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           Coldwaterfromanoldkerosenetinservedtocoolthesteamingbath;swishingsoapconfinedinawirebasketthroughit,shebegantowashandrinsethedishes,stackingthemagainstacup.

           Frankworkedonthedollwithoutraisinghishead,butasthepileofplatesgrewhegotupsilentlytofetchatowelandbegantodrythem.Movingbetweentheworktableandthedresser,heworkedwiththeeaseoflongfamiliarity.Itwasafurtive,fearfulgameheandhismotherplayed,forthemoststringentruleinPaddy’sdomainconcernedtheproperdelegationofduties.Thehousewaswoman’swork,andthatwasthat.Nomalememberofthefamilywastoputhishandtoafemaletask.ButeachnightafterPaddywenttobedFrankhelpedhismother,FeeaidingandabettinghimbydelayingherdishwashinguntiltheyheardthethumpofPaddy’sslippershittingthefloor.OncePaddy’sslipperswereoffhenevercamebacktothekitchen.

           FeelookedatFrankgently."Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutyou,Frank.Butyoushouldn’t.You’llbesotiredinthemorning."

           "It’sallright,Mum.Dryingafewdisheswon’tkillme.Littleenoughtomakelifeeasierforyou."

           "It’smyjob,Frank.Idon’tmind."

           "Ijustwishwe’dgetrichoneofthesedays,soyoucouldhaveamaid."

           "Thatiswishfulthinking!"Shewipedhersoapyredhandsonthedishclothandthenpressedthemintohersides,sighing.Hereyesastheyrestedonhersonwerevaguelyworried,sensinghisbitterdiscontent,morethanthenormalrailingofaworkingmanagainsthislot.