"I am going to see!"
When he came down I asked him what he found.
"An empty cell," he said quietly.
Mrs. Hardhack did not let her superior officer off so easily.
"I wish that woman could ever exercise a little common sense!" was her
gentle comment.
"She is Head Matron of this institution,--you ought to speak of your
superiors with respect;" was my sarcastic rejoinder. I could not choke
down the remark.
The Deputy showed his humanity by looking into the matter as soon as it
was told him, as much as such testimony, in his favor, is to the
disadvantage of the brilliant and energetic Head of the female
department of the prison.
That man was very acute in his management to get along pleasantly with
the officers; and obtain from them what service he wished. If he exacted
labor of us, that he had no right to ask, he made the exaction tolerable
by his manner.
One day we were without a Receiving Matron. On that day I had had the
promise of having my kitchen white-washed, and had made my arrangements
for it, so as to make it as easy for the women as I could, while it was
going on.
I expected to take the Receiving Matron's place; but I gave no hint that
I expected to do so. I wished to see how the Deputy would manage to
obtain the favor from me.