Hello! what's that? A boat! and crossing the stream.
By George, it's old Aunt Marthy; she's rowing the boat herself. I wonder
where she's going. Poor soul! She's coming after Charlotte, I suppose.
She's landing; she can hardly climb the bank. I wonder who runs the
ferry now, and the old mill, where Fair and I used to ride together and
sit and watch the water on the wheel.
[His face has a white, set look.
Aunt Marthy (off Right). Ef I kin get up dis here bank. I ain't
fit ter be climbin' 'round dis way. Dar, I's up, I reckon.
Winth. Coming this way. I'll speak to her. She'll tell me how
they are.
[Enter Marthy (Right). She carries a small, covered basket.
She is looking down, picking her way over the rough ground,
and does not see Winthrop.
Winth. Aunt Marthy.
Marthy (looks up, sees him, starts, looks again). Fo' Gaud! ef
hit ain't Mars Winthrop.
Winth. I'm mighty glad to see you, Marthy. What are you doing
'way out here?
Marthy. Well, sir, I sho is sprised ter see you. I don come
'cross de river to fotch Miss Charlotte her dinner.
Winth. Where is she?
Marthy. She up dar at de school house. Ain't you don hear 'bout
dat? She's teachin' school.
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