All who lived with her, though well-dressed, were scantily fed and over-worked.

Isabella found her new situation far different from her Virginia cottage-life.

She had frequently heard Vicksburg spoken of as a cruel place for slaves, and now she was in a position to test the truthfulness of the assertion.
A few weeks after her arrival, Mrs.French began to show to Isabella that she was anything but a pleasant and agreeable mistress.

What social virtues are possible in a society of which injustice is a primary characteristic,--in a society which is divided into two classes, masters and slaves?
Every married woman at the South looks upon her husband as unfaithful, and regards every negro woman as a rival.
Isabella had been with her new mistress but a short time when she was ordered to cut off her long and beautiful hair.

The negro is naturally fond of dress and outward display.