"Mrs. Hardhack"—that was the Shop Matron—"said you were to do it."
"I am not employed by Mrs. Hardhack, nor do I take my orders from her."
I was overburdened with work, and extremely tired. It appeared unreasonable, to me, to crowd anything more upon me. I had not physical strength to do any more than I was doing.
The Matron turned from me in a fret, and left. I dropped upon a bench and rested my head upon the table. From sheer fatigue the tears started.
In a few moments I heard the measured tread of the Master. I did not raise my head till he had stood before me a moment or two. Then I looked up. I did not pay him the respect to rise. He looked at me a moment, and seemed to have some idea of my condition. He said gently, if anything could be said gently by one so rough—
"I should like to have you go to the wash-room while the Matron is at the officers' rooms. There is a gang of women at work there, and she cannot leave them alone very well."
His manner modified my feelings somewhat; but I had no idea of having any more labor put upon me, and I said,—
"I find it very difficult to get through with the labor that I engaged for, and it is impossible for me to have that of another put upon me."
"Just for to-day, as she has just come in."
"I will go for to-day, as a matter of favor; but I did not engage for that work, and I don't wish her to feel that she can call upon me to take her place at any time that she may wish. Her relief should come from another quarter."