I'm
afraid they'll make me hate them out and out--and them my own flesh and
blood, too, which can't but be wicked! I bore it very well for a while,
for at first it only amused me. I said to myself, 'They'll soon know me
better!' But when I found they only got worse, I got tired of it
altogether; and when I got tired of it I got cross, and grew more and
more cross, till now I can't _bear_ it. I'm not used to be cross,
and my own crossness is much harder to bear than theirs. If I could have
kept the good temper people used to praise me for to my mother, I
shouldn't mind; but it _is_ hard to lose it this way! I don't know
how to get on without it! If there don't come a change somehow soon, I
shall run away--I shall indeed, Miss Raymount. There are many would be
glad enough to have me for the work I can get through."
She jumped to her feet, gave a little laugh, merry-sad, and before
Hester could answer her, said--
"You're going away so soon, miss! Let me do your hair to-night. I want
to brush it every night till you go."
"But you are tired, my poor child!" said Hester compassionately.
"Not too tired for that: it will rest me, and bring back my good temper,
It will come to me again through your hair, miss.
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