Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-10-24

hut pleasant.looking, somewhat elderly
woman. who, with kindly Good morn
ing" added:
This is Mr.. Markham, believe ?n
The gentleman bowed his assent, and
she continued:
IL am our neighhor, Mrs Lawson,
Mr. Markham. You must excuse my
early call, but ! have heard from Mis-.
Bates who has sometimes washed for You,
that your little gill is very i'll with scarlet
fever. and knowing how difficult it is to
get assistance III such times, | came TO ask
i, can be useful to you in any way
I'VE are indeed sady in need of help
returned MIR Markham. opening the sit.
ting room door, and cordially inviting the
wclrome visitor 10 enter; ''bul had mol
thought al troubling our ncighborS Our
rll lett us rs soon rs she heard the words
scarlet icvcr,' and we have not been able
To find any one tO assist us. stayed
from my business Yesterday, and helped
NV vile in the sick room. so that she got
4 little time TO attend Ia household mat
tiers but, this morning, poor little Julia
is unwilling To have her mother leave her
tor Il moment"
Poor child !" said Mrs. Lawson "it Il
dreadful disease, had il in my family
Il year ago. and very hard time we had
but, thank God, no one was taken from
us. And now have Iakcn off my bon
net and shawl. and am quito ready 10 be
gin work. Mr. Markham. What shall |
do lirst2 lIavo you had breakfast ?"
"Wcll. to say The TRUTH" was the some.
what confused reply. 81 was just attempt
ing To prepare il; but am certainly not
much experienced in such matters
"O course not will relieve YOU from
that duty This is the kitchen. sup
pose p
Aud in another moment. Mrs. Lawson
was actively preparing u substantial
breakfast, which, with some help from
Mr.. Mnrkh ham in telling her where things
were kept, wa, soon ready Tor the table,
while a little waiter stood neatly arranged
lor taking a tempting morning meal 10
the weary mother, who was still watch
ing by the sick hcd.
Mrs. Markham will feel better Tor a
rup OF coflce and b, of toast. VIII
vuu take il to her sir ?" said the kindly
ncighbor, land will have all ready for
YOU and the little man when you come
down"
~ she spoke, she stopped to give little
Robbie, who had been attentivcly watch
ing her. kiss, and carefully lifting him
into his hgh-chair, tied on his tabe.apron
which she saw hanging ready for the pur.
pose, and placed his breakfast before him.
Mrs. Markham looked up and made n
sign of silence as her husband entered
the room with The waiter.
"Shc is really sleeping quietly" she
whispered. as she came forward 10 meet
him, "and there is n moisture upon the
skin. do think the symptoms arc more
favorable. Why Henry - she exclaimed,
with glance OF surprise at the waiter
"what good cook You are had no
idea you could get breakfast so nicely
You arc not indebted To me for it,"
replied her husband with smile. 1--WE
have help of the first quality down stairs.
assure YOU"
lis it possible? What relief Did
Doctor Merrill send her ?"
No, indeed She came ol her own
accord. 1t is our ucighbor. Mrs. Law
SON She heard OF our situation, and
came TO offer her services
And you asked her to get breakfast !?
Why, Henry" !"
1T is all right, assure you, little wife,
she is Just the kindesl. most moiherly
sOrt OF woman you ever saw, and takes
right hold of the first thing she sees needs
to be done She said cup Of coffee
would do YOU good, and asked me to take
it to you, and then come to my own
breakfast She has it all ready"
"Go. then. by all means | am sure
YOU need it, But il does seem so strange
10 be indebted to stranger in this way"
replied Mrs. Markham. with sigh, rs
she closed the door gently after her hus-
band. and sat down to refresh herself
from the little waiter.
And now, Mr.. Markham" said his
new friend. as the gentleman finished his
morning meal, and expressed his earnest
thanks, IF you will trust your family TO
my care for the day, and 60 TO your bust
ness. rs usual, will do my very best %
attend TO them faithfully"
But, my dear madame. il seems too
much to ask of you. We have no claim
upon you for so much kindness"
81 do not sec it in that light We all
have claims upon each other for kindness
and sympathy. have n daughter at
home who can attend TO the family, 50
you need not hesitate 10 accept my offer.
ain very glad to be OF use to you"
Mr.. Markham thought OF his boasied
motto, Take care of number one" and
stood rcbuked in the presence of his
friendly neighbor.
An early visit from the doctor, and an
assurance that the disease was taking n
more favorable turn, diffused cheerful
spirit throughout the household. Mr..