Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/114

116 she would sit for hours without speaking a word; but I could plainly see there was a violent struggle going on within her breast.

"I had conceived a great affection for my young lady. Although she had the reputation of being proud and selfish, to me she had always shown the greatest kindness, nor had I ever heard from her lips a harsh word. I determined to watch over her, and, as far as was in my power, avert the misfortune which I thought threatened her. It was with much pain that I first observed the change in her conduct toward James. Formerly she had spoken to him haughtily, and had treated him in the same manner she would any other menial—for he had a position in her father's warehouse scarcely above that of a common porter; but her manner gradually changed and softened toward him, until she treated him more respectfully than any visitor that came to the house.

"James was not slow in detecting this change in my mistress, and divining the cause. His visits to the house became more and more frequent; and, always under some pretext or other, he endeavored to see the young lady.

"I do not think he ever had an opportunity of conversing with her alone, until one morning I started out to spend the day with one of my relatives. It so happened that I returned early in the afternoon, and having walked some distance, I sat down in a small room adjoining the parlor, to recruit myself. I had scarcely seated myself, when I heard a voice, which I knew to be that of James, but I could not catch the words. Then louder, and as if in anger, I heard my mistress say,