The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-11-22

my wife in the sick room, so that Sd
got a little time to attend to hous,
hold matters; but this morning DOC
Julia is unwilling to have her mothe
leave her for a moment"
"Poor child" said Mrs. Lawson
cit is dreadful disease. l had it i
! my family a year ago, and a yer
hard time we had; but, thank God
no one was taken from US. An,
now 1 have taken off my bonnet an,
shawl, and am quite ready to begil
work, Mr.. Markham. What shall
do first2 Have you had any break
fast?
"Well, to say the truth" was the
somewhat confused reply, Il was JUS
attempting to prepare it; but ] an
certainly not much experienced il
such matterr."
"Of course not. I will relieve
you from tnat duty. This is the
kitchen supposep'
And in another moment Mrs.
Lawson was actively preparing q
substantial breakfast, which, with
some help from Mr.. Markham in tel.
ling her where things were kept,
was soon ready for the table, while
g little waiter stood neatly arranged
for taking tempting morning meal
to the weary mother, who was still
watching by the sick bed.
"Mrs. Markham will feel better
for cup of coffee and bit of toast.
Will you take it to her, sir?'' said
the kindly neighbor. sand 1 will
have 1t all ready for you and the lit
tie man when you come down."
As she spoke she stopped to give
little Robbie, who had been atten-
lively watching her, kiss, and care
fully lifting him into his high chair,
tied on his table apron, which she
saw hanging ready for the purpose,
and placed his breakfast before him.
Mrs. Markham looked up and
m4de sign Of silence as her hus-
band entered the room with the
waiter.
"She is really sleeping quietly"
she whispered, as she came forward
to meet him, 'and there is moisture
upon the skin. do think the symp-
toms are more favorable. Why
Harry" she exclaimed, with Glance
of surprise at the waiter, ,,"what a good
cook you are! l had no idea that
you could get breakfast so nicely
"You are not indebted to me for
it," replied her husband with a
smile, 1--WE had help of the first
quality down stairs, assure you''
"Is it possible2 What relief
Did DR.. Merrill send her2"
"No, indeed! She came Of heI
own accord. It's our neighbor, Mrs
Lawson. She heard of our situation
and came to offer her services"
"And you asked her to get break,
fast2 Why, HsrryT'
at is all right, I assure, little
wife. She is just the kindest, most
motherly sort of a woman you eveI
saw, and takes right hold of the first
she sees needs to be done. She said
a. 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 it does seem
strange to be indebted to q stranger
in this way" replied Mrs. Markham,
with a sigh, as she closed the door
gently after her husband, and sat
down to refresh herself from the lit
tie waiter.
"And now, Mr.. Markham" said
his new friend, as the gentleman fin
ished his morning meal, and ex
pressed his earnest thanks, ''if you
will trust your family to my care for
the day, and go to your business as
usual, will do my best to attend to
them faithfully"
"But, my dear madam, it seems too
much to ask Of you. We have no
claim upon you for such kindness. "
"I do not see in that light. We all
have claims upon each other for
kindness and sympathy. 1 have a
daughter at home who can attend to
the family, so you need not hesitate
to accept my offer. l am very glad
to be of use to yoo."
Mr.. Markham thought of his boss-
ted motto, "Take care of number
one," and stood rebuked in the
of his friendly neighbor.
An early visit from the doctor,
and an assurance that the disease
was taking a more favorable turn,
diffused cheerful spirit throughout
the household. Mr.. Markham went
to his business, and Mrs. Lawson,
after putting the house in order and
to little Robbie's wants,
vent in her motherly way, to the
sick room, and quietly won her way
10 the hearts of both mother and
daughter.
When Mr.. Markham returned in
the evening, he was surprised to
find his wife awaiting him at the
table, and to hear her say
that Julia was quite willing to have
Mrs. Lawson stay with her a part of
The time.
"She knows exactly what to do
for the poor child far better than I
TO-" added the mother; "aDd she is
20 kind that I feel as if had known
aer all my life"
''It is a blessing to have her with
as, l am sure" was the reply; but
she says it is a real pleasure to her.
She is going to watch with her to-
night, and let us sleep; and she has
old the doctor of a woman who she
thinks will be willing to come and
stay with US until the sickness is
1ver. The doctor will see her to-
night, and bring US word in the NOR
1ing.'
''That is good news. 1 hope he
will be successful. And now for
1 feel very tired, and shall
be very thankful to rest, if 1 can feel
sure that you are to be relieved. The
last two nights have been very try
ing to both of u.s."
Quiet and refreshing sleep, and en-
accounts from the kind
nurse, the next morning, had restOr-
ed the weary parents. DR.. Merrill
came early with the welcome tidings