"The horrid cruelties and outrages that once and a while find their way into the papers,--such cases as Prue's, for example,--what do they come from?
In many cases, it is a gradual hardening process on both sides,--the owner growing more and more cruel, as the servant more and more callous.

Whipping and abuse are like laudanum; you have to double the dose as the sensibilities decline.
I saw this very early when I became an owner; and I resolved never to begin, because I did not know when I should stop,--and I resolved, at least, to protect my own moral nature.

The consequence is, that my servants act like spoiled children; but I think that better than for us both to be brutalized together.

You have talked a great deal about our responsibilities in educating, Cousin.

I really wanted you to _try_ with one child, who is a specimen of thousands among us." "It is your system makes such children," said Miss Ophelia.
"I know it; but they are _made_,--they exist,--and what _is_ to be done with them ?" "Well, I can't say I thank you for the experiment.