I was in her power, she could retaliate upon me.
That evening I met her in the officers' dining-room, and asked her if she wished me to keep a three hours and a half watch before breakfast. She replied,—
"It has been done thirty-three years."
"Great changes have taken place in the world during the last thirty-three years, and many more might be effected with advantage," I remarked.
"I don't see how you can find time to go to breakfast at that hour."
"I should not find time at any hour unless I took it."
"That is so; but they were dishing out when I went down. You ought to be there when they are dishing out."
"I suppose so; but I have an order to be in the prison a large part of the time, at all three of the meals, when they are dishing out, and they are obliged to do it without my oversight." Doing your duty, I would have liked to have added.
"Most of the officers like to go to table with the others for company."
"I did not come here for society. In wishing to breakfast earlier, I was not consulting my taste, but trying to take care of my health. Unless I am made somewhat comfortable, I shall break down, and be obliged to leave."