The gardener was at work a little farther, and so we looked upon him, and
I began to talk about his art; but she said, softly, My instructions are,
not to let you be so familiar with the servants. Why, said I, are you
afraid I should confederate with them to commit a robbery upon my master?
May be I am, said the odious wretch; for to rob him of yourself, would be
the worst that could happen to him, in his opinion.
And pray, said I, walking on, how came I to be his property? What right
has he in me, but such as a thief may plead to stolen goods?--Why, was
ever the like heard? says she.--This is downright rebellion, I protest!--
Well, well, lambkin, (which the foolish often calls me,) if I was in his
place, he should not have his property in you long questionable. Why,
what would you do, said I, if you were he?--Not stand shill-I-shall-I, as
he does; but put you and himself both out of your pain.--Why, Jezebel,
said I, (I could not help it,) would you ruin me by force?--Upon this she
gave me a deadly slap upon my shoulder: Take that, said she; whom do you
call Jezebel?
I was so surprised, (for you never beat me, my dear father and mother, in
your lives,) that I was like one thunder-struck; and looked round, as if
I wanted somebody to help me; but, alas! I had nobody; and said, at last,
rubbing my shoulder, Is this also in your instructions?--Alas! for me! am
I to be beaten too? And so fell a crying, and threw myself upon the
grass-walk we were upon.
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