Elizabeth sat on the porch with Esther, shelling peas and singing. As the carriage of Mrs. Locke drew near, punctuated by the barking of the dog that had run out to greet them, it's occupants could hear the song:

Oh the river bank makes a mighty good road
Steal away to Jesus
When that wind from the south does blow
Steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus

Oh steal aboard that gospel train
Steal away to Jesus
The dead trees will show you the way
Steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus

Let sweet Moses take you in hand
Steal away to Jesus
Lead you to that Canaan land
Steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus

That river bank makes a mighty good road
Steal away to Jesus
When that wind from the south it blows
Steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus

Elizabeth walked down the stairs to greet the two women exiting the carriage. "Missus Locke, it is a pleasure. What are you doing here on this fine day? Samuel, can you see to Missus Locke's horse? Well, ladies, do come sit with us..." she ushered Biddie and Patience to chairs on the porch, and saw them comfortable as Esther went inside to make a pitcher of lemonade. "Here honey, sit down." she motioned to a startled Biddie. "We don't stand on ceremony here dear, you sit when you can." Biddie cautiously took the offered chair, and scooted it far back on the porch before sitting down.

When Esther returned, talk drifted to what the men-folk always assumed that talk drifted to in those situations: cooking, babies, and of course, men-folk.
"It must be quite difficult for you out here alone, dear." offered Patience
"Well, I'm not really alone.." offered Elizabeth, glancing and smiling towards Esther
"But your husband, dear, don't you miss him?
"With every breath," she sighed. "Between him and God, well, they sure left me in an awful position, but I have to do what I can to keep this place alive."

Patience saw her chance, and she took it bravely. "Yes, this farm. It's been in the Miller family for quite a few years, hasn't it? Folks have done all sorts of things here, cotton, corn, tobacco, and.." she dropped her voice to a whisper "potatoes"
Elizabeth looked at her quizzically, then began to laugh. "No m'am. They've never grew no potatoes that I've heard of, but a Miller's been known to take in a load or two as is needed. Why? Are you running short at your place?" she laughed, and Patience gave a fearful chuckle as well. Elizabeth then pulled her chair in a bit closer, "Missus Locke. You seem like a nice enough lady, but do you know what you are getting yourself into? Those friendly little newspapers you are probably reading don't tell you everything, I can assure you of that. Does your husband know why you are here?"
Patience shook her head, and Biddie, ever mindful for gossip, edged her seat in a little closer. "I see an injustice, Missus Miller...Elizabeth...and I want to help. There has to be something I can do."
"Well, there isn't a whole lot, unless you want your husband to skin you alive." She tapped her fingers on the porch railing, "But you know, with this baby coming, I could sure use a lot of help. Yes... and frequent visits. And since there isn't any men-folk around here to do my bread-winning for me, I sure wouldn't turn down any charitable Christian gifts, now would I ?" A slow grin spread across Elizabeth's face, and it was echoed on the face of Patience Locke. "Well, if that is settled, then maybe you and your girl there would like to escort me to my barn?"