Oh,
the world is cruel! Ah! I am too unfortunate! Everybody else is rewarded
for patience, prudence, temperance, industry, and a life with high and
almost holy aims; but I am punished, afflicted, crushed under the
injustice of the day. Do not make me a nurse-maid. I _won't_ be a
governess; and I must not die, because that would grieve my mother. Have
pity on me! have pity!"
She trembled all over, and stretched out her hands to Zoe with truly
touching supplication.
Zoe forgot her part, or lost the power to play it well. She turned her
head away and would not assent; but two large tears rolled out of her
beautiful eyes. Miss Gale, who had risen in the ardor of her appeal, saw
that, and it set her off. She leaned her brow against the mantel-piece,
not like a woman, but a brave boy, that does not want to be seen crying,
and she faltered out, "In France I am a learned physician; and here to be
a house-maid! For I won't live on borrowed money. I am very unfortunate."
Severne, who had lost patience, came swiftly in, and found them in this
position, and Vizard walking impatiently about the room in a state of
emotion which he was pleased to call anger.
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