The Red Cloud chief., 1885-11-06
MRS. WILKINS DUTY.
She Thought Belinda Would Like
a Change Of Meat.

She ALWAYS tired to do it," she
said. but like the kitchen work of poor
~houSckeepcrs il WA never done up.
Tim insisted that there was more than
belonged Ia one family. Aunt
'Lizabcth took in Il good deal for other
folks and once he Sivly chalked a
sign upon the front door: ''Dutv Done
here" But then Tim had arrived at
that peculiar age when Il boy has no
rights and Is needed To run errands.
and il IS probable that duty-hiS aupt'S
not his own interfcrci with his COM
fort zen nor than that OF older pco-
pie.
In truth. Mrs. Wilkins duty was not
y conyen cnt article Il have about the
house. Ii waS 4 buStlin~. aggressive
affair. always sprinwinw up unexpected
~. like n of the dogs SO unaccOuut-
ably pr;tei in some households for
Their sole virtue of beng ALWAYS IN the
way. Moving forward, one runs
against the rcaturc and il growls.
moving backward. n steps upon It's
tail and Ii snarls. 1t lies upon the
~ HrtESsht w "a NA'bl'Nt oNCl
in the DAYTIME and diSaS,rou>iy STUN
hlcd over at night. and haunts the
front steps TO bark nj every visitor
coming in. aud TO howl after every
member of the family going out.
Mrs. Wilkins kept no do. but her
duty shifted an opportunity and
bounced ont IF It's hiding place when
there came 4 timid little knock at the
dining-room in the early morning. and
and its answering revealed a small.
Qu'et-faccd, brown-robed figure-facc
and dress both pas; the freshness OF
their youth-carrying a baSSet.
Good morning. Mrs. Wilkin."
Come in?" questioned Mrs. Wilkin.
with only half An invitation in her voice.
The acceptance was only a half one
likewise.
The little brown stepped in.
certainly, and poised herself on the
outer edge of a chair nearest the door.
Il called to see if YOU didn't want 10
buy some knitted articles. or 10 engage
work OF that sort" she began. in a dep
recating voice.
well. | don't" in.erpoSed Mrs.
Wilkin. very positively. Il do all such
work myself"
Il didn't know. Many ladies haven't
time. and | am glad to do it."
Il suppose so. but l consider il my
duty 10 DO all | can myself and SET other
folks the example. whether they follow
il or not said Mrs. WilSin. with n
slight gesture. Ike emptyinC her hands
of responsibility. ..If l was going To
give out work At all. il would Ice some
hard jobs that would be a help TO get
rid OF. not the pick aud choice. little.
easy things that | call rest and not
work; but then. | amt So particular As
some. aud SO | do all kinds myself"
a faint flush crossed the visitors thin
face. She WAS not quite sure that she |
had been called indolent and advised 10 |
go 10 work and earn an honest living. |
the words only had an uncomfortable |
sound so the lips KEEP; their timid, gen |
tie SIN le. though they trembled "A little |
Shit he'd hrs; one hand. in lis thin cot |
ton glove. and then the o,,.er. 10 the |
hre; moved uneas'lv. glanced down n |
her feet with a dim thought that if they |
had always chosen the smootheSt path |
ii bad been rough enough to wear out |
hcr shoes much faster than she could |
replace them. and hen she arose to 60 |
Wasn't you rather hard ON her. |
'Lizabeth?' asked Mr.. Wilkin. with a
regretfui glance towards the door as il
closed.
Mrs. Wilkin returned to her seat a,
the breakfast table and SURVEYED him |
over the ~coffee-pot
Hard on her? l only told her what |
I do. and if that pricks her conscience |
~nA ~aEos hor uncomfor<eblo az -. II
my fault. But You needn't worry; she
Just said good morning - sweet as ever
She's one Of the weak kind that can't