She is made of cast-iron, that's my belief," continued Dawson, who secretly adored her mistress; "but cast-iron is one thing and a fragile blossom like Miss Anna is another, as I made bold to tell my mistress the other day; 'for it stands to reason, ma'am,' I said to her, 'that a young creature like Miss Anna is not seasoned and toughened like a lady of your age, and I never did think much of her constitution.'" "And what did my mother say to that, Dawson ?" "Well, dearie, she had a deal to say, for I am free to confess that my mistress is never at a loss for words.

She argued with me for pretty nigh half an hour--until she made things look so different that I did not know whether I was on my head or my heels." "She would have it that every one ought to work, old or young, rich or poor; that she loved Miss Anna all the better for so readily offering herself for the work.

'I should have left her free,' she said that, Mr.
Malcolm--'no one in my house should be compelled or urged to put their hand to the plough; but when she came to me of her own accord I could have wept with joy.'" "Did my mother really say that, Dawson ?" "Ay, Mr.Malcolm, she did; and begging your pardon, dearie, you do not half understand my mistress.

She is quiet-spoken, and does not show her feelings; but she has a warm heart.

I know as well as you do that our poor child is put upon and overworked, but she is the sunshine of my mistress's life; that's what makes things so difficult, for Miss Anna is bent on helping her, and will not listen to a word." Malcolm soon found he must hold his peace, and very soon his mind was too much absorbed by his own concerns.