She had scarcely reached that spot, before the bell rang again, louder and quicker than before; but she did not answer it.

In about three minutes it was jerked with an energy that snapped the wire, but Rachel was immovable.

Five minutes elapsed, and then Mrs.
Smith fully aroused, from the lethargy that had stolen over her, came down with a quick, firm step.
"What's the reason you didn't answer my bell?
say ?" she asked, in an excited voice.
Rachel did not reply.
"Do you hear me ?" Rachel had never been so treated before; she had lived with Mrs.
Smith, for three years, and had rarely been found fault with.

She had been too strict in regard, to the performance of her duty to leave much room for even a more exacting mistress to find fault; but now, to be overtasked and sick, and to be chidden, rebuked, and even angrily assailed, was more than she could well bear.

She did not suffer herself to speak for some moments, and then her voice trembled, and the tears came out upon her cheeks.
"I wish you to get another in my place.