" Those who have the comfort and protection of a father's
house, and whose wants are all supplied by parental affection,
can little imagine the desolate feeling I endured when I saw the
door close which shut me out from a happy home. But it was
necessary I should exert myself, and I took up my bundle and
walked on.
" I was kindly received by the good woman to whom I had
been recommended. After some days, I heard of a lady who
wanted a chambermaid. I was now about fourteen, and large
of my age. The lady took my certificate and read it, then
handed it to her daughters, three young ladies, who sat in the
room.
" ' Honest, good-tempered, faithful,' were pronounced aloud.
' A very good character, young woman,' said the lady ; ' but
what kind of work can you do V

" ' I can sew, and knit, and read,' said I ; ' and I have been
accustomed to attend on a sick lady and little child.'

" At this reply they all burst out a laughing ; I thought I
must have said something very ridiculous. At length the lady
asked me ' if I could wash and iron.' ' No, ma'am.' ' Do up
nice muslins and laces ?' ' No, ma'am.' ' Clean a room V ' I
have never tried, but could easily learn.' ' Well, young woman.
