It was not the fear of an increased punishment, if she remained
longer absent,--it was not the faint hope that Tidy held up,
that if she humbly asked her mistress's pardon, she might be forgiven,--
but the thought that if she did not at once return, Tidy must suffer
in her stead, was too much for her. She was, notwithstanding her
black skin and rude nature, too generous to allow that.
So the two wended their way to the kitchen in great trepidation,
and Tidy, stepping round to the sitting-room, timidly informed
her mistress of the arrival, adding in most beseeching manner,
"Please, Missus, don't whip her, 'caus she's so sorry."
"You mind your own business, little sauce-box, or you'll catch it too.
When I want your advice, I'll come for it," and seizing her whip
which she kept on a shelf close by, she proceeded to the kitchen.
Miss Matilda followed, determined to see that justice was done
to one at least.
The poor frightened girl fell on her knees.
"Oh, Missus," she cried, "dear Missus, do 'scuse me.
I'll neber do dat ting over 'gin! I'll neber run away 'gin!
I'll neber do noffin! Oh, Missus, please don't, oh, dear,"--
as notwithstanding the appeal, the angry blow fell. Before another
could descend, Miss Matilda laid her hand upon her sister's arm.
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