It's in my bones; mebbe Death's somewhere in the neighborhood." "I reckon you're sick, Aunt Peggy," said Phillis; "why didn't you let me know you wasn't well ?" "Aint sick, I tell you," said Aunt Peggy, angrily; "nothin the matter wid me.

'Spose you think there's nothin bad about, 'cep what comes to me." Phillis was astonished at her words and manner, and looked at her intently.
Most of the servants on the plantation stood in awe of Aunt Peggy.

Her having been brought from Africa, and the many wonders she had seen there; her gloomy, fitful temper; her tall frame, and long, skinny hands and arms; her haughty countenance, and mass of bushy, white hair.

Phillis did not wonder most people were afraid of her.

Besides, Peggy was thought to have the power of foresight in her old age.