Page 514 - The model orator, or, Young folks' speaker : containing the choicest recitations and readings from the best authors for schools, public entertainments, social gatherings, Sunday schools, etc. : including recitals in prose and verse ...

Gaskell, if you too feel this soul-hunger, together we can live on the
heights and ri.se mid rise-------
Mrs. G, {protesting).— I’ at, my dear Miss Perkins, I am only a very
ordinary human being, a housekeeper and a mother with several
growing hoys and girls, and a big hungry husband who is inclined to
he fastidious as to his chop?? and roasts------ -
Miss P. {with lofty disdain'),— Chops! Roasts 3 Husbands! Young
ones! What are these that they should be thought of when you have
a soul to feed !
Mrs, G,— Hut men and children insist upon having their stomachs fed
and I myself am just mediocre enough to require wcll-cooked food-------
Miss P,— Lift your soul above these material wants— —
Mrs. G.— But my family----- -
Miss P.— Lift your own soul and thus lift theirs. T can show you
the way. Ah ! Mrs, Gaske’l, we can spend a blissful summer in these
higher realms,
Mrs. G.— If the lower realm of my kitchen were not well presided
over, I assure you, Miss Perkins, the individuals whose needs I have
to consider as well as my own would make it far from blissful for us.
Really, Miss Perkins, I fenr I can net see the way to another realm
quite so quickly and so easily and I couldn't think of allowing you to
sacrifice yourself to. the task of trying to lift so much intellectual
mediocrity.
Miss P. (in a very superior manner).— You refuse to improve the
opportunity of scouring such companionship as mine?

Mrs. G.— 1 feeL obliged to forego such an advantage.
Miss P, {-ivdh lofty compassion).— I pity you, Mrs. Gaskeli, T pity
you, that von are so bound down. But it is better I should not
attempt such a task. You would be a dead weight to a mind and soul (ike
mine. No, I could not dwell in such a gross, materialistic atmosphere.
Mrs, G. (very suavely).— Then shall I bid you good afternoon, Miss
Perkins?
Miss P.— Ah, yes! There is nothing gained in wasting my thoughts
and aspirations and time. Good afternoon, Mrs, Gaskeli.