He wanted Fetchke and me to be taught some trade; so my sister was apprenticed to a dressmaker and I to a milliner.
Fetchke, of course, was successful, and I, of course, was not.

My sister managed to learn her trade, although most of the time at the dressmaker's she had to spend in sweeping, running errands, and minding the babies; the usual occupations of the apprentice in any trade.
But I--I had to be taken away from the milliner's after a couple of months.

I did try, honestly.

With all my eyes I watched my mistress build up a chimney pot of straw and things.

I ripped up old bonnets with enthusiasm.