I was not old enough to work in the field, and, there being little else than field work to perform, I had much leisure.

The most I had to do, was, to drive up the cows in the evening, to keep the front yard clean, and to perform small errands for my young mistress, Lucretia Auld.

I have reasons for thinking this lady was very kindly disposed toward me, and, although I was not often the object of her attention, I constantly regarded her as my friend, and was always glad when it was my privilege to do her a service.

In a family where there was so much that was harsh, cold and indifferent, the slightest word or look of kindness passed, with me, for its full value.

Miss Lucretia--as{102} we all continued to call her long after her marriage--had bestowed upon me such words and looks as taught me that she pitied me, if she did not love me.