All he knows how to do is jus' to keep on a jumpin'.
No, brer Billy, it would be a pure waste of good education to spend it on anybody like him." John Jay had always cheerfully agreed with this opinion, which she never hesitated to express in his hearing.

He had had no desire to give up his unlettered liberty until that day on the haymow when he had his awakening.

Having heard Mammy's opinion so often, it was no wonder that he kept his head turned bashfully aside, and stumbled over his words when he timidly made his request.

It was the sight of George's books that gave him courage to persist, and it was the sight of the books that decided Mammy's answer.

She could remember the time when Jintsey's boy had been almost as light-headed and light-hearted as John Jay; so it was not past belief that even John Jay might settle down in time.
The thought that he might some day be able to read the books that George had pored over, and that, possibly, some time in the far future he might be fitted to preach the gospel George had proclaimed, aroused all her grandmotherly pride.