Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1872-05-21
and will do my best to help you
What shall do FIRST ?''

and Will DO my Dest 10 helP you.
What shall I do first ?"
"You bad better stay with Julia, l
think" answered Mrs. Markham, a
little doubtfully, for she had not much
confidence in her husbands skill as a
nurse, and still less in capacity for be-
ing useful in the kitchen.
The day wore slowly away. The
child continued very well, and after
doing what was absolutely necessary
for the comfort of the family, the
mother returned to the sick SOON. and
devoted herself to the little sufferer,
while Mr.. Markham took charge Of
Robbie, who was lonely and frctful
without his usual playmate.
The doctors second visit brought
no relief. He shook his head gravely
as he looked at his patient, and made
no direct reply to the anxious inquiries
of the parents, and his efforts to pro-
cure help had been entirely unsuccess-
full.
And another weary night passed.
The little girl moaned piteously if her
mother attempted to leave her, and
after one or two efforts to take his
wife's place, Mr.. Markham went to the
kitchen to prepare breakfast. This
was for him no easy task, for he was
totally inexperienced in such matters.
~ must do my BEST" he said to
himself, 81 can at least make cup of
coffee, and Robbie can have bread and
milk. But what puzzeles me most is
to know how we are to get along
through the day. / must 60 to the
city or my business will suffer ma
t,rially, and yet how can l leave my
wife and children alone ?"
His disturbed reflections were in
terrupted by knock at the door.
"The milkman, l supposed" he ex-
claimed. "I wonder how much 1 am
to take? Perhaps he knows the usual
quantity"
1t was not however, the milkman
who stood before him, as he opened
the door, but pleasant looking, some
what elderly woman who, with kind
ly good morning, added:
"This is Mr.. Markham, I believe ?"
"I am your neighbor, Mrs, Lawson,
Mr.. Markham. You must excuse my
early call, but l have heard from Mrs
Bates, that your little girl is very ill
with scarlet fever, and knowing how
hard it is to get assistance at such
times, l came to ask if can be use
full to you in any way"
ave are, indeed, sadly in need of
help returned Mr. Markham, opening
the sitting room door, and cordially
inviting the welcome visitor to enter,
"but l had not thought of troubling
our neighbors. Our girl left as soon
as she heard the word scarlet fever
and we have not been able to find any
one to assist us. l stayed from busi-
ness yesterday, and helped my wife in
the sick room, so that she got little
time to attend to household matters,
but this morning poor Julia is unwill-
ing to have her mother leave her for
moment"
"Poor child !" said Mrs. Lawson,
at is dreadful disease. I had it in
my family year ago, and a very hard
time we had but, thank God, no one
was taken from us. And now have
taken off my bonnet and shawl, and
am quite ready to begin work, Mr..
Markham. What shall l do first p
Have you had breakfast ?"
"Well, to say the TRUTH" was the
somewhat confused reply, 81 was just
attempting to prepare it; but 1 am
certainly not much experienced in such
matters"
"Of course not, I will relieve you
from that duty. This is the kitchen
| suppose"
Aud in another moment Mrs. Law
son was actively engaged preparing a
substantial breakfast, which with some
help from Mr.. Markham in telling her
where things were kept, was soon
ready for the table, while a little
waiter stood neatly arranged for TAX
ing tempting morning meal to the
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 ncighbor, "and 1 viii have all
ready for you and the little man when
you come down."
AS she spoke, she stopped TO give
little Robbie who had been attsntively
watching her, kiss, and carefully