Page:A Study in Colour - Augusta Zelia Fraser.pdf/31

20 valuable work in the world with proper care and guidance, but fit material also for deeds with which to match their own dark skins.

In spite of all their shortcomings, the Missus liked them sincerely, and they, with the wonderful instinct of children, found this fact out at once.

Her property was always respected, although it had been instilled into her from the time of her first arrival that all must be kept under lock and key.

She never followed this advice, and yet her ribbons and laces, her toilet soap and her scent bottles, remained untouched.

If any of the servants asked for a bow for their "church hat," or some "essence," wherewith to make a sensation at one of their parties, they knew that their request would be cheerfully granted, and in consequence they never took anything of the kind without leave.

I believe this method of dealing with them is unusual: whether it would answer in all cases is a question; but as the only excuse for the relation of this simple history is its veracity, I mention it here. One exception I am, however, bound to make, and that is with