Beadle's Dime Novels No. 33: Maum Guinea and Her Plantation Children — page 87: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

PULLING THE WISH-BONE. Si The table was drawn out in the middle of the floor, and a coarse white cloth covered up all marks of its uses in cooking; two or three kinds of sweetmeats, in glass dishes, graced the board; and a plate of butter, a tuxury at the South. A turkey was basting before the fire, and the odor of white-flour biscuits came from the bake-kettle on the hearth, blending | with the matchless fragrance of coffee ; these, with the sweet potatoes roasting in the ashes, were to make a supper worthy of the times, and all the more keenly relished, since it could be enjoyed but at one portion of the year, It was already well understood among their friends that Rose and Hyperion were “engaged,” and were to be married if their owners would allow. With jest and merriment they were placed side by side at the table. The unusually lux- urious fare, and the natural *good-humor of the company, made the occasion one of great delight. Even Maum Guinea was cheerful, hoping in her heart for the best. Rose found the “merrythought,” or, as they called it, the “ wish-bone,” on her plate; and she and her lover made their wish, pulling the bone apart to decide whose wish was to be fulfilled. “Tve won—lI’ve won!” cried Rose, gayly, while her com- panion’s hand fell heavily down, and his face wore a look of disappointment at which all.the young people laughed. He did, indeed, feel deeply disappointed; for he was not above the superstitions of his people, and placed great faith in all such matters as this. “What he had wished for may be easily inferred. “What did you ask fur, Rose?” quitind bas of the party. “Oh, I ain’t goin’ to tell, ’cause if I do, I shan’t get it. It breaks de charm.” “Oh, do tell! you'll get it, all de same.” “No, I shan’t. Mebbe I wished for a silk dress to wear. wid my new breas’-pin, and mebbe I didn’t. I shan’t tell” CONNIE DOOKS.GOM |