I thought I would heap one coal of kindness on her head, so I told her I would try to get through with it one more morning. She accepted the favor; but it was like casting pearls before swine—she did not thank me.
As soon as she returned the next morning, I wrote the Master a note, saying I could rise no longer to call the women out, and I hoped he would find some one to relieve me of all duty as soon as possible.
He took no notice of my note till afternoon; then I heard him, in his measured tread, stalking along the prison floor. The dinner was out of the way; nearly all of the work attended to for the day. The time I had spent from morning till afternoon was so much gained for which he did not pay.
"You are not willing to get up and unlock any longer in the morning, you say?"
"I cannot, sir; I am too ill."
"Then we don't want you here any longer," was the gentlemanly response.
"I am happy to be relieved of my duties here."
"You may go now, the sooner the better," was his gentle reply.
"Yes, sir; I will leave directly."
I called my maid, packed my trunk, and made all haste to depart. I made my adieus as brief as possible. My women, with one exception, were crying and lamenting my departure, and I truly regretted to leave the poor wretches in such merciless care.