Page:Orange Grove.djvu/157

 with these are combined true nobility and greatness of soul, the possessor reigns absolute.

Avery brisk, blithe, dapper little body was this Mrs. Frizzlewit, just the woman for her place. If she ever did make a mistake, it was in getting married, evidently not being fitted for that. Household cares pressed heavily upon her, and it was sometimes whispered that her home was not happy, but it was only a rumor.

If sometimes fretful it was because she had mistaken her mission, and instead of going from house to house, and from shop to shop to enlist sympathy and help for some unfortunate family, a task for which nature had fitted her, she was obliged to attend to menial duties at home, uncongenial to her tastes and inclination. Not that she did not love her family, but was animated by a ruling passion for helping others. Had she been able to hire servants this difficulty would have been obviated in a great degree. Her husband was poor and the whole care of the children devolved upon her. However, she always managed to take a prominent part in any benevolent object that sprung up, when others were pressed for time, and filled such a useful nook that no one could think of sparing her. Never baffled by repulse, most any disagreeable task others shunned found a ready instrument in her.

Many were the heartfelt thanks arising from miserable hovels for cheering smiles and kindly words, aside from the more substantial assistance given by those two sisters of mercy, Mrs. Claremont and her