The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-08-05
With a sweep the door few back, and

ugly. Her thick black hair grew low Oh
her forehead, and her complexion was a
uniform red. Her features were very
large, and her mouth full of Cher only
beauty white, even teeth Still, the face
was far from stupid. The mouth, tho
large, was flexible and expressive, and
the big black eyes promised intelligence.
But OH, how can | describe her "ways,
as Harry calls them. She stood for an
instant perfectly 'potionless, then she
swept down IN a low, and really not un-
graceful courtesy.
"Madam," said she, in deep voice,
"your most obedient"
"You are"-I said, questioningly.
Your humble servant"
This was not getting on" bit, so
said
"Are you the girl Mr. Harvey cent
from the Intelligence Office 2"
II am that woman," she said, with a
flourish of her shawl; land here" she
added sis my certificate of merit and
she took paper from her pocket. Ad-
vancing with long step. stop, another
step, and stop, till she reached my bed
side, she hauded me the paper with low
Cow, and then stepping back three steps
she stood waiting for me to read it, with
her hands ciasped and dropping, and her
head beut as if it were her death warrant.
It was we'll written, properly worded
Iszr Gr1r
that she was honest aud capable, and |
really had no choice but to keep her, so
| told her to find her room, lay of her
bonnet, and then come to NE again.
was half afraid of her. She was net
drunk, with those clear black ewes shin
ing so brightly, but her manner actually
savored Of insanity. However, I was
helpless, aud then-Harry would come
as earIy as he could, and l could endure
to wait
Tell NE your name," I said, as she
came in with the stride aud stop.
My name is Mary" she said, in tone
so deep that it seemed to come from the
very toes of her slippers.
We'll, Mary, first put the room in Or
der before the doctor comes"
Oh, if words could only picture that
scene Fancy this tall, large, ugly
woman, armed { I use the word in its full
senseJ with a duster, charging at the fur
n;ture as if she ve.e s:abbinc her mortal
enemy to the heart. She stuck the comb
into the brush as if she were saving Die,
traitor. :" aid piled up the books as if they
were facots for funera! fame. She gave
the curtains sweep with Ter hand as if
she were putting back tapestry for a royal
procession, aud dashed the chairs down
IN their places like magnificent bandit
spurning tyrant IN his power.
But when she came to the invalid she
was gentle, almost caressing in her natu-
raj manner, pToppiug me up comfortably,
making the bed at once easy and hand
some, and arranging my hair and dress
with perfect perception of my sore con,
dition. And when she dashed out ofthe
room, fcrgave the air with which she
returned and presented tray to me- for
the sake Of its contents. Such delicious
tea and toast, aud such perfection of
poached eggs, were an apology for anv
excentrclty Of manner l was thinking
gratefully of my own comfort, aud watch
ing her hang Gp my clothes in the
closet in her own style, when the bell
rang. Like lightning she closed the
closet door, caught up the tray. and rushed
down stairs. From my open door could
hear the following conversation, which l
must say rather astonished even me,
already prepared for any excentricity.
DR.. HolbFook was my visitor, and of
course his first question was
Chow Is Mrs. Harvey this morning 2"
Ia voice that was the concentrated
essence Of about enc dozen tragedies, my
extraordinary servant REPLIED.
"WEat man art thou ?"
"Is the woman crazy ?"cried the doctor.
Lay not that fattering JUNCTION to
your soul - cried Mary
"H'm-yes-" said the doctor mus
lngly; then, in his own CHEEKY, brisk
tone, he added "You are the new SER
want, l suppose?,'
"Sir, / will serve my mistress till chill
death shall part US from each other"
Him. Well, now in plain English,
go tell her am here"
Il 60: and it is done" was the reply.
and with the slow stride and halt | heard
her cross the entry. She was soon at my
door. Madam, the doctor waits :" she
said, standing With one arm out in
grand attitude
Let him come up" I said, choking
with laughter
She went down again.
"sir, from my mistress I have lately
come, to bid you Welcome, and implore
you TO ascend She waits within Won