It all came from Mother Shum, and her old trix, as I soon found
out. The fact is, when there is a mistry of this kind in the
house, its a servant's DUTY to listen; and listen I did, one day
when Mrs. was cryin as usual, and fat Mrs. Shum a sittin consolin
her, as she called it: though, heaven knows, she only grew wuss and
wuss for the consolation.

Well, I listened; Mrs. Shum was a-rockin the baby, and missis cryin
as yousual.

"Pore dear innocint," says Mrs. S., heavin a great sigh, "you're
the child of a unknown father and a misrable mother."

"Don't speak ill of Frederic, mamma," says missis; "he is all
kindness to me."

"All kindness, indeed! yes, he gives you a fine house, and a fine
gownd, and a ride in a fly whenever you please; but WHERE DOES ALL
HIS MONEY COME FROM? Who is he--what is he? Who knows that he
mayn't be a murderer, or a housebreaker, or a utterer of forged
notes? How can he make his money honestly, when he won't say where
he gets it? Why does he leave you eight hours every blessid day,
and won't say where he goes to? Oh, Mary, Mary, you are the most
injured of women!"

And with this Mrs. Shum began sobbin; and Miss Betsy began yowling
like a cat in a gitter; and pore missis cried, too--tears is so
remarkable infeckshus.