The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-08-11
Mrs. Clif,rd's Mistake.
By JULIA A. TIRRELL.

Il "Oh, dearr'
1t was sigh Of weariness, and poor,
Tired Mrs Clifford sank for moment
into luxarlous easy chair. Perhaps
should not say poor" Her husband
was called by his friends "comfortably
well off" Tired, sIe certainly was.
From dawn till dark her feet mus be in
every place, her bands must toll that
there must be no creak nor jar in the
hoasehold machinery Kitchen girls she
had tried, but they only brought extra
care, she said, and she was glad to bein.
dependent. To-day she had been unus
ually busy and the parlor had been lef,
undusted till afternoon. That was why
she happened in while her daughters
CITY friends we're there.
OF course she hastily retreated. Close
by the door stood that inviting chair, and
for once Mrs. Clifford yielded to her
longing for rest She could hear the gay
voices in the other room but tonk no no.
tice OF them until Izzle exclaimed light
ly:
"Oh, that was only the woman who
works for Us. She did not know any
one was here. What we're you saying
about the bride, Madgef"
And then the talk followed on as be-
fore, broken now and then bg ripple OF
laughter. Mrs. Cliff ,rd heard no more.
She forgot her pain and weariness; she
forgot the pile Of sewing awaiting her
in another room. Like fash her mind
travelled back nearly a score OF years
lizzie and Rebs were babies again and
she was a proud young mother. Her
husbands means we're limited, but they
muss wear the finest embroideries, and
by denying herself every luxury and
many comforts she could keep them
clothed rs she wished. They we're early
given the incest tid.bits at the table, aud
what wonder if they soon Looked upon
mothers share Of good things as their
own? They were pretty children, and as
they grew older she prided herself upon
keeping them daintily dressed. To be
sure this involved sacrifice on her part.
She had loved books, but it took so much
time to read these must be given up''for
the children's sake" She must sit up
late nights to sew she must wear her
cloak the third winter and have her best
dress made over once more in order that
lizzie might have that charming hat with
plumes or Reba the bead trimming she
80 much desired
Did they help about the work2 o.,
mol A. first she could not bear to have
them soiling their clothes in the kitchen
besides hindering her. Later, they were
too busy with studies or practice or some
rehearsal.
By the time they reached young girl.
hood, her husbands income warranted
the best teachers, and they; being quick
and bright, did credit to their instruc-
tors. His income also warranted her
many hours OF leisure; but alas so long
had she lived "for the children" that it
seemed impossible to make any change.
Nobody could do up the muslins or pre-
pare food like mother.
Her husband had long since ceased to
look to her ior intellectual companion
ship. 1t was the girls with whom be
talked science and politics. When be
wanted music they PLAYED and sang. Il
be went to lecture or concert they
accompanied him. Her own mission
seemed fulfilled in a well cooked mesl
or nickiy ironed shirt.
sofa alxo oha hoI ,v,,1,I T.
rushed upon her now, as sne sank back
into the easy chair with those words
ringing all sorts of changes over and
over in her earss "The woman who
works for usl the woman who works
for usr
But the callers must have gone. The
outer door has opened and shut, and
bark! the girls are talking again. It's
Reba's voice;
"Oh, lizzie! how could vou3"
81 know it was perfectly awful, but
what could doY II mother would
only dress decently and get used tc So
ciety, we should not have to be ashamed
of her when any one comes. Its all
her own fault"
Ashamed OF her! The children who
had cost her so many wakeful highs, so
many anxious thoughts, ashamed OF herl
Mrs Clifford arose mechanically and
went to her room. There she did some-
thing very unu ual for her. She spent
at least FIVE minutes gazing at her own
reflection in the glass. Not a prepos-
sessing figure, certainly. Her dress a
plain calico, guiltless of even a collar
her hair combed straight back, twisted
in the smallest possible knot at the back
of her head, and the face--could that be
the face that once had been called bean.
tifulY No wonder the woman heaved a
sigh, as she saw how faded and wrinkled
it had become.
As she gss,d resolu:e look came into
the gray eyes.
ASHAMED Of me, and my own fault
They shall never have occasion TO say
that again."
A quick knock sounded a. her door.
"Ol, mother! Miss Tebbets has sent
home my polonaise, and trimming is all
wrong. Won't you change it to nigh ?
| must have it to wear to Matte Dyer's
Tomorrow, you know"
Mrs. Clifford dared not trust herself
to face the girl
You will have time to change 1t your.
self, Reba. ! am going to the lecture,
ana some one must remain at home
There was a moment of amazed 81
lence, then retreating footsteps. After
ward she heard Rebs's surprised
What do you think will happen nextf
Mothers going to the lecturel'
MIR. Clifford, when be came home, was
no less surprised than his daughters had
been. but there was pleased look on
bis fice 1t did her good TO see.
Still, her heart almost failed her when
she came to review her scanty wardrobe.
The black silk was still gooi, though a
little old.fashioned. But her bonnet,
and gloves and that cloak! No, she
could not mortify her husband by wear
ing them. She must stay at home.
A rustic outside Of her door, tap,
and the Two girls nat cred In.
"Now, mother, we are Just going to
fix you ourselves. Sit right down and
let me arrange your hair, while lizzie
puts that dark plume on ber bonnet 10
place of the bright one. NV cashmere