"It's not my place to take offence, Miss." Ben sat down at the table. "I know yer.... people can take other liberties than us. We just don't want no trouble with your family." The girls, meanwhile, finished laying the table and brought two pans. One contained potatoes, and the other two fish. The other children sat at the table, and Rose took Pearl's hand.
"Sit next to me." She led the girl to a seat next to herself. Ben squinted his eyes a little, but didn't say anything. He said a short prayer and then started serving food, serving the largest portion to Pearl and the oldest boy, a red-headed twelve year old.