Cheerfully, however, had she endeavored to discharge these accumulated duties, and but for the unhappy, peevish state of mind in which Mrs.Smith indulged, would have discharged them without a murmuring thought.

But, as she was a faithful, conscientious woman, and, withal, sensitive in her feelings, to be found fault with, worried her exceedingly.

Of this Mrs.Smith was well aware, and had, until the latter part of the trying month of August, acted towards Rachel with consideration and forbearance.

But the last week of August was too much for her.

The sickness of the chamber maid threw such heavy duties upon Rachel, whose daily headaches and nervous relaxation of body were borne without a complaint, that their perfect performance was almost impossible.
Slight omissions, which were next to unavoidable, under the circumstances, became so annoying to Mrs.Smith, herself, as it has been seen, laboring under great bodily and mental prostration that she could not bear them.
"She knows better, and she could do better, if she chose," was her rather uncharitable comment, often inwardly made on the occurrence of some new trouble.
After Mr.Smith had taken his departure on the morning just referred to, Mrs.Smith went up into her chamber, as has been seen, and threw herself languidly upon a bed, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, as she did so, and murmuring: "I can't live at this rate!" At the same time, Rachel sat down in the kitchen the large waiter upon which she had arranged the dishes from the breakfast table, and then sinking into a chair, pressed one hand upon her forehead, and sat for more than a minute in troubled silence.