"No," replied Mag.

"Too bad!" again, orally, with the same INWARD
gratulation as before.

"Well, Mag," said Jim, after a short pause,
"you's down low enough. I don't see but I've
got to take care of ye. 'Sposin' we marry!"

Mag raised her eyes, full of amazement, and
uttered a sonorous "What?"

Jim felt abashed for a moment. He knew well
what were her objections.

"You's had trial of white folks any how. They
run off and left ye, and now none of 'em come
near ye to see if you's dead or alive. I's black
outside, I know, but I's got a white heart inside.
Which you rather have, a black heart in a white
skin, or a white heart in a black one?"

"Oh, dear!" sighed Mag; "Nobody on earth
cares for ME--"

"I do," interrupted Jim.

"I can do but two things," said she, "beg my
living, or get it from you."