"Yes. It's not like that at all where I'm from," she says. "The genteel folk get educated, of course, but most of my folk can't read or write. Tis why I'm still learning now, I ent never been taught officially. Some of the rich folks made it real clear they thought I shouldn't. Said I was putting on airs and forgetting my place."

She makes a face, then laughs. "I'm that glad this place ent like that. I'm glad it's expected that Julia will read and write. It makes me happy."