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66 The Conjure Woman 

appearance,-quite the contrary, in fact ; but mainly to please the old man I hired Tom-his name was Tom-to help about the stables, weed the garden, cut wood and bring water, and in general to make himself useful about the outdoor work of the household. 

My first impression of Tom proved to be correct. He turned out to be very trifling, and I was much annoyed by his laziness, his carelessness, and his apparent lack of any sense of responsibility. I kept him longer that I should, on Julius's account, hoping that he might improve ; but he seemed to grow worse instead of better, and when I finally reached the limit of my patience, I discharged him. 

"I am sorry, Julius," I said to the old man; "I should have liked to oblige you by keeping him ; but I can't stand Tom any longer. He  is absolutely untrustworthy."