Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-11-13

articles which "the man" had carried off
to ne destroyed, or "cured" as the invalid
would have said. The lady knew nothing
of the "man," but that he had been practi-
toner in certain matters. She had paid
him well, and had strongly advised him to
destroy everything, or, at any rate, to bake,
smoke, steam, boil, and dsnfect every
thing thoroughly. Unless he faithfully
promised to do at least the latter, she would
see if she could not find some other means
of riddance. Aud "the man" had replied
"All right ma'am don't you go for to be
afraid l know all about it," But some
how his manner was little contemptuous {;
his eye twinkled, and his mouth sniggered
in a Hy no means measuring fashion. And
so lie had gone his way and she did not
know even his name, which was Potten.
"And 20 the lady and the little invalid
went to the seaside and the latter grew
stIong, plump and rosy again.
And Candace and 'the man" were clean
forgotten.
Meanwhile, Dot had been getting ON fi-
mously with "dear Blackie." No doubt,
Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians, had
fallen considerably in the social scale but
ii is question whether she had ever be-
fore been treated with so much Difference.
Dot never did anything without consulting
"dear Blackie." She obtained that sable
personage's permission before she even
dared to put into her mouth a single piece
Of bread, and butter, OF n sip of milk and
water. Nay, the maternal authority itself
had to he backed up by the influence Of the
late Queen Candace. On the third eve
ming of Dots possession of her treasure
"NOw, Dot its time to 90 to bed; that's a
good gal" Mrs. Potten said.
"S'all we 90 to bed, dear B'ackic?" Dot
ask ed and then she cried exultantly: :
"No, mother; dear B'acl,ie says We must
MT do to bed 'ct, but wait for da."
you'd better ask dear Blackie again."
Mrs. Potten replied, for she was kind,
patient. and iudicious. but firm mother.
There was short pause; and then Dot
said. with a knowing laugh: "Dear Back
ie SAYS we'd better do to bed to night, and
sit up for da some other night"
"Ah dear Blackie's good SORT" Mrs.
Potten admitted, as she proceeded to un-
dress her obedicnt little Dot.
And Dot, ere she closed her eyes in sleep,
kissed her black doll, and said: "Dood-
night, dear Backie. bod b'ess 'uu."
Tliat Same evening, Mr.. Potte.. whose
avocations nearly always took him away
from home all day, and who, consequent
", seldom had an opportunity of observ-
i,, kar 4
little comedy, which he, as father,
fouud more laughter-moviug than any
thing ever performed by Liston, Wright,
or Toole. Dot was restless, aud woke up
whilst her father was taking hi. pipe and
drop Of beer.
And Dot Insisted upon sharing his pipe
aud beer with "dear Blackic' who she as
serted had always been accustomed To To-
b1cco in Blackie land" and she liked beer
"hroiled up, or. as Mr.. Poiten himself ex-
Pre's'h H. with head on so dear
hl'ckIe was paced IN slttlng posture
upon the table, was propped up against a
cahdleS'I'k' and IN a silent language, in-
t'rpre'ei ny D'', contributed greatly to the
hiIarliy oi The evening
"Lord love her little hearty exclaimed
Poiien. aS he wiped tears Of amusement
from his eyes when Dot had sunk exhaust
ed to sleep; shes as good aS any play
that ere dolIs a fortune to US
But the next evening Potten was not SO
well entertained. Dot. II apueared. had
teen seized with shiverng tit, and was
now sleeping heavily, breathing stertor-
In, 4.
hot and dry AZ burning coal. But pooi
people shrink from the expense of doe.
tor and the POItenS resolved to see VIII al
night would bring forth. The nigh
brought forth sore throat, so sore that il
seemed as If Dot would be chuked. There
was no help fer it doctor must he call
ed and Potten, on his way to work, engag
ed one to "look in" The doctor looked
and looked serious. lie sent medicine
and word that he would look in again il
| the evening. In the evening he came
and Potten was there.
Dot was one bright red flash, TO the very
white of her eyes.
"What is it, sir, please?' asked Potten
with white and trembling lips.
"Well,' said the doctor, 'it is best Il
tell you in order that you may take pre-
cautions. II is very bad case Of scarle
fever"
Potten groancd heavily, dropped dow
by the bedside, and hid his face in tn
clothes.
Come he mai" said the doctor touch
| ing him on the shoulder; "don't give wa
like that, I've known worse cases recov
er."
Tho doctor gave his directions to Mrs
Potten and, with a kind goodnight" de
parted.
The eighth day was approaching, an