He turned and stalked away, looking a little puzzled.
At first I could not imagine to what he referred; but after stirring up my memory, I recollected that I had mentioned, in reproving the women, a day or two before, that they were breaking the Rules.
I sat down and wrote the Master a note after this wise:—
"The women have a habit of talking as they march in and out of prison. I am ordered to report them if they do it. I find in the Rules and Regulations, given to the officers, by the Board of Overseers, on the tenth page, that we are directed to 'admonish' the prisoners, for misbehavior, and at the second offense report them. That was what I did yesterday, however my proceedings may have been reported to you."
In a few moments the Deputy made his appearance.
"Your explanation was just the thing. We have looked up the Rule, and you are right. It is better to take each one as you catch her, rather than take them all together."
"That gives me a chance to exercise still more mercy. Thank you!"
Thus ended my first interview with the Master, and the second was like unto it.
About a week after that the Receiving Matron came and told me that I was to go to her wash-room, to oversee her women, while she went to put the officers' rooms in order.
I replied, "I cannot attend to your work. I have more to do in my own department than I have strength to accomplish."