This lady was a very different woman from her sister, and I soon had
reason to regret that I was in her power. It has been suggested to me
that the two ladies acted in concert; that I was removed for the sole
purpose of being betrayed into the hands of my enemies. But I am not
willing to believe this. Dark as human nature appears to me--accustomed
as I am to regard almost every one with suspicion--still I cannot for
one moment cherish a thought so injurious to one who was so kind to me.
Is it possible that she could be such a hypocrite? Treat me with so much
tenderness, and I might say affection, and then give me up to what was
worse than death? No; whatever the reader may think about it, I can
never believe her guilty of such perfidy. I regret exceedingly my
inability to give the name of this lady in connection with the history
of her good deeds, but I did not learn the name of either sister. The
one to whom I was now indebted for a shelter seemed altogether careless
of my interests. I had been with her but a few hours when she asked me
to do some washing for her. Of course I was glad to do it; but when she
requested me to go into the yard and hang the clothes upon the line, I
became somewhat alarmed. I did not like to do it, and told her so; but
she laughed at my fears, overruled all my objections, said no one in
that place would seek to harm or to betray me, and assured me there
was not the least danger. I at last consented to go, though my reason,
judgment, and inclination, had I followed their dictates, would have
kept me in the house. But I did not like to appear ungrateful, or
unwilling to repay the kindness I received, as far as I was able; still
I could not help feeling that it was an ungenerous demand. She might at
least have offered me a bonnet or a shawl, as a partial disguise; but
she did nothing of the kind.
When I saw that I could not avoid the exposure I resolved to make
the best of it and get through as quickly, as possible; but my dress
attracted a good deal of attention, and I saw more than one suspicious
glance directed towards me before my task was finished. When it was
over I thought no more about it, but gave myself up to the bright
anticipations of future happiness, which now began to take possession of
my mind.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account