“But in any case, I shall be here Saturday night at six o’clock to take my girl home to spend the Sabbath,” said John, who could not help feeling in a very unchristian and aggressive humor; for why should this proud lady have the light of his eyes, the core of his heart, his darling little Em., merely because she wanted her services and was rich enough to pay for them? John felt himself rapidly growing into an agrarian, a communist, a revolutionist or any other sort of incendiary Satan should desire to make of him. “There can be no objection at all to that. Indeed, if you like, you can come at an earlier hour,” replied Mrs. Bruce. “I thank you, ma’am; but I will come at six o’clock, the regular hour for knocking off work all over the world, I believe,” answered John, who did not wish to receive any favors. Then he went up to his daughter, took her in his arms and kissed her heartily, put her down, caught up his hat from the floor, bowed to the lady and abruptly departed. “Your father does not like to part with you,” said Mrs. Bruce. “No, madam; and this is the first time I have ever left home,” respectfully replied Em. “Why does he consent for you to leave home when he is so reluctant to lose sight of you?” “He yields to my wish and to what he considers my mother’s better judgment in all matters that relate to her daughters.” “Ah, then _you_ wished to come to me.” “Yes, indeed, madam,” said Em. with an ardor that almost touched familiarity. But the lady took no offence. She seemed rather pleased than otherwise as she added: “And so your mother sided with yourself?” “Yes, madam.” “I hope that neither of you will regret your choice. Your duties here will not be heavy. We breakfast at eight. After breakfast you will sew until luncheon time—one o’clock—then take an hour for rest or recreation and then sew until the dinner—six o’clock—after which you have the remainder of the day and the night to yourself. When we have no company besides the friends staying in the house, you will take your meals with us. And now I will ring for a servant to show you your room,” said the lady, suiting the action to the word. A good-looking young colored girl answered the call. “Liza, show Miss Palmer here to the southwest room in the attic, and have her trunk carried up there, and wait until she is ready to come down and then bring her to my room. Do you understand?” inquired Mrs. Bruce. “Oh, yes’m,” replied the servant. “I will see you soon then,” said the lady, as she passed out of the parlor. “Come long o’ me, miss, and I’ll take you to Cuba,” said the colored girl, showing all her teeth at she smiled. “Cuba?” echoed Em. in bewilderment. “Yes, miss, which I means de sou’wes’ room in de attic, as de madam tell me to take—which de ole marse he do call Cuba ’cause de sun do shine dere mos’ all day an’ make it warm,” the girl explained as she left the parlor. “That is quite fanciful,” observed Em., as she followed her guide.