Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1880-02-26
Miscrllar,eous.
Mrs. Wilkins's Duty.

She always tried to do it" she said. but
like the kitchen work Of poor hou>ekccpcrs
il was never done up. Tim insisted that
there was more than belonged to one family.
Aunt 'Iizabcth took IN a good deal for
other folks; and once he slyly chalkcd
sign upon tn front door; "Duty Done
Here" But then Tim had arrived at that
peculiar age " hen boy has no rights and
l. needed to run Of errands. and II j. prob
able that duty-his aunt's, not his own
intertered with his comfort even more than
that OF older people.
In truth. Mr., Wilkins duty was not
con, ,cncut article 10 have about the house.
Il was a bust!ius. aggressive affair. always
springing up Unexpectedly. ike one OF the
dogs 80 uuaocoun,ably petied IN some house
holds for their sole virtue o; being ALWAYS IN
the way. Moving forward. one run, against
the creature and it srovl>; moving back
ward. one steps upon IT, tail and 4, snaT.S.
Il lies upon the back piazza to be carefully
stepped over in the DAYTIME and d!>asirou,!y
stumbled over ~ night. and haunt, the from,
steps to bark at every visitor coming IN and
tn howl after every member Of the family
gong ont.
Mr., Wilkiu, KEEP; no dog. but her duty
shifted an opror;unlt, and pounccd out OF
i, hidiu. place; when there came a iImid
little knock AZ the dining room in the early
morning. and IL luswcr!n: rcS called 4 small.
quict-.aocd. brown robed fisurc-;acc AMI
dress Huih past the freshness of their Youth
carry Iug ha>kci.
GOOD morning. Mrs. wilkins
Come IN ?" questioned Mrs. Wilkins, with
onl, hall an invitation Ia her VOICE
The acceptance was only halt-one like
wise
The little brown woman stepped in, GER
tainly. and poised herself on the outer edge
OF a char nearest the door.
Il called 10 see If YOU didn't want 10 buy
some knitted articles or 10 engage work OF
that sort" She began in dcprecating voice.
well. don't" interposed Mrs. Wilkins.
very positively. Il do all such work my
self"
Il didn', know. Many ladies haven't time.
and am glad To do it.
Il suppose 50. but | consider It my duty
To DO all can myself and set other folks
the example whether they follow it or not" !"
said Mrs. Wilkins. with a slight gesture like
empiying her hands Of responsibility. IF
| was going 10 give out work at all il would
be some hard jobs that would be help to
be rid OF. not the pick and choice. little.
easy things that | call rest and not work (;
but then ! amt so particular as some. and
50 do all kinds myself"
\ faint flush crossed the visitors thin
face She was not quite sure that she had
been called indolent and advised TO go to
work and earn an honest living; the words
only had an uncomfortable sound so the
lt,.- L.r. -b.fr -1r,tl L. sy,,1t. rb,tagrb
they trembled a little. She held tirs, one
hand in It's thin cotton glove, and then the
other to the fire; moved unea>ilv. glanced
down at her feet with dim thought that if
thev had ALWAYS chosen the smoothest path
il had been rough enough to wear out her
shoes much faster than she could replace
them and then she arose to 90.
WASN'T YOU rather hard on her Liz
BETH" asked Mr.. Wilkins, with regretful
glance toward the door as it closed.
Mrs. Wilkins returned to her seat at the
breakfast table and surveyed him over the
coffee pot.
Hard on her? only told her what do.
and if that pricks her conscience and makes
her uncomfortable. its not my fault. But
YOU needn't worry; she just said good morn
ing as sweet as ever. She's one OF the weak
kind that can't be stirred up. and have not
spunk enough to say their souls are their
own. wonder what such folks are good
for? THEY'LL never make the world any bet
ter that's sure. They haven't courage enough
to help put down any evil if il was right
under their noses; they'd only stand and
smile The very sight of EN- provokes me-
consider it my duty to speak out when
see things going wrong"
but then everybody amt alike, Liz
BETH" interposed Mr. wilkins
Needn't tell me that its plain enough"
snapped Mrs Wilkins. Just look at this
neighborhood- d-peaceable, orderly place two
wears ago; and now there's a new mill
started and all sorts of vagabonds brought
here to work in it. If I'd had my way they
wouldn't have come; and now they are here
somebody ought to keep a very sharp watch
on EN-. But that's the trouble there's so
many mild. easy folks that want to sit still
an do the knittin' work of life that there's
precious few left TO take care of the good of
society"
Il don't see as the mill folks have done
any mischief Vet, Liz'beth."
'.Of course YOU don't see, and nobody else
sees; but | know there's something going
on when the lower part of the mill-the old
empty store room back there, it can't be
seen from the streets lighted up two or
three nights every week" said Mrs. Wilkins,
triumphantly. 1--WE watched the twinkling
through the shutters, tight as they're shut,
and seen folks slippin' in through the door,
too. It's time it was looked after, and I'll
do my duty, if nobody else does. There
may be gang of thieves or counierfeiters
starting for all We know"
A suppressed giggle made Tim suddenly
cough and put down his coffee cup.
Timothy" exclaimed his aunt severely,
..if YOU don't drink coffee without doin' it
so fast that YOU choke yourself, you'll have
to go without it. I'll do nv best to bring
YOU up right, whatever comes OF it,
Bringing up Tom in the way he should 60
was one of Mrs. Wiikins's strong points.
He was the son of her niece and belinda