Mr. Ezra Goddard then took her into his own family, and found her
capable, industrious, and trustworthy. Had anything been wanting to
prove her truthfulness and sincerity, the deep gratitude of her fervent
"I thank you," when told that she had found a permanent home, would
have done it effectually. But though her whole appearance indicated
contentment and earnestness of purpose, though her various duties
were faithfully and zealously performed, yet the deep sadness of her
countenance, and the evident anxiety of her mind at first awakened a
suspicion of mental derangement. She seemed restless, suspicious,
and morbidly apprehensive of approaching danger. The appearance of a
stranger, or a sudden ringing of the bell, would cause her to start,
tremble, and exhibit the greatest perturbation of spirit. In fact, she
seemed so constantly on the qui vive, the lady of the house one day said
to her, "Sarah, what is the matter with you? what do you fear?" "The
Roman Catholic priests," she replied. "I have been a nun. I ran away
from the Grey Nunnery at Montreal, and twice I have been caught, carried
back, and punished in the most cruel manner. O, if you knew what I have
suffered, you would not wonder that I live in constant fear lest they
again seek out my retreat; and I will die before I go back again."
Further questioning drew from her the foregoing narrative, which she
repeated once and again to various persons, and at different times,
without the least alteration or contradiction. She resided in the family
of Mr. Goddard some weeks, when she was taken into the employ of Mr.
Amos L. Black.
This gentleman informs us that he found her a faithful, industrious,
honest servant, and he has not the least doubt of the truthfulness of
her statements respecting her former life in the Convent.
A few weeks after this, she was married to Frederick S. Richardson
with whom she became acquainted soon after her arrival in the city of
Worcester. The marriage ceremony was performed by Charles Chaffin, Esq.,
of Holden, Mass. After their marriage, her husband hired a room in the
house occupied by Mr. Handy with whom she had formerly resided. After a
few weeks, however, they removed to a place called the Drury farm. It is
owned by the heirs, but left in the care of Mr. Ezra Goddard.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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