The opportunity did not occur, however, for me to speak with him without being overheard.

I think she finally became ashamed of her treatment toward me, for she became very good, bringing me sweet-meats, and calling me her “pet.” But it didn’t work with me. I could never like her after I had witnessed her treatment of the other patients; perhaps I should have overlooked it if she had not treated them so, particularly poor Mrs. Koon, who won upon my regard and affections more and more as I became acquainted with her. She was one of the most beautiful women I ever saw, both in personal attractions and beauty of character; she was intelligent, refined, and amiable. But the treatment she received at the hands of this beastly attendant was enough to transform an angel of light into a fiend of darkness; or, at least call forth all the fire and indignation of a Christian character. There were but two patients on this hall besides myself, (it being a short hall,) Mrs. Koon, and an old lady seriously afflicted with sores. Her head had to be washed every day and the sores dressed. Sometimes Miss Peabody would be very kind to this old lady; then again she would beat her in the most cruel manner, particularly when she put her in her cell and restrained her on her bunk, (for it was neither a crib nor a bed, but bore a resemblance to what is called a bunk,) then I could hear the blows from a leather strap fall thick and fast upon her poor, defenseless form, and hear her screams and cries, which was enough to call forth indignation and pity from any human being. This poor old woman, suffering the pangs of a loathsome disease, ought to elicit the sympathy of any human person. She died while I was there.

Thanks to a kind Providence, I did not have to remain long on this hall, but was soon after removed to the convalescent ward of which the matron and the youngest Miss Peabody had charge. They were both excellent women. I never saw a greater difference between sisters than there was between these two. Carrie, much the youngest, was always kind and pleasant; and it is to her I am indebted for the first word that gave me hope. Thanks, Carrie; I shall always remember them, and hope you may never become as hardened and cruel as your sister. If you are always as kind to the afflicted as you were to me, you will certainly do a great deal of good. Do not weary in well doing, and you will reap a rich reward.