Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-11-29
AHEAD OF TIME.
DY ELEANOR KIRK.

Now I'm going TO show you why !
struck out for myself"
had been driving a mile or two with
my CHEEKY friend, DR.. Mary Stedman,
and until that moment was unaware of
any motive for the ride, other than the
usual one Of pleasure to US both.
II have q warm place in my heart
for my native Vermont she wen. on ;
and, knowing how love it, am sure
you have often wondered why do not
remain here instead Of seeking home
and profession for myself among stran
gers"
had often speculated on thi, very
subject. but there was no time TO confess
il, for at ,ha, moment my companion
rcined up suddenly. and with a brisk
" Here we are jumped from the car
rage.
This" pointing 10 a weather-beaten
but still comfortable looking house, |,
the homestead. Since the death of our
parents my eldest brother has lived here.
You needn't be at all disturbed" as
naturally hesiiated about lntruding upon
strangers, "i for my sister expects US
=" How cool how neat, how shady and
comfortable - were my fEs; eIclama,ions
as | followed my leader into the old
fashioned parlor.
Just 81" she answered dyly. And,
my dear, YOU might search from cellar
- garrett Of this great house, and though
you stood upon ladders, and peered with
microscope upon your hands and knees,
you would never be able 10 find fly
Mrs. S,edman looked as her sistei-in-
law had described her like very sad
and troubled ghost" She was painfully
thin and haggard, and at leas, Il dozen
times during our short call noticed her
mourntul eyes fiji with tears.
"Well, Sarah" said the doctor, "you
are as busy as ever, suPPo'e:"
"Oh, yes, said our hostess; "there
is never any end to work"
Been making butter to-day :"
IL made little over to.ty pounds this
morning"
Before breakfast, suppose"
The doctors tone was somewhat Grip.
Il churned at four, and have just
worked my butter over. don't mind so
much when churning doesn't come wash.
ing days and you see, cream has got to
be attended to whenever it is ready"
Been washing, to-" my friend in
quird.
"Oh yes. And it did seem as if | had
every garment in the tub that there was
in the house, ~
$50 you've made forty pounds of but
ter" said the doctor, "washed-and what
else:"
mot much else beside the regular
work. picked some beans for dinner,
and made few pies that's ALL"
A. this point my friend, much to my
surprise. turned the conversation into
other channels, and soon after we took
our leave.
"It seems to me you have neglected an
opportunity" l remarked, as soon as we
had driven away.
supposed you'd think SC" my COM
panion answered ;; Z" but you can form no
conception of the amount of breath l
have wasted on that very case. l am re.
garding it now solely from a scientific
standpoint. think can calculate the
length of that woman's days within a
fraction of time"
Il should think your brother would
not allow his wife to work So" re-
marked.
What does he know about it :" said
the doctor. g" He comes into the house
for the three meals that are prepared for
him, and when night comes he goes to
bed and to sleep, or he drives over to the
villa ee and spends his evenings with his
friends. My brother works hard, but
the works out of doors, and that saves
him. Sarah has an excellent reputation