Section II:

In section II, Henry Johnson, the Negro servant is introduced.

“It was apparent from Jimmie's manner that he felt some kind of desire to efface himself. He went down to the stable.”

Jimmie goes down the stable, something he does often when in trouble.  Henry either commiserates being in trouble with Jimmie or lectures Jimmie.  This time, Henry lectures Jimmie about playing in the flowers, but ends up cheering Jimmie up.

In this section, a relationship between Henry and Jimmie is established.  This relationship shows that Henry likes to be a bit of a show off, to impress Jimmie. But it also illustrates Henry’s patience with Jimmie.  His kindness towards Jimmie and the way Henry jokes about being in trouble with Mr. and Mrs. Trescott shows that Henry has a good, happy life with the Trescotts.  Jimmie looks to Henry almost as a mentor, and Henry knows that he can distract and cheer up glum Jimmie by making a show of the wagon washing.

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