| Mr. Fludd was, like many other
gentlemen, an epicure and was not unwilling to make his ample means contribute
to the gratification of his tastes. Partly for this purpose, and partly
to give a home to a worthy woman, he established here a Mrs. Jacobs, and
gave her absolute control over the poultry department. There lived here
an overseer whose name was Lockhart, very much attached to his employer,
in whose service he had lived many years. Lockhart was rather jealous that
any body should exercise an independent authority over the plantation,
and a feud commenced between him and the poultry wife. He gave grudging
the aid exacted of him, but when she demanded that the bluff on the river
bank should be graded, so that her ducklings might have easier access to
and from the river, his indignation boiled over, and he wrote instantly
to Mr. Fludd to insist upon the dismission of Mrs. Jacobs as the condition
of his remaining. No cause being assigned for this peremptory demand, it
was disregarded by Mr. Fludd, and Lockhart left the place. A few years
afterwards he heard that his old employer, whom he very much loved, was
suffering from pecuniary embarrassment, arising partly from the miss management
of this place. He lamented the occurrence, and was anxious to help his
old friend if it could be done without compromising his dignity. He wrote
him the following letter: "Dear Sir - I have heard with sorrow of
your embarrassments and would be very glad to help you in your trouble.
If you will dismiss from your plantation that abominable woman Mrs. Jacobs
and her daughter, I will return to your service, and. like a faithful steward,
pull Daniel out of the lion's den." By this time Mr. Fludd had become aware
of the unreasonable demand which had roused the indignation of the overseer,
and a compromise was easily effected. Mrs. Jacobs transferred to another
place and Lockhart returned to the service of his old friend. |