he rocks and in the bay; but
she very quietly, and without the least discourtesy, made him understand
that no foreigners need apply for that situation. Other men were coming
after her every day, but she avoided them or sent them to the right
about: she can do that in a way to make you feel that you have received
a favor. She kept reminding me that it was my business to wait on her:
if these things were paid for in cash, I should want high wages, for
the duties are far from light. But I can stand it: within the bosom of
Robert T. glows a spark of warm and pure philanthropy. When I see my
fellow-creatures in need, and this good right arm refuses to extend its
friendly aid, may my hand cleave to the roof of my mouth--O well, you
know what I mean. I used to retire to my meagre and philosophic
cot-bedstead with aching limbs and an approving conscience: I never was
worked so hard before. Some of these errands were perfectly needless, I
knew. She can't want to get me out of the way for an hour or two, for I
am never _in_ the way; nor simply to show what she can do, for that is
an old story, familiar to all concerned. Doubtless she has some high
moral end in view; perhaps to teach Hartman what are the true relations
of man and woman, and how the nobler animal can be trained to be a
helpmeet and boy-of-all-work to the weaker. Whether this will suit his
views I doubt; but she knows what she is about. It is mine not to
question why, mine not to make reply, mine simply to go on doing what my
hand finds to do--of which there is quite enough at present. Meanwhile,
everybody else is having a nice easy time, while I am laboring like six
dray-horses for the general good. Hartman sits about with Jane, and they
seem to be getting on finely. Mabel also appears to enjoy his society.
Sometimes she looks at me and at Clarice, and then at Jim, in a way
which might indicate a notion that things are too much mixed, and that
the Princess ought to be giving her attention to Hartman's case. I think
so too, but it is not for me to suggest it. I feel like asking Mrs. T.
what all these complications mean, and why she does not straighten them
out: she is Clarice's relative and hostess, and head of the house when I
am away. But it will straighten itself pretty soon now, and a new tangle
will begin for the predestined victim. Wild man of the woods, your hour
will soon strike, and the grim executioner in the black mask will
prepare to take your head off. Yo