know a word of the language, and find out the abominable wages and ways of our servants—I have had several at half price, the best servants I ever had. As they can't speak English, and are utter strangers in the land, they are glad to put up with anything they can get in a decent family. It is a little difficult making them understand; but as there are only two of us, I and Mr. Broadson, we get along very well—to be sure, after a while they learn the language, and then they are just as ungrateful as any of the rest, and will go as soon as they can better themselves!" Strange that these ungrateful beings should obey the instincts of all animal creation. The horse and the cow will take to the best pasture provided the fence is down; and, thanks to a kind Providence, there are no impassable fences in our Northern land to secure involuntary service, and to retain the human animal against his will and interest in any man's steril pasture.
Lucy sat down to her first meal away from home with Jaboski. The frugal fare allowed by Mrs. Broadson was certainly luxurious compared to that of her own home; but the voices of mother and children were ringing in her ears; Jemmie's pensive smile seemed wanting for her, and even the accustomed sound of her father's chiding voice would have pleasantly broken the mournful silence. Bridget did not appear; Lucy was wondering at this, when, before she had had time to swallow, even at steamboat rate, that miracle of the deglutition art, she heard the summons of Mrs. Broadson's bell, and hastened up stairs. "Why, what's the matter now?" said Mrs. Broadson: "your eyes are as red as ferrets."
