Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-11-21
70 ladies looked at her amiably and she

| WV iouiCc AoohSu ~ hSh e''a'~y
went on:
Somebody must wash the kettles
and it is always best, when one has dis
agreeable duty to perform, to do it no
only at once, but cheerfully."
"Yes, perhaps" replied Mrs. Smith
son. but how could young girl of rea
natire refinement both sides of tn
Smithson family were Of the "old stock
"take so kindly to washing pots and ket
ties The fact Of it is, people have beef
mistaken in Helena Mills. She neve
possessed that innate gen'ility she ha'
credit for. But every one finds their owr
level sooner or later"
These two women having thus sum-
marily disposed of Helena Mills socially
they repeated their belief that the lovely
and dutiful young girl had now found he'
proper level over and over in their set
until it was the common talk in New
CITY.
Miss Carlton, in her round of profes-
sional calls among the so.called elite. was
entertained in nearly every household
with the information that Helena Mills
had given up her studies even, and gone
into the kitchen &c work =" and, if you II
believe it. she likes IT, Then would
follow reflections upon the natural abil'
ity and bias of mind Of young woman
who was :" fond of washing dishes
This sensible. accomplished little draw
ing teacher was the only one to be found.
who mingled in the upper circles OF
New City. who said word either In
praise or defense of Helena Mills's new
vocation.
Miss Carlton always and everywhere
protested ,ha, the young girls course was
rc, only praiseworthy, but beautiful.
She maintained that every woman. young
or old, high or low, who took upon her
self the labor of eleva,ing the much abus-
ed as well as despised vocation OF house
work-upon which the comfor, OF every
home depends-to fine art was pub.
lie benefactor.
Miss Cartons friends all listened and
laughed, and then went on with their
senseless and malicious TRADE. She was
heartily glad when her engagements In
New City were ended, and she was no
longer obliged to move in such select
society, whose ideas were always mere
echo Of opinions-no matter how trivial
and foolish-which had been expressed
by few of its more wealthy members.
Mrs. DR.. Forbes, nee Miss Carlton, had
heard very little about New City society
for five years. But having occasion to
pass through the place on the cars lately,
she treated herself to a little gossipy chat
With the conductor, whom she had known
as a New City gallant.
"There is no particular news, Mrs.
Forbes" said he, unless it is the en-
gagement Of Helena Mills to young Law
yer Bartlett, son of Col. James Bartlett,
you remember, owner of the big corner
art store. A capital choice the young
squire has made, too. She's as good as
gold, and everybody says she's the best
girl in the city She's perfect lady,
withal, and treats everybody well. Why,
bless you, Mrs. Forbes, when her father
failed in -. she took entire charge OF
the family, ahd she has managed the
house ever since.
Her father is now in business again
for himse {. and employs more men than
ever. Her mother, who had been an in
valid for years, was forced by Helena $
example to try and exert herself so as TO
share her daughters burden TO some ex-
tent. As a result of the new, active life
she has followed, she lost all ailments,
and is now happy, hearty, healthy wo-
man. lielenas brothers have grown up
to be fac. manly, helpful fellows, and
the whole family are better off every way
than ever before.
There was great deal of talk at first
among the big bugs about Helena's 'Pots
and kettles, and they used TO say she had
found her true level always thought
there was a spice of malice in their talk
for the girls envied her beauty and ae
complishments. am rather fond of tell
ing them now that Helena Mills has tounC
her level in the richest, most influential
and Just the best family in New City
-Christian al Work.