It was not without a struggle that poor Mrs. Haller consented to disband her little family—­and virtually to divorce herself from her husband.  No matter how cruel the latter had been, nor how deplorable the condition of the former, her heart still retained its household affections, and would not consent willingly to have her little flock scattered-perhaps for ever.  But stern necessity knows no law.  In due time, with little Emma, and Emily, Mrs. Haller was assigned a comfortable room over the kitchen, and became a member of our family.  All of us in the shop felt for her a warm interest, but hesitated not to express among ourselves a regret that she could do no better than to trust herself and little ones to the tender mercies of a sister, whom we knew too well to respect.

At first, Mrs. Haller was employed in needle-work, but as she was neither a very fast nor neat sewer, her sister soon found it better policy to let her do the chamber-work, and sometimes assist in cooking.  For about three months, her situation was comfortable, except that her children were required to act “just so,” and were driven about and scolded if they ventured to amuse themselves in the yard, or anywhere in the sight or hearing of their aunt.  Her own children were indulged in almost everything, but her little nieces were required to be as staid and circumspect as grown-up women.  After about six months had elapsed, Mrs. Williams began to find fault with her sister for various trifles, and to be petulant and unkind in manner towards her.  This thing was not done right, and the other thing was neglected.  If she sat down for half an hour to sew for herself or children, something would be said or hinted to wound her, and make her feel that she was viewed by her sister in no other light than that of a hired servant.

Something occurring to make the kitchen-servant leave her place, Mrs. Haller cooked and attended in her situation until another could be obtained.  There was, however, no effort made to procure another; week after week passed away, and still all the menial employments of the house and the hard duties of the kitchen fell upon Mrs. Haller.  From her place at the first table, where she sat for a short time after she came into the house, she was assigned one with us.  To all these changes she was not indifferent.  She felt them keenly.  But what could she do?  Unfortunately for her, she had been so raised (as too many of our poor, proud, fashionable girls are now raised) as to be almost helpless when thrown upon her own resources.  She was industrious, and saving; but understood nothing about getting a living.  Therefore, she felt that endurance was her only present course.  It was grievous to the heart to be trampled upon by a sister whose condition was above her’s; but as that sister had offered her an (sic) assylum, when in the utmost destitution, she resolved to bear patiently the burden she imposed upon her.