The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-03-16
MISC Ell l. A N Il D U s.
THE LITTLE MAID OF ALL WORK
BY T. s. ARTHUR.

Supper was not ready when Abraham
Munday lifted the latch oil his humble dwell.
ing, at the close Of q long, weary summer
day. lie was not greatly disappointed, for
it hal often SO happened. The table was on
the floor partly SET, and the kettle over the
fire.
There it is again." exclaimed Mrs. Nun.
day fretrully. "llome from work, and no
supper ready. The baby has been so cross
hardly out of my arms the whole aiternoun
I'm glad you've come though. Here take
him while ay round and get the things On
the table,"
Mr. Munday held out his arms for the lit.
tie one, who sprung into them with a baby
shout.
Mrs. Murday did lly around in good earn
est A lew pieces of light wood thrown on
the fire, soon made the kettle sing, aud steam
and bubble. In wonderful short space ol
time all was ready, and the little family,
consisting of husband, wife and three chill
,lren. were gathered around The table. To
molher's arms the baby was transferred and
she had no easy task ofpouring out her hus'
bands tea, preparing cups Of milk and water
for the two older Of the little ones, and re-
straining the baby, who is graphing first at
the sugar bowl, the milk pitcher, then the
teapot,
There ~ suddenly exclaimed Mrs. Nun.
day. And two quick slaps on the babys
head were heard. Baby Of course. answer.
ed promptly with n wild scream. But what
had baby done-tho whole surface is cover.
ed with milk. His busy 6u.tering hands
had overturned the pitcher.
Poor Mrs. Munday lost her temper COM
plerely It's no use Of attempting eating
with this child" said she, pushing her chair
back from the table. 81 never have any
good Of my meals.
Mr.. Munday's appetite failed him at once.
He continued to cat, however, but more aur-
ridly. Soon he pushed back his chair, also,
and rising up said cheerfully-
"Therc, I'm done, Lofty. Give mo the
baby while you eat your supper.
And he took the sobb;ns child from the
arms Of its mother. Tossing it up and
speaking to it in lively, adectionate tone ol
voice, he soon restored pleasure to tho heart,
and smiles to the countenance Of the little
one.
Mrs. Munday felt rebuked for her impa.
tience. She often suffered these silent re-
Dukes. Aud yet, the trials of temper she
daily endured were very great. No relish
for food was left. The wants Of the two
children were attended to, and then, while
Mr.. Munday held the baty, she busted her
self in clearing off the table, washing up tho
tea things, and putting the room in order.
An hour later. rho baby Is asleep, and
the other children with them. in the land OF
dreams. Mrs. Munday was busy in sewing
on little (rock and Mr.. Munday sat with
his face turned from the light in brown
study.
Lofty" said the latter waking up from
his reverie, and speaking with considerable
emphasis, Z" It's no use for you to keep going
on in this way any longer You arc wear
ing Yourself out. And what's more there =
no comfort at home for any body. You
must get woman to help about the house. "
ave can't aGjrdit Abraham" was Mrs.
Munday's calm hut decided answer.
ave must afford it, Lofty. You arc kill
Ing yourself"
"A woman will cost dollar and quar-
ter week, and her board at least rs much
more. We can't spare that sum, and you
ouly get ten dollars week"
The argument was unanswered. Mr..
Munday sighed and was silent Ag'in his
face was turned from the light and again
the hand of his wife piled quickly the gilt.
tcring needle.
I'm tell you what wo might do said
,,f IN, i'm tfaa
"Well ?"-hor husband turned towards
her and assumed listening attitude.
"We might take small girl to help in
the family. Ii would only cost US her yic;-
uals and clothes
Mr.. Munday mused some time before an.
swering. lie didn't just like the propose.
lion.
Anything" he at length snid, 4" to light
en- your labor. But can you get one !"
think so. You remember poor Mrs.
Barrow. who died last month She lett u
little girl about eleven years old, with no one
to see after her but an old aunt, who I've
he,rd isn't very kind to the child. No doubt
she would be g'ad u get her into cool
place. IL would be very easy for her here.
She could hold the baby, or rock II in the
cradle willie was ut work about the house,
and DO great manS little things for me.
that would tighten my task wonderfully.
II is the very thing. husband, added she
with animation. "And if you agree, will
run over and see Mrs. Gooch, her aunt, in
the morning before you 60 to work"
"llow old did you say she was" inquir-
ed Mr.. Munday. =.
''She was eleven in the spring believe" !"
sour Aggy is between nine and ten. "
Something ike sigh followed these words,
for the thought Of having his little Aggy
turned out, motherless. among strangers, 10
do drudgery and task work, forced itself up
on his mind.
True. But year or so makes great
difference. Besides Anna Barrow is an un.
common smart girl OF her ag,.'
Mr. Munday sighed again.
"Well," he said after being silent few
moments, you can do as you think best
But it does seem hard to make servant
OF mere child like that.n
"You call the position in which she will
be, by too harsh u name,' said Mrs. Nun.
day. 81 can make her useful without oyer.
tasking her. And then, you know, us she
has rot to earn her own living she cannot
acquire habits Of industry too soon."
Mrs. Munday was now quite in earnest
about the matter, so much so that her hus.
band made no other objections. On the
next morning, she called around to see Mrs.
Gooch the aunt Of Anna Borrow.
The offer to take the little girl was accept
cd at once.
Wh,n Mr.. Munday came home ut Dime.
time he found the meal all ready and await.
ing his appearance. Mrs. Munday looked
cheerful and animated. In corner of the
room sat a slender little girl, not very much
larger than Agyy, with the slceping baby in