The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-07-08
Mrs, Richards Opportunity.

WOIlu JOu SOb bhub GhlE DnC
worked for the Pembertons, and they
had to dismiss her because she stole
some money!" said Mrs. Parker. She
was calling on Mrs. Richards, and
caught a glimpse of Nora passing
through the hall.
Mrs. Richards changed color, partly
with annoyance that her friend had
spoken so distinctly that Nora must
have heard, and partly with dismay.
They had had such a time, and Nora
had seemed so like a godsendl
Rick, Bobby and Jennie had all been
sick with measles, and right in the
midst of it Bridget had coolly an
nounced her intention of leaving the
house at once. That very night Nora
had stopped at the door to inquire for
work. Mrs. Richards had hesitated;
she did not like taking stranger so,
but what could she do? The girl told
sad story; she was left alone in the
world, and must do somthing. House.
work was all she could do; wouldn't
the lady just try her?
There was tired, discouraged look
in her face that touched Mrs. Richards
tender heart, and she took her with
out any more questions.
She had proved such vast improve
ment upon her predecessor that Mrs.
Richards had been only too thankful
that Bridget had thus OPPORTUNITY
taken herself out of the way.
6" But it is too lovely to last" she had
said at the breakfast table only that
morning.
"Then 1 should certainly take solid
comfort out of it while it lasts" said
her brother Jack. "Will you kindly
pass the mullins again? l thought l
was sufficiently supplied, but if we are
likely to return to Bridget's leaden bill
of fare, I'll improve the moments and
these delicious mullins as they pass"
Mrs. Richards laughed and sighed
with the same breath.
81 wish it could last, but it won't;
something will turn up before long"
And sure enough here it was. Her
first impulse after her caller had gone
was to dismiss Nora at once; then
something within pleaded for the girl.
"What will she do if you send her
adrift? Won't she very likely lose
heart and courage? Perhaps she has
been sorry for that sin and might be-
come honest if she had little help"
But how disagreeable to be on the
watch all the time! No, l cannot
bother with her; she must CO."
Just then, however, Mrs. Richards
eyes fell on one of Kicks cards on the
table:
Look up and not down,
Look out and not in;
t aSa , forward va SaS and not back
"And lend hand" Was that what
she was doing, lending hand up or
down?
you're confined at home with the
children; you cannot get out to do
much outside work. You were regret
ting only the other day that it was SO;
has not the Lord put this bit of work
into your very hands? Here is poor
tempted and erring fellow-creature be-
side you; will you push her aside to
fall lower, or will you help her up?
She is one for whom Christ died; will
you refuse to help her the little you
can?"
No, Mrs. Richards dared not do that;
so, after much thought, she decided that
Nora should stay and all should be as
though she had heard nothing.
But, much to her surprise, Nora her.
self had something to say Just before
tea she came to the door, her eyes
swollen and tear-stained
II should like, ma'am, to 90 before
tea, if you please"
"Go-go where?" asked Mrs. Rich
ards, not thinking for a moment what
she could mean.
/ don't know, Pm sure, ma'am.
I've no place anywhere; but l heard
what that lady said. l couldn't help it,;
she spoke up so clear; and of course
you'll be after sending me away now?
I'd like to go before dark if / could"
Mrs. Richards eyes filed with tears
as she looked up into Morals hopeless
face. My dear girl" she said very
kindly, 81 am not going to send you
away. You have been very faithful to
me. If you did wrong in the past, you
are sorry for it, are you not, and will
try never to do so again?"
Then Nora broke down completely.
"Oh, indeed, ma am, and / will, and
Pm trying that hard now that | don't
see how | can try any harder. l never
did the like but that once. They were all
sick and starving at home. l saw the
dollar-bill on the stand and took it be-
fore thought. I'd have put it back if
I'd had a chance, but they wouldn't
believe me. It's followed me every
where since. I've tried to be good,
but nobody gives me chance. l said
I'd try once more here, then I'd give
up. l should like to know how folks
can expect poor girl to be honest and
good if they don't give her chance2''
"But you shall have a chance here
Nora" said Mrs. Richards, land will
help you all l can. l believe you are
truly sorry, and l am sure l can trust
you now"
"May the Lord reward you'll" sobbet
Nora. 81 can't, but I'll serve you
faithfully"
1T wasn't much that l did," sale
Mrs. Richards afterward.
81 don't know" answered Jack
" think it was. l fancy you will find
Nora pretty bright star in you
crown; and besides, she's passing i
! along all the line, for they say she's {
real help to her friends and associates. )
l hope SO; anyway it was my op