"
"I knows that, Mahs William; but right is right, and I gwine to pay for
them buttons."
"Well, you may do that this time, Mammy, but I shall certainly return you
the money."
"Jess as you choose, Mahs William, but you's 'titled to yo' fif' all the
same."
I must note here a characteristic of Mammy's which had strengthened as her
powers failed, namely, "nearness." The euphemism applied at first, though
Mammy yielded to temptations in the way of outfit as long as she deemed
herself "likely." After that period a stronger expression was required. She
was always in possession of money, and was frequently our banker for a day,
when, in emergencies, our parents were not on hand.
Monday I found my garment with its full complement of buttons, but of such
diversity of pattern that I planned a protest for Mammy's next visit.
But when she explained that the bill was only fo'pence--six and a quarter
cents, Spanish--and that it was the fashion now, so she was told, "to have
they buttons diffunt, so they could dentrify they clothes," I settled
without remark. Mammy's financial skill and resource in imagination
condoned everything.
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