A sort of divan covered with neatly woven mats extended round three
sides. In the center was an attempt at a table. A doubled barreled
gun and a rifle hung over the hearth. A small looking glass and
several colored prints in cheap frames were suspended from the walls.
A great chest stood at one end of the room, while on a shelf were
a number of plates and dishes of English manufacture.
The negro begged his guests to be seated, and presently a girl
entered, bringing in a large calabash full of water for them to wash
their hands and faces. In the meantime the old negro had gone to
his chest, and, to the immense surprise of the travelers, brought
out a snow white tablecloth, which he proceeded to lay on the table,
and then to place knives, forks, and plates upon it.
"You must 'scuse deficiencies, sar," he said. "We berry long way
from coast, and dese stupid niggers dey break tings most ebery
day."
"Don't talk about deficiencies," Mr. Goodenough answered smiling.
"All this is, indeed, astonishing to us here."
"You berry good to say dat, sar, but dis chile know how tings ought
to be done. Me libed in good Melican family. He know berry well
how tings ought to be done.
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