116 A HAIR-DRESSER's EXPERIENCE
she would sit for hours without speaking a word; but
I could plainly see there was a violent struggle going
on within her breast.
" I had conceived a great affection for my young
lady Although she had the reputation of being proud
and selfish, to me she had always shown the greatest
kindness, nor had I ever heard from her lips a harsh
word. I determined to watch over her, and, as far as
was in my power, avert the misfortune which 1 thought
threatened her. It was with much pain that I first
observed the change in her conduct toward James.
Formerly she had spoken to him haughtily, and had
treated him in the same manner she would any other
menial—for he had a position in her father's warehouse
scarcely above that of a common porter; but her man¬
ner gradually changed and softened toward him, until
she treated him more respectfully than any visitor that
came to the house.
" James was not slow in detecting this change in
my mistress, and divining the cause. His visits to the
house became more and more frequent; and, always
under some pretext or other, he endeavored to see the
young lady.
" I do not think he ever had an opportunity of
conversing with her alone, until one morning I
started out to spend the day with one of my rela¬
tives. It so happened that I returned early in the
afternoon, and having walked some distance, I sat
down in a small room adjoining the parlor, to recruit
myself. I had scarcely seated myself, when I heard a
voice, which I knew to be that of James, but I could
not catch the words. Then louder, and as if in anger,
I heard my mistress say,
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