DOING WORK.
MAIMIE was as good as her word, which was more than I had expected. She had seemed to me too flighty to settle down steadily to work of any kind, But I think this was mistaken judgment. I do not think Maimie’s was really a flighty nature. There was an under-current of right feeling and right principle; and there was strong force of will.
From the hour of our talk together, she began to take upon herself a full share of household work. Hitherto she had been treated as a guest, every one giving up the best to her, and waiting upon her. Now she began to wait upon everybody—to Cherry’s surprise, and to Jack’s disgust.
“Mother, has anybody been saying anything to Maimie?” he asked. “She’s washing up the tea-things.”
“Why not, Jack?” I asked.
“Why? Those pretty little hands!”
“Hands are none the worse for being useful. Cherry has nice little hands too, but you don’t mind seeing them employed.”
“Cherry! No,” Jack said, as if Cherry were quite another sort of mortal. “But Maimie!”
“If Maimie lives with us it is right that she should help in the work of the house,” I said. “I can’t have my good unselfish Cherry worn to a skeleton with waiting on idle people.”
“Mother! As if Maimie was ever idle! Cherry a skeleton, indeed!”