up in the parlours, the head cook came and called me down, and told me never to go up and sit in the parlours again.
Minister. And did she tell you any reason for what she required?
Sarah. Why yes, she said she wanted me to be where she could call me when she needed my help, and that my shoes and frock would dirty the stair carpet, and the parlour carpets and sofas, and that if I went up all the rest that worked in the kitchen would go up too, and this would make work and trouble, and that she never could keep things going on well in the kitchen, if this was allowed. But I cannot see why we cannot be allowed to go up sometimes, when we have no work to do—I am sure I am as nice and careful as any of the girls up stairs.
Minister. So you are, Sarah. But do you think Peggy and Susan are as nice as you?
Sarah. Mercy on us!—I guess you would not think so, if you could see their greasy frocks and aprons, and their dirty shoes.
Minister. Well—Sarah, don’t you suppose they think they are nice enough?
Sarah. Yes, I suppose so—for when I tell them to fix up and look clean and nice, they only laugh at me, and say they are not going to wash and fuss and prink up as I do every day.
Minister. Well, suppose you were allowed to go and sit in the parlours every day, would not Peggy and Susan think they had as good a right to do so as you, and would not they be angry and discontented because the head cook was partial to you and unjust to them?
Sarah. Well, I suppose they would.
Minister. Sarah, do you not have time to sew and read, after your work is done, as much as you wish?