Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-09-29
(To BE coSrIyuED.)
THE sELF-TAUGHT SERVANT GIRL

] INC C4ty
tTo BE CONTINUED.
THE sELF-TAUGHT SERVANT GIRL.
We have always admired, says the Olive
Branch, the resolution of an uncouth ser
want girl, brought up in very gentle way,
who went to live with rich and cultivated
lady. There was a love within her of the
beautiful, dim perception Of the fitness of
things, by which she determined to polish
herself, and become very white as her mis-
tress. Now, here was hercuIean labor to
perform-a vast undertaking for poor girl
whose companions for years has been the
| pigs and geese around her fathers miserable
shanty, with a mother whose inebriation led
her to walow in filth, and neglect her family
for the poison Of the stiIl-a girl whose skin
was begrimmed and tanned to subiection, and
who in all probability was doomed to labor
among the pots and kettles, the residue Of
her life.
But that was just what she determined
not to do, and accordingly set herselfat work
and her FIRST lessons were those Of observa.
ton.
She saw much company; unobserved she
watched their manner, some of which heI
native good sense rejected the most pleas
ing she treasured up in her heart
Lo! the change! The mistress soon sees
bringing on the breakfast dishes, a comely
interesting girl, with careful, watchful air.
the dark locks put tastefully back somewhat
a Ia mode, her dress re-arranged, her an
swers respectful, and though hesitating, cor
rect. Next she is surprised at modest re-
anest- -frarn-t the -lurt1Itnrad- sarpant-that -Au
little spare time each day to the accomplish
ment of this object; and her pupil is no dull
scholari
Almost imperceptibly. by dint of care and
cleanliness, the brown skin grew fair and rud
dy, the thick locks hung in curls, the brow
developed broadly, and womanly elegance
betrayed themselves in motion and attire.
This young lady, as she assuredly meant
to be, craved an hour for herself, if we re
member RIGHT, after her work was over, whicl
privilege she was also to retain and in the
peculiar operations Of which she was never
to be disturbed. It was granted, and he
mistress thought no more of it, until, SOM
months after, when passing by her room, sll
fancied she heard strange voices. Curiosit
prompted her to look III by means of ira
door, and there she beheld her help in al
the glory of fancied magnifcence, seated nea
table, holding in her hand a book, and talk
ing quite eloquentYy with an Invisible cay
tain, whom she was honoring with her pa
: ronage..
e Presently she would get up, managing hC
movements admirably, bend gracefully. as
g inspecting some work of art in said captain
: ghostly hand; receive compliment with q
the careless elegance Of leader Of the tol
!. respond in delicate, dignifed manner; a
n range her ebon curls with the tip of her far
/ glide across the room with the tread of
princess, fairly bewildering the good lac
e above who could not make out what it ;
meant. Finally she bowed the captain o
" with the greatest ease imaginable then I
to turning, took up Shakespeare, and entertai
ed her mistress ess-unconsciously, of course
i with to be, or not to be- read in clear, N
n sical tones.
'st But to make the conclusion to these stran
ou proceedings: The lady's son returned fro
his travels, and the very first day, not kno
re- ing who she was, escorted the domestic no
y in rain-siorm, as any gallant gentlem
ne would have done.
ese In the evening he asked impatiently "
wv w his mothers visitor did not appear.
the We have no visitors, my, son, she re
kst o7t ed.
al al 'And pray who was that beautiful CT
zee, ture whom / waited on to this very door
Am I bewitched Are there fairies yet
| certainly, in all my journeys, have not
with so agreeable and polished lady;
Ian here she disappeared!'
aGn ,oIr The proud woman. in anguish, cxplai
to him that it was only their servant girl,
d at besought him to restrain his rhapsodies;
Q oood ID he declared that she was some divinity,
no more adapted for the kitchen than '
his mothers porcelain ornaments to bl
smiths forge. And he persisted in the j
married her in spite of his mothers rem
strance-@even displeasure--and the han
Le- tv woman learned to be as fond of her n
sim daughter as her son was Of his gifted