Part 22 (2/2)

Just outside of the window stood a large magnolia tree whose upper branches reached the narrow opening made by letting down the window to admit the fragrant air from the blossoms outside. To-night this had not been neglected, and as the heavy lace curtains were pushed slightly to one side a pair of dark, wondering eyes peered down upon the scene below. In the kitchen another group had gathered; their faces were darker and their clothing coa.r.s.er and homelier than those upon which the slave boy was gazing from his elevated seat in the magnolia tree, but the all-absorbing subject had fired the blood and quickened the pulse alike of each. Harry had determined to learn as much as possible about the excitement, and his heart had beat rapidly as he listened to much that had been said by those who had occupied the sofa directly under the window; but he could hear little now and he waited impatiently for the return of the princ.i.p.al speaker who provokingly continued her thoughtful promenade. He was thinking of the light, frail mulatto girl down stairs who was nervously waiting for his appearance and the new secret he was to confide in her; and the half hour seemed to extend to an interminable length.

It ended at last. The tall figure reseated itself in the chair, and the eager face of the listener pressed hard to the frame of the window that his ear might not lose a word.

”Yes; _I will go!_” were the first that reached him.

”You have decided n.o.bly!” exclaimed several in a breath.

”It is just what I knew you would do after deliberating upon it!”

replied the one who seemed to be particularly addressed. ”You are so much better fitted for the mission than any one present! Your queenly bearing and imperious manners would command the confidence and respect of strangers. Then your acquaintance in Was.h.i.+ngton would so materially a.s.sist you! It has been proven that our army must act with skill as well as power, and as the colonel says, 'we _must_ learn something of their plans before they are brought against us, if we are to overthrow them.'

For this you are well adapted as you will have no trouble in mingling with the most refined, or in select circles where such things are ably discussed.” Mrs. Belmont had been sitting during this speech seemingly absorbed in her meditations, but the listener outside lost not a word.

”You will disguise yourself in some way, I suppose,” suggested another.

Mrs. Belmont aroused herself at this.

”I will take one hundred dollars only of the money subscribed, and will return to this house one week from to-day without a card and my name shall be 'Mrs. Southey.' If Harry does not recognize me I shall feel secure. His keen eyes and quick perceptions would penetrate my mask I know if it could be done. I intend it shall be complete, but this shall be my test!”

An approving hum went round the circle. ”But supposing he _should_ know you?” suggested the mistress. ”I fear that half-blooded rascal--he knows altogether too much if I can read aright the merry twinkle in his eyes and the inquiring look with which he scrutinizes every stranger who visits here. But we will try him. We must not shrink from any imaginary ill when you are to risk so much for our good,” continued the lady.

Harry gave a low chuckle as he thought, ”Neber you fear dis chile; he won't know nothin' dis time su' as de worl'! Jus' you watch his eye when Mrs.--Mrs.--what de name; well, 'twant Belmont, dat's sartin!

He-he--reckon dis 'half-blood rascal' got 'nuf dis time!” And the nimble figure scrambled noiselessly down to the ground and darted away to find Nelly who was anxiously waiting for him.

”O Harry!” she exclaimed as he caught her in his arms; ”I was _so_ 'feared you'd be wanted! I heard de bell ring and de ladies are agoin'!”

”Let 'em go, Nelly; you'll be a lady some day jes' as good as any on 'em! I heered lots and we's goin' t' be free! Hurrah!”

”O Harry, hush; somebody'll hear ye, sartin'.”

”Oh I could yell jus' like de sojers! Hurrah! But dis chile's got to wait; de good time's comin', Nelly, de good time's comin'; but dar's de bell--dat means dis rascal, su',” and away the light figure bounded, leaping up two steps at once as he proceeded to the upper hall where some ladies were standing ready to take their departure.

”Where were you, boy, to make Mrs. Belmont wait so long? I rang twice,”

exclaimed the mistress, as he came slowly into their presence.

”'Spects I must 'a' fell asleep Missus. Didn't hear only dis once.”

”You had better keep awake another time. Now hand the ladies to their carriages, and see if you cannot be as polite as your young master would be if he were here.” There was a hearty laugh as the servant opened the door, bowing most obsequiously as several pa.s.sed out before him, he following to do the honors of the ”young gentleman.”

At the appointed time Mrs. Belmont appeared at the door of her friend, and was ushered into the parlor by the facetious Harry, who bowed as unconcernedly as the lady herself could desire. Upon extending his hand for the card he was supposed to expect, she said, blandly: ”Tell your mistress that Mrs. Southey is waiting for her”; and bowing low the servant left the room to obey her command. On the staircase he halted to perform several ludicrous gyrations, while the merry twinkle in his eyes laughed itself out, and when he reached his lady's private boudoir they told no tale of inward excitement.

”Mis' Southey is a waitin', Missus.” The sharp eyes of the mistress were upon him, but he remained unmoved, whistling a few low notes at the same time beating a subdued tattoo upon the door.

”Mrs. Southey?” repeated the lady, without removing her gaze, but not a muscle moved in the face she was scanning.

”Tell her to come to me,” she continued, and the servant departed. Great would have been the chagrin of the mistress had she seen the humble slave boy as he descended to the parlor below. Catching a glimpse of Nelly at the farther end of the long hall, he threw himself into the most laughable contortions, which provoked in her convulsive chuckles at the same time adding a reproof by a dubious shake of the head. In a few moments more the door closed behind Mrs. Belmont as she entered her friend's room and the two were alone together.

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