Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-03-16
MRS. WILKINS DUTY.

She always tried to do il, she said
but like the kitchen work of poor house
keepers it was never done up. Tim in-
sisted that there was more than belonged
TO one family. "Aunt 'Lizabeth took in
a good deal for other folks; and once he
slyly chalked a sign upon the front door
duty Done Here" But then Tim had
arrived at that peculiar age when boy
had no rights aud is needed to run OF
errands, and it is probable that duty-his
aunt's, not his own-interfered with his
comfort even more than that Of Older
people.
In truth, Mrs. wilkins duty was not
a convenient article to have about the
house. II was bustling, aggressive
affair, always Springing up unexpectedly,
like one of the dogs so unaccountably
petted in some households for their sole
virtue of being always in the way. Nov
ing forward, one runs agains, the creature
and il growls; moving backward, one
steps upon lis tail and il snarls. IL lies
upon the back piazza to be carefully
stepped over in the daytime and disas
trously stumbled over at night, and
haunts the front steps to bark at every
visitor coming in and to howl after every
member of the family going out.
Mrs. Wilkins kept no dog, but her
duty shifted an opportunity and pounced
out of its hiding place, when there came
a timid little knock at the dining room
in the early morning, and It's answering
revealed a small, quiet-faced brown-robed
fgure--face and dress both past the fresh
ness of their youth-carrying a basket.
"Good morning, Mrs. Wilkin.
Come in" questioned Mrs. Wilkin,
with only half an invitation in her voice.
The acceptance was only 4 ha!t-one
likewise.
The little brown woman stepped in,
certainly. and poised herself on the outer
edge of a chair neares. the door.
Il called to see if you didn't want to
buy some knitted articles, or to engage
work of that sort, she began in depre-
eating voice.
"Well, | don't interposed Mrs. WI.
kin. very positively. II do all such work
myself
Il didn't know. Many ladies haven
time. and am glad TO do 1t.
Il suppose so, but | consider 1t my
duty TO do all / can myself and set other
folk the example whether they follow II
or not. said Mrs. Wilkin, with slight
gesture like emptying her hands OF re-
sponsibility. "lf was going 10 give ou'
work at all i, would be some hard jobs
that would be a help 10 be nd Of, not th'
pick and choice, little, easy things that
call rest and not work; but then, | ain
SO particular as some, and so do al
kinds myself"
A faint flush crossed the visitors thin
face. She was not quite sure that she
had been called indolent and advised Il
90 to work and earn an honest living
the words only had an uncomfortable
soundl so the lips kept their timid, gen
tie smile. though they trembled little
She held first one hand in its thin co;tor
glove, and then the other to the fire
moved uneasily. glanced down at he
feet with dim thought that if they hat
always chosen the smoothest path 1t ha1
been rough enough to wear out her shoe
much faster than she could replace them
and then she arose to 60.
.Wasn't you rather hard on her, Liz
abeth." asked Mr.. Wilkin, with a re
gretful glance toward the door as i
closed.
Mrs. Wilkin returned to her seat a
the breakfast table and surveyed hiu
over the cofee-pot.
Hard on her: only told her wha
do. and if that pricks her conscienc
and makes her uncomfortable, it's not m,
fault. But you needn't worry; she JUS
said good morning as sweet as ever. She
| one Of the weak kind that can't be stirre'
up. and have not spunk enough to sa
their souls their own. | wonder wha
such souls are good for: They'll neve
make the world any better. that's sure
They haven't courage enough to help pu
down any evil if it was right under thei
noses, they'd only stand and smile. Tn
very sight of 'em provokes me. con
slider it my duty to speak out when Sc
things going so wrong"
..But then everybody amt alike, Liz
BETH iaterposed Mr.. Wilkin.
Needn't tell me that . it's plai
enough" snapped Mrs. Wilkin. ''Jus
look at this neighborhcod-peaceable or
derly place two years ago; and now there
a new mill started and all sorts of yaga
bonds brought here to work in it. If Ii
had my way they wouldn't have come
and now they are here somebody ough
to keep very sharp watch on EN-. Blu
that's the trouble; there's so many mill