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

spoke buttoned his coat tightly about him, as
if he thought this act would be convincin g
proof, to his auditors, that he intended to act
up to the sentiment he had just expressed.
'But surely we are commanded to help one
another" was the reply. ''We should do as
we would be done by" ...-
EXACTLY agree to that proposition. If
my barn should burn down, l should not
wish my neighbors asked TO share the expense
OF having it rebuilt"
Certainly not, because you have compar-
atively ample means, and could easily rebuild
IL yourself. But you may be placed in a stua-
ton when help from another will be very nee
essary TO you.
Possibly; but have never yet found it so.
l believe every one can take care of himself ii
he has the disposition to d, so. / must beg
you TO excuse me, gentlemen; it is time that
l was on my way 10 the city,"
The disappointed visitors took leave, aud
Mr.. Markham returned to the comfortable
apartment where his wife and children were
awaiting him.
at is early for callers" remarked Mrs.
Markham. ''Who are they, my .dear?''
Two gentlemen who are tying to get up
subscription 10 rebuild Mr.. LaWson's barn,
which was burned three or four months ago,
just before we moved here"
"Mr. Lawson Is he our neighbor?'
"Yes, you can see his house from the win
dow-that small, old-fashioned farmhouse,
the barn stood on the other side Of the road,
and was really quite good building. II was
a great loss 10 him, though there was some
Insurance."
Chow much did you give, Harry?"
Nothing at all. 1t was a great piece of
assurance to come TO me. We have not lived
in the town more than three months, and |
hardly know Mr.. Lawson by sight. What
Bsaie!e flaiR- baa hs.H l2n ny faEIasssssta2es.22
care of number one"
Mrs Markham looked Thoughtful, and
shook her head.
II do not like that motto, Harry" she
said.
Neither do l, father" exclaimed bright
eyed little girl, who was an attentive listener;
''for Robbie and want you to bring us some
candy this evening, and if you only take care
of number one l am afraid you will forget
it."
''Never fear, Miss PERT was the laughing
answer. Number one includes a mans
whole family"
THAT is better, father; so don't forget the
candy" said the child, well satisfied with the
explanation; but the mother looked thought
ful, and, as her husband stopped for his good
bye kiss, she whispered
1--WE are all members of one great family,
Harry"
"Yes-perhaps So" was the half reluctant
admission; but have no time to think of it
now. Good morning to you all.''
What change 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 over Mr. Mark
hams household, during his customary alb
sence, on the day of our story. Little Julia
had been taken suddenly sick, and her symp-
toms seemed so alarming that the mother
was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her
husband, that she might consult with him in
regard to sending for physician.
Certainly; will go for Doctor Merrill at
once" said Mr. Markham as he bent fondly
over the little sufferer, who was in burning
fever, and tossing restlessly upon her pillow.
''Here is the candy she asked for" he add
ed, in lower tone, as he handed his wife a
small parcel; "but it will be better not to Of
fer it to her now"
she would not take it," replied the moth
e., her eyes filled with tears. ''She scarcely
notices anything, and, indeed, l do not think
she is fully conscious Of what is passing
around her."
well, dear, We will be hopeful" replied
her husband, cheerfully, SIT may be only a
passing attack. 1 will go Immediately
And what does the doctor say is ailing
Miss Julia, sir?' asked Bessie the maid-of-all-
work, as Mr.. Markham came into the kitch-
en-, soon after the doctor had made his visit.
Scarlet fever of the very worst descrip-
tlon," was the Responding reply. 'Mrs.
Markham cannot leave her for an instant.
Bessie, and we shall depend upon you TO see that
everything is attended to about the house;
and please keep Robbie from the sick-room as
much as possible. Poor little fellow | fear
we shall not be able TO prevent his taking the
disease"
"lndade, an am very sorry for We, sir;
but must be after leaving. My month was
up yesterday"
"But, surely, Bess'e," exclaimed the indig-
nant gentleman, You would not be SO cruel
or selfish Is 20 leave us, now that we are in
such trouble?'
1T Is not cruel and selfish that / am, sir.
am very sorry for ye all, but indeed an I'm
AFRAID OF the fayer. i must leave this very
evening"
Expostulation, persuasion and bribery were
alike useless. Bessie's only reply TO Mr..
harkham's circumstances was that she
''must take care OF herself"
''This is looking out for number one with a
vengeance" muttered the discomfitted mas
ter, as he turned from the kitchen and went
reluctantly to tell his wife Of the new misfor-
tune.
Ia another hour Bessie was gone.
We must make the best of il" said Mrs.
MARKHAM I'VE can get along very well to-
night, and tomorrow / will send for Mrs,
bates, who sometimes washes for us. She
VIII heip us Tor day or two, until we can
liiid some one TO take Bessies place. should
not IKE 10 nave stranger in the house lust
now. Perhaps DIR. Merrill knows of some
suitable person."
Morning broEht no relief either to the sicl,
child or anxious parents. The fearful disease
was making fearful progress, and it was an
extremely critical case
Weary with watching and anxiety. Mrs
Markham sent at an early hour for Mrs.
Bates but received for an answer that She
could not think of coming where there was
scarlet fever, and would not be willing to
have the clothes brought, lest her own little
girl should take the disease.
"What can we do, doctor?" asked Mr..
Markham, as he told DR.. Merrill how they
were situated. Scan you tell us of any one
who would be willing to come and help us
awhile?'
fear it will be difficult matter to get
any one, returned the DOCTOR "Scarlet fe-
yer mas Deen so fatal of late that it is as much
dreaded as smallpox. You should not have
Soiu Bessie the name of the disease Mr. Mark
dld not suppose any one would bo On sol
nsh as to go off in that manner - o 81 .I SCI
was was sickness IN the house, ;" replied Mr. MARI.