Chapter 13 - Page 2

dead!"

This concluded the conversation; though the black promised himself the
satisfaction, and did not fail to enjoy it, of having many a gossip on
the subject at a future period.

The ghost thus happily laid, the department of Miss Peyton flourished;
and by the time the afternoon's sun had traveled a two hours' journey
from the meridian, the formal procession from the kitchen to the parlor
commenced, under the auspices of Caesar, who led the van, supporting a
turkey on the palms of his withered hands, with the dexterity of a
balance master.

Next followed the servant of Captain Lawton, bearing, as he marched
stiffly, and walking wide, as if allowing room for his steed, a ham of
true Virginian flavor; a present from the spinster's brother in Accomac.
The supporter of this savory dish kept his eye on his trust with
military precision; and by the time he reached his destination, it might
be difficult to say which contained the most juice, his own mouth or the
Accomac bacon.

Third in the line was to be seen the valet of Colonel Wellmere, who
carried in either hand chickens fricasseed and oyster patties.

After him marched the attendant of Dr. Sitgreaves, who had instinctively
seized an enormous tureen, as most resembling matters he understood, and
followed on in place, until the steams of the soup so completely
bedimmed the spectacles he wore, as a badge of office, that, on arriving
at the scene of action, he was compelled to deposit his freight on the
floor, until, by removing the glasses, he could see his way through the
piles of reserved china and plate warmers.

Next followed another trooper, whose duty it was to attend on Captain
Singleton; and, as if apportioning his appetite to the feeble state of
his master, he had contented himself with conveying a pair of ducks,
roasted, until their tempting fragrance began to make him repent his
having so lately demolished a breakfast that had been provided for his
master's sister, with another prepared for himself.

The white boy, who belonged to the house, brought up the rear, groaning
under a load of sundry dishes of vegetables, that the cook, by way of
climax, had unwittingly heaped on him.

But this was far from all of the preparations for that day's feast;
Caesar had no sooner deposited his bird, which, but the week before, had
been flying amongst the highlands of Dutchess, little dreaming of so
soon heading such a goodly assemblage, than he turned mechanically on
his heel, and took up his line of march again for the kitchen. In this
evolution the black was imitated by his companions in succession, and
another procession to the parlor followed in the same order. By this
admirable arrangement, whole flocks of