Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-03-19
Mrs. Wilkins Duty.

tIlV blN'tNS tllcu ~ UO IL, SIG SttltI, Dut
like the kitchen work of poor housekeep-
ers, it was never done up Tim insisted
that there was more than belonged to one
family; Aunt 'Liz'beth took in good deal
for other folks; and once he slyly chalked
II sign upon the front door, Duty Done
Here. But then Tim had arrived at that
pecnliar age when Il boy has no rights
and is needed to run of errands, and it is
probably that duty-his aunt's, not his
--intcrfered with his comfort even
more than that If older people.
In truth. Mrs. Wilkins duty was not q
convenient article to have about the house.
1t was hrslling aggressive affair, al
ways springing up Unexpectedly like one
of the dogs so unaccountably petted in
some households for their sole virtue of
being always in the way. Moving for.
ward, one runs against the creature and it
growls; moving backward, one Ste upon
its tail and it snarls. 1t lies on the back
piazza to be carefully stepped over in the
day time and disastrousy stumbled over
at night; and haunts the front steps to
bark at every visitor coming in, and howl
after every member OF the family going
out
Mrs. Wilkin kept no dog, but her duty
shifted an opportunity, and pounced out of
its hiding place. when there came II timid
knock at the dining room door in the
early morning, and its answering revealed
II small, quiet-faced, brown-robed figure
face and dress both past the freshness of
their youth-Carrying II basket.
Good morning, Mrs. Wilkin.
Come in? questioned Mrs. Wilkin, with
only half AN invitation in her voice.
The acceptance was half one, like
wise. The little brown woman stepped in
outer edge of n chair nearest the door.
called to see if you didn't want to buy
some knitted articles, or to engage some
work OF that sort, she began in gentle
hesitating voice.
Well, | don't, interposed Mrs. Wikin
very positively. do all such work my.
self
| didn't know. Many ladies haven't
time, and I'm glad to do it.
! suppose so, but | consider it my duty
to do all | can myself and set other folks
the example, whether they follow it OF
not, said Mrs. Wilkin with II slight gcs
ture like emptying her hands of response
bllitv. If was goin' to give out work al
all IL would be some hard Jobs that il
would be Il help to be rid of, not the pick
and choice little easy things that cal
rest and not work. but then, | amt SC
particular AS some, and SO | do all kind.
myself.
A faint flush crossed the visitors thir
face. She was quite sure that she hat
been called indolent and advised to 90 tc
work and earn an honest living; tn,
words only had an uncomfortable sound
so her lips kept their gentle, timid smile
though they trembled little. She hel,
first one hand in its thin cotton glove. an,
then the other, to the fire; moved uneasly
glanced down mt her feet with a din
thought that if they had always choser
the smoothest path, it had yet been rougl
enough TO wear out her shoes much faste
than she could replace them; and thei
she III ose to go.
Wasn't you rather hard on her, Liz
beth, asked Mr.. Wilkin, with regretfu
glance toward the door rs it closed.
Mrs. Wilkin returned to her seat Mt th
breakfast table and surveyed him over tn
shining tin coffee. pot.
Hard ON herP | told her what | do, an
if that pricks her conscience and make
her uncomfortable, it's not my fault Blu
you needn't worry; she just said. Goo
mornin', as sweet rs ever. She's one {
the weak kind that cant be stirred III
and haven't spunk enough 10 say thei
souls are their own. wonder what sue
folks are COOL for; they will never max
, the world any better, that's sure. The
haven't courage enough to help put dow
any evil if it is right under their noses
they'd only stand and smile. The yer
sight of 'em provukes me! [ consider
my duty TO speak out when see thing
i going wrong.
. But then everybody ain't alike, Liz
r beth, interposed Mr.. Wilkin.
Needn't tell me that! It's plain enougl
snapped Mrs. Wilkin. Just look at TN
, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. orderly plac
0 two years ago; and now there's mi
, started and all sorts of vagabonls brougt
here TO work in it. If Id had my wa
they wouldn't have come; and now they +
. here somebody ought to keep watch n
'em. But that's the trouble; there's $
many mild, easy folks who wnnt TO s
still an do the kntlin' work OF life tn,
there's precious few left to take any car
OF the good of society.
| don't see as the mill folks have don
any mischief yet, Liz beth
or course you don't see, and nobod
|, else sees but | know there's somethin
goin' on, when tho lower part of the mi
THAT old empty store room back whel
it can't be seen from the street-is lighte
nm two nr thraa niuhte a,o,,,