she sets ebryting
topsy-turvey, 'specially when dat yaller nig', Dolf, come down feering
wid de work."

"Then keep out of the kitchen," cried Elsie; "don't quarrel."

"Laws, Miss Elsie," said Victoria, with all the injured resignation of
suffering innocence; "I neber quarr'ls wid nobody, but I defy an angel
to git along wid Clo! She's jest de most aggravatin' piece dat eber wore
shoe leather! She's so mad 'cause she's gettin' ole dat she hates a
young girl wuss nor pison, she does."

Vic was now fairly started on the subject of her wrongs, and hurried on
before Elsie could stop her, with all the energy of a belated steam
engine. Elizabeth had walked into the other room, and Victoria took that
opportunity to pour out her sorrows with the utmost freedom to Elsie.

"Miss Elsie, sometimes I tinks I can't stand it. I wouldn't nohow, if
twarn't fur my affection fur you--you and miss," Victoria hastened to
add diplomatically, fearful that her mistress might be within hearing
and that the omission would be turned to her disadvantage. "Clo, she
gits agravatiner ebery day, and sence Dolf come back she's wurs'n a bear
wid a sore head."

"Oh, you make mine ache," cried Elsie.

"Laws, miss, I wouldn't for the worl'."

"Then go along, and let me sleep, if I can."

"Sartin, miss; but let me do somethin' for yer head," said Victoria, out
of the goodness of her heart.

"No, no; I only want to be let alone."

"If yer'd only let me bathe it wid cologny," persisted Vic.

"I don't want it bathed," fretted Elsie.

"Laws, miss, it does a heap o' good! Pennyryal tea's good--"

"Oh, do go away!" groaned Elsie.

"In course I will, miss; but I'd like to do something fur ye--yer looks
right sick."

"Then just go away, and don't come up again for the next two hours."

"Yes, miss, I'll jest--"

"Go out!" shrieked Elsie.

"I'se only fixin' yer cushins," said Vic. "Dear me, Miss Elsie, yer
allers says I'm right smart handy when yer has dem headaches."

"Oh, I can't bear anybody to-day."

"Dear me, ain't it a pity! Now, miss, I knows what 'ud be good for
yer--"

"Elizabeth," groaned Elsie, "do come and send this dreadful creature
away!"

This time Victoria deemed it prudent to make a hasty retreat, for she
stood in a good deal of awe of her mistress. She went out, reiterating
her desire to be useful, and really very full of sympathy, for she was a
kindhearted creature enough, except where her enemy, Clorinda, was in
the q