Tea had been served in "the house," and the servants, including the strangers, had taken their seats at the table in the kitchen.

Sam, being a "single gentleman," was unusually attentive to the "ladies" on this occasion.

He seldom let a day pass without spending an hour or two in combing and brushing his "har." He had an idea that fresh butter was better for his hair than any other kind of grease, and therefore on churning days half a pound of butter had always to be taken out before it was salted.

When he wished to appear to great advantage, he would grease his face to make it "shiny." Therefore, on the evening of the party, when all the servants were at the table, Sam cut a big figure.
There he sat, with his wool well combed and buttered, face nicely greased, and his ruffles extending five or six inches from his bosom.
The parson in his drawing-room did not make a more imposing appearance than did his servant on this occasion.
"I jis bin had my fortune tole last Sunday night," said Sam, while helping one of the girls.
"Indeed!" cried half a dozen voices.
"Yes," continued he; "Aunt Winny tole me I's to hab de prettiest yallah gal in de town, and dat I's to be free!" All eyes were immediately turned toward Sally Johnson, who was seated near Sam.
"I 'specs I see somebody blush at dat remark," said Alfred.
"Pass dem pancakes an' 'lasses up dis way, Mr.Alf., and none ob your 'sinuwashuns here," rejoined Sam.
"Dat reminds me," said Agnes, "dat Dorcas Simpson is gwine to git married." "Who to, I want to know ?" inquired Peter.
"To one of Mr.Darby's field-hands," answered Agnes.
"I should tink dat gal wouldn't frow herseff away in dat ar way," said Sally.

"She's good lookin' 'nough to git a house-servant, and not hab to put up wid a field-nigger.
"Yes," said Sam, "dat's a werry unsensible remark ob yourn, Miss Sally.
I admires your judgment werry much, I 'sures you.