78 ATT AH. 



sole delight was to be useful to those around her ; and 

 so indeed it might appear to a casual observer. But I 

 must be less charitable and more just to her character, 

 having had irrefragable proofs of a totally different 

 leaning. Think not it was the performance of a service 

 wliich delighted the dame ; true, she was ever ready, 

 ever officiously volunteering to be of use, but far other 

 was the aim of her readiness, of her activity, than 

 the promptings of a benevolent natm^e ; alas ! we must 

 admit with regret that the chief object of Attah, in all 

 her doings, was the remuneration which should follow 

 their completion. Yes, for " tok," which, though 

 strictly meaning barter, is also used for payment or gift, 

 she would do anything. Being always at hand, very 

 quick in her motions, having ever a smiling face, and 

 chattering away in great style, she was at first con- 

 sidered a kind, willing creature, whom it was a 

 pleasure to employ and reward; but she presumed 

 upon the favour shown her, displayed jealousy and 

 sulks when other ladies were engaged to perform any 

 slight service with the needle, and became, moreover, 

 so exacting in her demands, and so determinately 

 importunate for gifts, that she was at last unanimously 

 voted a bore, and fell into complete disfavoiu*. Yet a 

 funny creature was Attah, and generally a merry one ; 

 her antics were inimitably ridiculous and grotesque, 



