The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-09-21


number one.n said the doctor, good naturally,
and unite unconscious that he was treading
on daI;cate ground. 81 will make INQUIRIES
and see what can be done for you," he added,
as he took leave, promising to see his patient
AGAIN in the course of the day.
81 think he will find some one," said Mr.
Markham, hopefully. Everybody cannot
be afraid of scarlet fever; and for one day /
can remain at home without serious inconven-
fence, and will do my best to assist you.
| What shall l do first ?"
you had better stay with Julia. l think,
answered Mrs. Markham, little doubtfuliy,
for she had not much confidence in her nus
bands skill as a nurse, and still less IN MS ca
pacity for being useful in the kitchen;
The day wore slowly away. The chlld con-
solutely necessary for the comfort OF the fam
ilv the mother returned to the little sufferer,
while Mr.. Markham took charge OF BObbie,
Who WIS lonely and fretful without his usual
playmate. :. .
He shook his head gravely as he looked at his
natient, and made no direct reply to the anx-
ious inqui les of the parents, ard his efforts
to procure help had been entirely uiisuccess
ful.
And another weary night passed. The lit
tie girl moaued pteously if her mother at
tempted to leave her, and after one OF two eff
forts to take his wife's place, Mr.. Markham
went to the kitchen to prepare the breakfast.
This was for him no easy task, for he was to-
tally inexperienced in such matters
81 must do my BEST" said he to himself
81 can at least make cup of tea or coffee,
and Bobbie can have bread and milk. But
what puzzles me most is to know how we are
| to get along through the day. | must go to
the city or my business will suffer materially,
and yet how can leave my wife and children
| alone?''
His disturbed reflections were interrupted
by knock at the door.
1.-The milkman. suppose" he exclaimed.
81 wonder how much | am to take? Per-
haps he knows the usual quantity"
II was not, however, the milkman who
stood before him, as he opened the door, but
pleasant-looking somewhat elderly woman,
who, with kindly 'Good morning." added:
''This is Mr.. Markham, 1 believer
The gentleman bowed his assent and she
| continued:
81 am your neighbor, Mrs, Lawson, Mr..
Markham. You must excuse my early call,
but | have heard from Mrs. Bates, who some
times washes for you, that your little girl is
very ill with the scarlet fever, and knowing
how difficult it is to get assistance at such
times, l come to ask you if l could be useful
to you in any way"
|
replied Mr.. Markham, opening the sitting
room door, and cordially inviting the visitor
to enter: "but had not thought of troubling
our neighbors. Our girl left us as soon as she
heard the words scarlet fever and We have
not been able to find any one to assist US.
stayed from business yesterday, and helped
NV wife in the sick-room, so that she got
little time to attend to household matters;
but this morning poor Julia is unwilling to
have her mother leave her for a moment"
Poor child, said Mrs. Lawson" it is a
dreadful disease. L had it in my family
year ago, and very hard time we had; but,
thank God, no one was taken from us. And
now l have taken off my bonnet and shawl,
and am quite ready to begin work, Mr. Mark
ham. What shall do first? Have YOU had
any breakfast?
"We, to say the truth" was the some
what confused reply, 81 was just attempting
/ to prepare il; but am certainly not much
experienced in such Matters
"Of course not. l will relieve you from
that duty. This is the kitchen, suppose?'
And in another moment Mrs Lawson was
actively 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 little waiter stood
neatly arranged for taking a tempting meal to
the weary mother, who was still watching by
| the sick bed.
| MIS-. Mafkham VIII leel better Tor cup OF
coffee and a bit of toast. Will you take it to
her sir?" said the kindly neighbor, land /
will have il all ready for you and the little
man when you come down."
As she spoke she stopped to give little Rob
! bic, who had been attentvely watching her.
a kiss, and carefully 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.
/ ol-al, Il.
Of silence as her husband entered the room
| with the waiter.
''She is really sleeping quietly" she whis-
| pered, as she came forward to meet him ''and
there is moisture upon the skin. l think the
symptoms are more favorable ''Why Har-
ry," she exclaimed with glance of surprise
at the waiter, "what good cook you are 1
had no idea that you could get breakfast so
nicely"
You are not indebted to me for it." re-
piled her husband with smile, ''we had help
OF the first quality down stairs, / assure YOU"
lis it possible? What a relief! Did DIR.
-@'s No, fndeesds she came OF her own ac--
cord. It's our neighbor, Mrs Lawson. She
heard of our situation, and came to offer her.
services
"And you asked her to get breakfast?
Why, Harryr'
at is all right, assure you, little wife,
She is just the kindest, most motherly sort of
woman you ever saw, and takes right hold
OF the fist thing she sees needs to be done
She said cup of coffee would do you good.
and asked me to take it 10 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 in
debted to stranger in. this way" replied Mrs.
Markham, with sigh, as she closed the door
gently after her husband, and sat down to re-
fresh herself from the little waiter.
And now, Mr.. Markham" said his new
friend, as the gentleman finished his morn
ing meal, and expressed his earnest thanks,
''if you " ill trust your family to my care for
the day, and go TO your business as usual, 1
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"
81 do not see it in that light We all have
claims upon each other for Kindness and sym-
pathy. have daughter at home who can
attend to the family, SO you need not hesitate
to accept my offer. I am very glad to be of
use to you. Mr.. Markham thought of his
boosted motto, take care of number one.v
and stood rebuked in the presence of his
friendly neighbor."
An early visit from the doctor, and an as
surance 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 attending to
little Robbe's wants, went in her motherIy
way, to the sick room, and quietly won her
way to the hearts of both mother and daugh-
ter.
When Mr.. Markham returned in the even
ing, he was surprised to find his wife await
ing him at the supper-table, and to hear her
say that Julia was quite willing to hive Mrs.
Lawson stay with her part of the time.
''She knows exactly what to do for the
poor child far better than do" added the
mother; Sand she is so kind that l feel as if |
had known her all my life.''
1T is blessing to have her with US, 1 am
sure,'' was the reply; ''but it seems too much
TO ask of a neighbor."
II know it does, and / said so to Mrs.
Lawson, but she says it is a real pleasure to |
her. She is going to watch with Julia to- |
night and let us sleep; and she has told the |
doctor OF woman who she thinks will be
willing to come and stay with us until the |
sickness is over. The doctor will see her to-
night, and bring us word in the morning.
That is good news. 1 hope he will be |
successful. And now for supper. | feel very |
nd hall laA -c,,t r