I felt injured and almost outraged because my
protestations against this treatment were unheeded and when the
transformation in my visible appearance was effected, I went away
by myself and had a good cry, which I would not for the world
have had them know about, as that would have added humiliation to
my distress. And the greatest pity about it was that I too soon
became accustomed to the situation. I felt like a child, but
considered it my duty to think and behave like a woman. I began
to look upon it as a very serious thing to live. The untried
burden seemed already to have touched my shoulders. For a time I
was morbidly self-critical, and at the same time extremely
reserved. The associates I chose were usually grave young women,
ten or fifteen years older than myself; but I think I felt older
and appeared older than they did.
Childhood, however, is not easily defrauded of its birthright,
and mine soon reasserted itself. At home I was among children of
my own age, for some cousins and other acquaintances had come to
live and work with us.
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