The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-02-19
From Harper's New Monthly Magazine
SISTERS.
CHAPTER ii.

1t was bright June morning, fower-odors
and the song of birds coming in at TIE open
window Elsie sat in the great easy chair
leaning her beautlu! Lead langnidly against
its cushioned back: recent Illness had height
tened the transparency of her complexion,
and the little hands that lay on her lap were
white as the folds OF her wrapper On her
hair nestled the least suspicion OF cap-a
kind of symbol Of her new hOnors-and her
paze rested with complacent interest on the
small specimen of humanity which Clara was
tendiug-a six weeks infant, that dashed its
small fists against ITS eyes. and contortcd its
minute visage in Il way wonderful to behold
ers Elsie had not left her room much as yet;
she liked the indulgence of her half invalid
state, and then Mrs. Grove was 50 excellent
with baby She lad retained the services Of
that accomplished nurse a second month, Il
little to her husbands discontinue. Much as
he longed to be with Elsie and their child he
could not avoid feeling himself DE TRoP in
the sick room when its autocrat was present.
1t was very dull and lonely below stairs, but
he only ventured on brief calls IN Mrs. Grove 5
domain. This morning he had heen admitted,
and graciousy allowed short interview with
the two objects of his affection, and had
born away in his mind an exquisite picture
Madonp lovelier than any of Raphael-to
brighten the hours of absence. Soon after
his departure Clara had arrived, and immedi-
ately made herself at home. The severe
countenance of the guardian spirit relaxed at
sight of her, and the interval of her visit
was improved by trip down stairs, and a
little chit chat in the kitchen.
"Why are you so thoughtful, Elsie!" her
sister presently inquired.
II ,,,,s ,.nnuarinr whnrn Napnip-Our old
Maggie. you know, that used to live with us
before was mlrried-could be now?"
"She is at her fathers, l believe; what put
her in your mind?"
II have been thinking that l wished you
could hunt her up for me; she is the very per-
son | need to take care of baby
"Why, don't you intend to take care of her
yourself?" asked Clara, surprised.
Elsie's tranquil brightness clouded over
II have the charge of that great child!' she
exclaimed. Il wonder what you are think.
ing of, Clara So delicate as | am. too!'
''But we hope you will gain strength be-
fore long, dear. By the time Mrs. Groves S
two months are over you will be quite your
self again. With such small family Nora
has a great deal of time after her work is
done, and she will he very willing to help
with baby. Then shall be here, or you at
our house, every day, and can relieve you
frequently. If were you | would make the
trial, at any rate. Time enough for Maggie
| if you fnd it is too much for you.
II don't see why, said Elsie, unappeased
"a girl in the kitchen is no reliance at all;
she would very likely be busiest just when |
most wanted her Aud conldn't depend on
| you either. 1t would all be very well when
| you were here, but how many hours Of ev-
cry day there would be nobody but myself to
attend to the child; should HAVE to do it,
no matter how little felt like it.. Now if
Maggie were here it would be her business;
| need only have the baby when l wanted it.
could see people and go ont riding and make
calls just as always did. had planned it
all out SO nicely in my own mind and don't
see why you cant have it as like"
Clara hesitated. "But you don't reflect,
dear-how should you, when you never had
the charge of any of these things at home
about the additional expense. The wages
of second girl are quite serious item; and
Roderick is young man with his way yet to
10 IN she world