The memoirs of Dolly Morton

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

An soon as I had got fairly settled in my new home, I put five-hundred dollars in the bank and went on housekeeping with the remainder of the money. At first I did nothing but amuse myself, and I thoroughly enjoyed being mistress of a house of my own without anyone to bother me. But, after a time, money constantly was going out and none was coming in, and, since I had determined not to touch the five-hundred dollars in the bank except in case of absolute necessity, I saw that I should have to replenish my purse. There was only one way for me to do it.

I did not like having to adopt the wanton life, for notwithstanding all I had gone through, I still was to a certain extent a modest woman. But I made the plunge and, since I had a pretty face, a well-shaped figure, good clothes and handsome jewelry, I attracted admiration and soon made a number of friends.

I hated the life at first, and I dislike it still, but I have new grown accustomed to it-like other women in the same position. Nearly four years have passed since that time, and I have done well in the profession. I have many good friends, some of whom are rich and liberal. I have saved money and am still saving, and I have had a couple of offers of marriage. Perhaps I will get married some day if I get an offer from a man whom I could love, for, though I am what I am, I will never marry a man unless I love him.

About a year ago, I paid a visit of a couple of days to Philadelphia and, while there, I heard that Miss Dean still was unmarried and that she was as charitable as ever. It had never got to be known that she had been shamefully whipped during her stay in the South. I need hardly tell you that I did not call upon her, though I should have liked to have seen and spoken to the sweet woman again.

My story is finished, and now you know why I said that I hated the Southerners. Don’t you think I have good reason to hate them? They were the cause of all my misfortunes. If they had not whipped me and ridden me on a rail, I should not have been outraged by three ruffians, and I should not have been compelled to adopt my present life.