He overwhelmed her with all sorts of rough work, and made use of her as a beast of burden.

She never even complained, however, thinking that she had a debt of gratitude to repay him.

In the evening, when she was worn out with fatigue, she mourned for her aunt, that terrible woman whose latent kindliness she now realised.

However, it was not the hard work that distressed her, for she delighted in her strength, and took a pride in her big arms and broad shoulders.

What distressed her was her uncle's distrustful surveillance, his continual reproaches, and the irritated employer-like manner he assumed towards her.