Kate Chopin

“ It was quite early in the afternoon when they reached town, and Monsieur found himself with several hours to dispose of before train-time. He tied his horses in front of the hotel – the quaintest old stuccoed house, too absurdly unlike a “hotel” for anything – and entered. ”

“ Monsieur understood and appreciated the situation at once, and he prevailed upon Madame Bênitou to accept the gratuitous services of Uncle Oswald for the sake of the darky’s own safety and happiness.
Uncle Oswald never tries to run away now. He chops wood and hauls water. He cheerfully and faithfully bears the parcels that Susanne used to carry; and makes an excellent cup of black coffee.
I met the old man the other day in Natchitoches, contentedly stumbling down St. ”