In Old Plantation Days
A Blessed Deceit
As Martha said, “it wam’t long o’ any sma’t-ness dat de rapscallion evab showed, but des ‘long o’ his bein’ borned ’bout de same time ez ‘ young mastah dat Lucius got tuk into de big house.” But Martha’s word is hardly to be taken, for she had a mighty likely little pickaninny of her own who was overlooked when the Daniels were looking about for a companion for the little toddler, their one child. Martha might have been envious. However, it is true that Lucius was born about the same time that his young Master Robert was, and it is just possible that that might have had something to do with his appointment, although he was as smart and likely a little darkey as ever cracked his heels on a Virginia plantation. Years after, people wondered wby that black boy with the scarred face and hands so often rode in the Daniels’ carriage, did so little work, and was better dressed than most white men. But the story was not told them; it touched too tender a spot in the hearts of all who knew. But memory deals gently with old wounds, and the balm of time softens the keenest sorrow.
Lucius first came to the notice of Mr. Daniels when as a two-year-old pickaninny he was rolling and tumbling in the sand about the quarters. Then he asked Susan how old he was, and she answered, “La, Mas’ Stone, Lucius he ’bout two years old now, don’t you ricollec’? He born ’bout de same time dat little Mas’ Robert came to you-alls.” His caress was immediately responded to by a caper of enjoyment on the youngster’s part. Stone Daniels laughed aloud, and said, “Wash him, Susan, and I’ll send something down from the house by Lou, then dress him, and send him on up.” He turned away, and Susan, her heart bounding with joy, seized the baby in her arms and covered his round black body with kisses. This was a very easy matter for her to do, for he only wore one pitiful shift, and that was in a sadly dilapidated condition. She hurried to fulfil her master’s orders. There was no telling what great glory might come of such a command. It was a most wonderful blue dress with a pink sash that Lou brought down from the house, and when young Lucius was arrayed therein, he was a sight to make any fond mother’s heart proud. Of course, Lucius was rather a deep brunette to wear such dainty colors, but plantation tastes are not very scrupulous, and then the baby Robert, whose garments these had been, was fair, with the brown hair of the Daniels, and was dressed accordingly.
Half an hour after the child had gone to the big house, Susan received word that he had been appointed to the high position of companion in chief, and amuser in general to his young master, and the cup of her earthly joy was full. One hour later, the pickaninny and his master were rolling together on the grass, throwing stones with the vigorous gusto of two years, and the sad marksmanship of the same age, and the blue dress and pink sash were of the earth, earthy.
He’ll take the best care