When the good man's voice ceased, she returned to her toil, carefully removing all trace of sorrow.

Her mistress soon followed, irritated by Nab's impudence in presenting herself unasked in the parlor, and upbraided her with indolence, and bade her apply herself more diligently.

Stung by unmerited rebuke, weak from sorrow and anxiety, the tears rolled down her dark face, soon followed by sobs, and then losing all control of herself, she wept aloud.

This was an act of disobedience.

Her mistress grasping her raw-hide, caused a longer flow of tears, and wounded a spirit that was craving healing mercies..