Midnight
Looking back when she had traversed half the distance , she saw that he was following her , the mower clicking after him . `` Poor slaves , '' she thought heavily . `` Poor slaves , he and I ! '' A Midnight Message Sitting down at the supper table that evening was a severe ordeal . Geraldine had angered Carder , but she had also frightened him , and he was mild in manner and words and did not attempt to be either affectionate or jocose . Instead he dwelt on the good promise of the crops , and mentioned having extended the time of payment to a delinquent tenant . Geraldine forced herself to eat something , and the host addressed most of his remarks to his mother , who was again compelled to sit at table and allow the young girl to do the serving .