It's about Uncle Pete.

He's give us a turn that's 'most scared us out of our wits." "Pete! You mean he's sick ?" "Yes, ma'am, he was.

That is, he is, too--only he's better, now, thank goodness," panted Eliza.

"But he ain't hisself yet.

He's that white and shaky! Would you--could you--that is, would you mind if we didn't come back till into the evenin', maybe ?" "Why, of course not," cried Pete's mistress, quickly.