Work: A Story of Experience | Page 4

neighbors."
"Never mind, dear, he don't mean no harm!" whispered Aunt Betsey,
fearing a storm.
But though Christie's eyes had kindled and her color deepened, her
voice was low and steady, and her indignation was of the inward sort.
"Uncle likes to try me by saying such things, and this is one reason why
I want to go away before I get sharp and bitter and distrustful as he is. I
don't suppose I can make you understand my feeling, but I'd like to try,
and then I'll never speak of it again;" and, carefully controlling voice
and face, Christie slowly added, with a look that would have been
pathetically eloquent to one who could have understood the instincts of
a strong nature for light and freedom: "You say I am discontented,
proud and ambitious; that's true, and I'm glad of it. I am discontented,
because I can't help feeling that there is a better sort of life than this
dull one made up of everlasting work, with no object but money. I can't
starve my soul for the sake of my body, and I mean to get out of the
treadmill if I can. I'm proud, as you call it, because I hate dependence
where there isn't any love to make it bearable. You don't say so in
words, but I know you begrudge me a home, though you will call me
ungrateful when I'm gone. I'm willing to work, but I want work that I
can put my heart into, and feel that it does me good, no matter how
hard it is. I only ask for a chance to be a useful, happy woman, and I
don't think that is a bad ambition. Even if I only do what my dear
mother did, earn my living honestly and happily, and leave a beautiful
example behind me, to help one other woman as hers helps me, I shall
be satisfied."
Christie's voice faltered over the last words, for the thoughts and
feelings which had been working within her during the last few days
had stirred her deeply, and the resolution to cut loose from the old life
had not been lightly made. Mr. Devon had listened behind his paper to
this unusual outpouring with a sense of discomfort which was new to
him. But though the words reproached and annoyed, they did not soften
him, and when Christie paused with tearful eyes, her uncle rose, saying,

slowly, as he lighted his candle:
"Ef I'd refused to let you go before, I'd agree to it now; for you need
breakin' in, my girl, and you are goin' where you'll get it, so the sooner
you're off the better for all on us. Come, Betsey, we may as wal leave,
for we can't understand the wants of her higher nater, as Christie calls it,
and we've had lecterin' enough for one night." And with a grim laugh
the old man quitted the field, worsted but in good order.
"There, there, dear, hev a good cry, and forgit all about it!" purred Aunt
Betsey, as the heavy footsteps creaked away, for the good soul had a
most old-fashioned and dutiful awe of her lord and master.
"I shan't cry but act; for it is high time I was off. I've stayed for your
sake; now I'm more trouble than comfort, and away I go. Good-night,
my dear old Aunty, and don't look troubled, for I'll be a lamb while I
stay."
Having kissed the old lady, Christie swept her work away, and sat
down to write the letter which was the first step toward freedom. When
it was done, she drew nearer, to her friendly confidante the fire, and till
late into the night sat thinking tenderly of the past, bravely of the
present, hopefully of the future. Twenty-one to-morrow, and her
inheritance a head, a heart, a pair of hands; also the dower of most New
England girls, intelligence, courage, and common sense, many practical
gifts, and, hidden under the reserve that soon melts in a genial
atmosphere, much romance and enthusiasm, and the spirit which can
rise to heroism when the great moment comes.
Christie was one of that large class of women who, moderately
endowed with talents, earnest and true-hearted, are driven by necessity,
temperament, or principle out into the world to find support, happiness,
and homes for themselves. Many turn back discouraged; more accept
shadow for substance, and discover their mistake too late; the weakest
lose their purpose and themselves; but the strongest struggle on, and,
after danger and defeat, earn at last the best success this world can give
us, the possession of a brave and cheerful spirit, rich in self-knowledge,
self-control, self-help. This was the real desire of Christie's heart; this
was to be her lesson