She started, after looking me in the eye a few seconds to see whether she could succeed if she attempted to disobey.
"When you come back I will talk with you about it."
I must have prompt obedience. I saw that her condition, that of motherhood, required consideration.
While she was gone Allen came to me and whispered,—
"They never lock up women like her, so she takes the advantage."
After she had brought up the coal, and sat down upon the table again, I went along to her, laid my hand upon her shoulder, stooped down, and said softly,—
"I see the condition that you are in,—I know that it requires care,—I am a mother,—I will see that you do no more than your part. You will do as I wish in future, pleasantly, will you?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
I then called them all around me, and said to them,—
"The bringing up of the coal for the steam boiler is to be divided among you. I will give each her share of it to do as equally as I can. If any one of you thinks she is doing more than belongs to her, rightfully, make no talk about it, but come directly to me, and I will see that it is made right."