Smyrna times., 1874-02-18

II hope not" the mother answered, but L
always like to take these things i'll time.
Dr. Hart leaned over ClareRce's little crib
he involuntarily uttered the name of a malig-
nant type OF fever just then raging IN the city;
Il wish that you had sent for me before
fear that it is too late to secure the exemption
OF your other little ones. But with constant
care | think We may save the little fellow.
You have good nurse p
IAN excellent one, can trust Natalia as l
would trust myself.
You are fortunate said the doctor. He had
scarcely closed the door when Natalia came to
her mistress.
My month expires to morrow, madam will
you pay me my wages and let me take my de-
parture at once ?"
But, Natalia, the baby is sick
Ones first duty is to ones self; | would
not risk the infection for twice what you pay
me-"
And Natai4 packed her trunk and departed
without coming into the nursery to bid little
Clarence good bye.
The cook was next to give warning. Matilda,
the laundress, took herself off without any pre-
llminary ceremony.
Il am going too" said the seamstress
Mrs. Arnott wouldn't have lifted her finger if
wee all been dying, andI believe in doing to
others as they do to me-"
And almost before she knew it. the stricken
mother was left alone by the bedside of her
suffering babe. NeghbOrs crossed on the
other side of the street like the priests and
Levites of old friends cOntented themselves
by sending in to inquire even hired nurses
avoided the malignant fever.
Z" Is there no one to hel me p she moaned,
wringng her white jeweed hands together.
Have all pity and womanly sympathy died
out of the world?''
A slight noise caused her to turn, and Kath-
leen D Neil was at her side, busy arranging the
table
Il thought you, too, had gone, Kathleen T.
she cried.
Sure, ma am, what should be going for p
asked Kathleen, simply, ''and the bits of chill
dren sick. and you in sore trouble? | nursed
the little brother and sisters at home and |
knew just what needs to be done.
Aud she took little Clarence in her arms
with soft tenderness that went to the mother
heart
"Are you not afraid, Kathlecn2"
"Whst should | be afraid Of, ma am Isn't
Gods sky over US all, weather it's the green
banks of Ireland, or the church steeple Of this
, great confusing city? Oh, ma'am He IL mol
take the bOnny baby from u.s.
All Mr.. Arnott's children had the fever
last OF all she was prostrated by it-snd Kath
leen watched over every one, faithful, true
AMI tender.
; Kathleen" MIS-. Arnott said, the first day
! she sat up, the Irish girl arranging the pillows
: about her wasted form, ''Oh, Kathleen, don
: deserve this.
''Sure, ma am, if we all had our deserts il
this world, it sorry place it would be, L u
, thinking" laughed Kathleen.
But Kathleen, was cruel to yOu-so per
, fecty heartless!"
> I'VE wont talk Of it, ma am dear" Kath
lRen. evasively.
= "But, say Just once that you forgive me J
q pleaded the lady once so naughty.
: Il forgive you, ma am, az free as the sun
shine" Kathleen answered softly.
a And you'll stay with Inc always, and be m
9 friend. Kathleen?
i ''If God wills it, ma am"
4 And Mrs. ArnOtt put her lips to kiss th
= fresh cool cheeks of Irish Kathleen.
The years that have passed since then hav
h made man and women Of the little people tina
Kathleen nursed through the fever, and strar
4 gers who visit Mrs. Arnott scarcely know wha
~ to make Of the plump, comey, middle age
., woman who moves about the house apparent
as much at home in it as the mistress herself
,r who is consulted about everything, and trusts
1 with all secrets.
a "ls she housekeeper, or a servant, or rel'
il tion p some one onced asked.
Mrs. Arnott replied ''She is my true an
trusted friend, Kathleen o. Neil.