4

speak to me. So, when I had done, I went to the steward
and told him Madam's orders, and she sent for me in the
dining room, which the company had just left. She enqui-
red so kindly after my wife and little ones, that I made bold
to tell her we had a poor sick young woman, with us, that
we could not do so well by as we desired, and that the poor
thing suffer'd at times, having but a poor stomack, for fish
and corn bread. ["It is your own fault Richard," said she--"Every
servant that has ever lived with me, and whom I
have not dismiss'd for their faults, have a right to look
on this as a home, and on me as if I was still their
mistress. You know, since the d___war, house was burn'd
we cannot, in this house accomodate as many servants
as I want, and that this was my only reason for parting
with you. I now engage you Richard to come al-
ways on dining-days, and to wait on table, you shall have
as usual your three dollars a day,--and I charge you
always bring a basket with you, and I shall order the stew-
ard always to fill it for you, and if any of your family--
are sick and stand in need of wine, soup, or jellies, come
any day, or every day, you are a faithful fellow, Richard,
and should never want." {Then she sent for the steward,
and gave him orders accordingly, and told him to put me up
tea, sugar, and whatever else could be requisite for a sick per-
son. ["Lord bless her, Lord bless her, and long may she reign
over us, say I." ["Yes and many a poor soul beside you"--
replied Richard.--[The children were now, call'd
from their beds--where they had gone
almost famish'd; the floor was swept up, the wash-tub
put away, more faggots laid on the fire, the kettle hung
on, the table nicely set, and even the languid and almost
heart broken Lucy, could not but participate in the
joy which shone on Becky's black face, and the delight
of the children, who ran eagerly about, putting all
in order, for a nice supper--[The cold victuals were