Finally, there was another little peculiarity about the manner of the
professor. In his excessive agreeability he would always preface his
answer to any observation whatever with some sort of assent, such as
"yes, sir," or "yes, madam," right or wrong.
This morning the professor entered the presence of Mrs. Brudenell, hat
in hand, smiling and respectful.
"Well, Morris, who has brought you here this morning?" inquired the
lady.
"Yes, madam. I been thinkin' about you, and should a-been here 'fore
this to see after your affairs, on'y I had to go over to Colonel
Mervin's to give one of his horses a draught, and then to stop at the
colored, people's meetin' house to lead the exercises, and afterwards to
call at the Miss Worthses to mend Miss Hannah's loom and put a few new
spokes in Miss Nora's wheel. And so many people's been after me to do
jobs that I'm fairly torn to pieces among um. And it's 'Professor' here,
and 'Professor' there, and 'Professor' everywhere, till I think my
senses will leave me, ma'am."
"Then, if you are so busy why do you come here, Morris?" said Mrs.
Brudenell, who was far too dignified to give him his title.
"Yes, madam. Why, you see, ma'am, I came, as in duty bound, to look
after your affairs and see as they were all right, which they are not,
ma'am. There's the rain pipes along the roof of the house leaking so the
cistern never gets full of water, and I must come and solder them right
away, and the lightning reds wants fastenin' more securely, and--"
"Well, but see Grainger, my overseer, about these things; do not trouble
me with them."
"Yes, madam. I think overseers ought to be called overlookers, because
they oversee so little and overlook so much. Now, there's the hinges
nearly rusted off the big barn door, and I dessay he never saw it."
"Well, Morris, call his attention to that also; do whatever you find
necessary to be done, and call upon Grainger to settle with you."
"Yes, madam. It wasn't on'y the rain pipes and hinges as wanted
attention that brought me here, however, ma'am," "What was it, then? Be quick, if you please. I am very much occupied
this morning."
"Yes, madam. It was something I heard and felt it my duty to tell you;
because, you see, ma'am, I think it is the duty of every honest--"
"Come, come, Morris, I have no time to listen to an oration from you
now. In two words, what had you to tell me?" interrupted the lady
impatiently.