Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-09-01
SELECTED STORY
NUMBER ONE.
BY MRS. 8. P. DOUGHTY.

NUMBER UNE. III.
BY MRS. s. P. DOUGHTY.
Take care of number L that is my mot.
to, gentlemen said Mr. Markham, and If
be spoke be buttoned his coat tightly abou.
him, as if he thought that this act would be
convincing proof, to his auditors, that he in.
tended to act up to the sentiment he had
just expressed.
But. surely, we are commanded to help
one another was the reply. I'VE should
do as we would be done BY"
Exactly I agree to that last proposition
If my barn should be burned down, should
not wish to have my neighbors asked to
share the expense of having it rebuilt"
"Certainly not, because you have COM
paratively ample means, and could easily
have it rebuilt yourself. But you may be
placed in situation when help from an
other will be very necessary to you"
POSSIBLY {; but I have never yet found
it so, believe every one can take care Of
himself if be has the disposition to do So
1 must beg you to excuse me. gentlemen
it is time that I was on my way to the city.
The disappointed visitors took leave, aud
Mr. Markham returned to the comfortable
apartment where his wife and children were
awaiting him.
"It was early for callers" remarked Mrs
Markham "Who were they. my dear :?
Two gentlemen, who are trying to get up
subscription to rebuild Mr.. Lawson s barn,
which was burned three or four months
since, Just before We moved here
"Mr Lawson Is he our next neigh
Dor ?"
Yes; you can see his house from the
window-that small, old fashioned farm
house The barn stood on the other side Of
the road, and was really quite good build.
ing. It was great loss to him, though
there was some insurance
Chow much did you give. Harry!'
Nothing at all. 1t was great piece Of
assurance to come to me. We have notliyed
in the town more than three months, and ]
hardly know Mr.. Lawson by sight. What
possible claim has be upon me for assist
ance Besides, always stick to my mot
to, stake care of number one
| VlIS. MdThudtu lOOhGu LuUukuNuj, duu
shook her head.
Il do not like that motto, Henry" she
said.
Neither do I, father = exclaimed a
bright-eyed little girl, who was an attentive
listener to the conversation : for Robbie
and I want you to bring us some candy
from the city, this evening, and if you only
.,L. .o-o oe f,,,a,box ooo o,, ofro;J x,o,,
will forget it,
Never fear, Miss PERT was the laugh.
ing reply. Number one includes mans
whole family. How do you like that 2
THAT is better, father SO please don't
forget the candy returned the child. well
satisfied with the explanation but the
mother still looked thoughtful and as hel
husbsnd stopped for his goodbye kiss, she
whispered:
We are all members Of one great family
Henry
"Yes--perhaps yo, gaa the hslf reluctant
admission but I have no time to think
about it now. Good morning to you all !!
What changes will take place in one short
day In the morning all may be calm and
bright, and ere nightfall the widest. storm
is sometimes raging.
A dark shadow had fallen oyer Mr. Mark
ham's household, during his customary alb
senee, on the day of our story. Little Iu
lia-Miss Pert, as her father had called hei
in the morning-had been taken suddenly
i'll, and her symptoms seemed SO alarming
shat the mother was anxiously awaiting the
arrival of her husband, that she might con
guilt With him bin in regard to sending for .
physician.
Certainly will 60 for Doctor Merrill
at once,' said Mr.. Markham, as be hepI
fondly over the little sufferer, who was in
a burning fever, and tossing restlessly upor
her pillow.
Here is the candy she asked for" he
added, in lower tone, as he handed hi
wife small parcel but it will be better
not to offer it to her noy''
.'She would not take it," replied tht
mother. her eyes filling with tears 'sh'
scarcely notices anything, and, indeed, d.
not think she is fully conscious of what il
passing around her.
We'll, dear, We will be hopful' return
ed her husband, cheerfully. 1t may b.
only passing attack. T will go immedi
And what does the doctor say Is ailins
Miss Julia, sir 2 asked Bessie, the maid o
all work, as Mr.. Markham came into th,
kitchen, soon after the doctor had made hi
visit. .....
Scarlet fever, Of the very worst descrip
aon.' was the responding reply. Mrs
Markham cannot leave her for an instant
Bessie, and We shall depend upon you t.
sec that everything Is attended to about tn
house and please keep Robbie from th
sick.room as much as possible Poor littl
fellow fear We shall not be able 10 pre-
vent his taking the disease
'Indade, an I am very sorry for ye, cir
but | must be after leaving My mont
was up yesterday