Lenora ran with the decision, to Aunt Polly, causing her to drop a loaf of new bread.

But the old negress chased her from the cellar with the oven broom, and then stealing by a back staircase to Margaret's room, laid the case before her, acknowledging that she was sorry and asking her young mistress to intercede for her.

Margaret stepped to the head of the stairs, and calling to her father, requested him to come for a moment to her room.

This he was more ready to do, as he had no suspicion why he was sent for, but on seeing old Polly, he half-resolved to turn back.

Margaret, however, led him into the room, and then entreated him not to send away one who had served him so long and so faithfully.
Polly, too, joined in with her tears and prayers, saying, "She was an old black fool anyway, and let her tongue get the better on her, though she didn't mean to say more than was true, and reckoned she hadn't." In his heart Mr.Hamilton wished to revoke what he had said, but dread of the explosive storm which he knew would surely follow made him irresolute, until Carrie said, "Father, the first person of whom I have any definite recollection is Aunt Polly, and I shall be so lonesome if she goes away.