09.02.06
Miz Agnes #53
As the evening wanes,
Agnes hopes for a dance
with her father yet
he has been conversing
with Velma’s Father
for the last while.
“Mr. Proctor, if you don’t mind
I would like to steal Big Daddy
away just for a short dance.”
“If you please, Agnes.
We were just discussing
your handling of Ashland
but I believe we are through.”
Â
Agnes sensed there was
more that she needed to know.
“Please do tell. The dance
can wait. I would love to hear
of your talk.”
Mr. Proctor said, ” With
your permission, sir?”
“By all means, I think
Agnes should know
your opinion on the
running of Ashland
in my absence.”
Agnes noticed the grin
on Big Daddy’s face
that meant he found humour
in what she was about to hear.
Mr. Proctor cleared his throat,
as if he were unsure
of how to begin.
“Well, Young Agnes, I was
talking of the leniency to
which you have given
the slaves.
I feel it sets a bad
precedence for the other
plantation owners.
Even though your school
and church have done
quite well, I do
not think it wise to
have a negro in charge.”
“If you speak of
Tomas, sir, I think you will
find that he has done
a most admiral job. Should I
hold his skin colour
against him?”
“My point, Miz Agnes,
 is that you give too
much leeway to their kind.
A prime example is
all the brown faces
now peering in the windowsÂ
as if they were part of your party.
If it were me, I would
 have my foreman
return them to their cabins
and there would be no supper
for them tonight.”
“Thank you, sir, for
your thoughts.
I shall attend to them
this moment if you
would be so kind
as to excuse me.”