Vic was now fairly started on the subject of her wrongs, and hurried on before Elsie could stop her, with all the energy of a belated steam engine. Elizabeth had walked into the other room, and Victoria took that opportunity to pour out her sorrows with the utmost freedom to Elsie.
"Miss Elsie, sometimes I tinks I can't stand it. I wouldn't nohow, if twarn't fur my affection fur you—you and miss," Victoria hastened to add diplomatically, fearful that her mistress might be within hearing and that the omission would be turned to her disadvantage. "Clo, she gits agravatiner ebery day, and sence Dolf come back she's wurs'n a bear wid a sore head."
"Oh, you make mine ache," cried Elsie.
"Laws, miss, I wouldn't for the worl'."
"Then go along, and let me sleep, if I can."
"Sartin, miss; but let me do somethin' for yer head," said Victoria, out of the goodness of her heart.
"No, no; I only want to be let alone."
"If yer'd only let me bathe it wid cologny," persisted Vic.
"I don't want it bathed," fretted Elsie.
"Laws, miss, it does a heap o' good! Pennyryal tea's good—"