fu' you plum boun' up in dat Joe."

Her own eyes would follow the boy lovingly and proudly even as she
chided. She could not say very much, either, for Berry always had the
reply that she was spoiling Kit out of all reason. The girl did have the
prettiest clothes of any of her race in the town, and when she was to
sing for the benefit of the A. M. E. church or for the benefit of her
father's society, the Tribe of Benjamin, there was nothing too good for
her to wear. In this too they were aided and abetted by Mrs. Oakley, who
also took a lively interest in the girl.

So the two doting parents had their chats and their jokes at each
other's expense and went bravely on, doing their duties and spoiling
their children much as white fathers and mothers are wont to do.

What the less fortunate negroes of the community said of them and their
offspring is really not worth while. Envy has a sharp tongue, and when
has not the aristocrat been the target for the plebeian's sneers?