CHAPTER IX

THE DAUGHTER'S SHARE OF THE WORK

THE KITCHEN

O little room, wherein my days go by Each like to each, yet each one set apart For special duties ... nearest to my heart Art thou of all the house ... in thee I try New issues when the old ones go awry, And with new victories allay the smart Of dismal failures; and afresh I start With courage new to conquer or to die. O simple walls, no pictures break thy calm! O simple floor uncarpeted below! The inward eye has visions for its balm, And duty done is solace for each woe, And every modest tool that hangs in view Is fitted for the work it has to do.

_Helen Coale Crew._