es. But
get the gin, or she will be dead to all intents and purposes.'

Mrs. Smith, I suppose (for, though I could hear, I was still unable to
open my eyes), mixed the liquor, and poured a little of it into my
mouth. It acted like a cordial upon me, for I was soon able to open my
eyes, and I found myself supported in the arms of the sister, and Mrs.
Smith holding the liquor.

'What is the matter with you, child?' said she. 'Are you subject to
fits?'

Unable to speak, I burst into tears.

'Very well,' said she; 'you are better now. There, empty the cup, and I
will give you some bread and cheese, and then you shall go to bed.'

I did as I was desired, and, after I had eaten the bread and cheese, I
staggered, partly from weakness and partly from the effects of the
liquor I had taken, up into my room, where sleep soon made me forget all
my sorrows.

The weary week circled round, and the dreaded Sunday again appeared; but
this day Mrs. Smith obliged the children to help a little in the work.
What they did was but little, but to me every little was of consequence.
She also allowed rather more victuals; and at eight o'clock in the
evening she gave me a good slice of bread and cheese and a teacupful of
porter, which strengthened me so much that I did all my work, and at ten
o'clock was allowed to go to bed--my miserable bed, which at first I had
beheld with so much disgust, was now the only place where I found any
comfort, for there I was free from scolding and anger. There I slept
soundly, there I generally forgot all my sorrow, and sometimes even
dreamed that I had found my father.

Chapter V

The return of spring in some measure alleviated my sufferings, for, as
the weather grew warmer, my hands and feet got better; but, to
counterbalance this comfort, my quantity of work was increased; and, as
the days lengthened, I was obliged to rise earlier, for during the three
months in the middle of summer I rose every morning at four o'clock.
Being allowed so short a time for rest occasioned me to be continually
sleepy, so that I could not help sometimes falling asleep over my work,
even during the day, and this was sure of being the means of my having a
severe beating from either Mr. Smith or his wife. My health daily
declined, and I was pleased that it did so, for I was in hopes that I
should soon die, and be released from all my troubles. Thus passed away
the summer and autumn. Winter approached. It was now the latter