Page:Orange Grove.djvu/385

 tore her hair, stamped on the bed formerly occupied by the brunette and whatever else remained that she could in any way deface. It was the more aggravating that she had often shook this ring in scorn at her rival for presuming to tell her that he never cared for her, which was also resented by warning her that such would be her fate, when age should in the least rob her of her charms.

Then rushing into Mrs. Carleton's room, who turned deadly pale at this sudden outbreak of passion, she vehemently exclaimed, "Yes, I will tell you all, no matter if he is your husband, he'll soon enough be of no account to you. He robbed me of every thing, and then brought this vile wench here to insult and plunder me, but bless me honey, what am I doing? I forgot that you was his wife."

Here she stopped abruptly, wringing her hands desperately, and struck with terror at the thought of her boldness and its consequences, when she saw her mistress sink down in a chair as if ready to swoon. By a strong effort Mrs. Carleton soon rallied, and, anxious to hear what this strange woman had to say, urged her to go on as calmly as she could. Chrissy softened down considerably at the sight of her agitation, and in a quiet, submissive tone proceeded.

"I beg your pardon, missus, but there are times when I forget that I am a despicable slave, and think only of myself as an outraged woman, and then such a misery as I have here (laying her hand on her bosom), I feel as if I my heart was bleedin' at its roots. And then when I come to think of the blessed Jesus,