that flashing eye and heavy brow. Miss Matilda had protected her,
as far as she was able, though without the child's knowledge,
by saying to her sister that she was willing her little servant should
be employed in the family, but that she was never to be whipped.

"You're mighty saving of your little piece of flesh and blood,"
said her sister-in-law. "I find it doesn't work well to be too tender;
they need a little cuffing now and then to keep them straight."

"Tidy is a good child," replied Miss Matilda. "She always does as she
is told, and I have never had occasion to punish her in my life;
and I can not consent to her being treated severely."

"We shall see," said Mrs. Lee; "but, I tell you, I take no impudence
from my hands."

Miss Matilda's stipulation and her constant presence in the family
no doubt screened Tidy from much that was unpleasant from her
new mistress; for if children or servants are ever so well inclined,
an ugly and easily excited temper in a superior will provoke
evil dispositions in them, and MAKE occasions of punishment.
But in this case the mistress was evidently held in check.
A knock on the head sometimes, a kick or a cross word, was the
greatest severity she ventured to inflict; so that, upon the whole,
the new home was a pleasant and happy one.

The services Tidy was required to render were a perfect delight to her.
Like all children, she liked to be associated with those of her
own age, and, though called a slave, to all intents and purposes
she was received as the playmate and companion of Amelia