The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1875-12-22
MISCELLANY
RIcHxL,s EXPERIMENT.

Iather was away from home for some weeks,
and she had no one to do such things for her
but Richie as it was during the long Sum-
rner vacation, it did not seem to her unreason-
ablc to expect him to do a little work some
times.
But Richie, though not daring to disobey,
grieved her almost as much by his unwilling
and unpleasant spirit.
"Must I, mother" said he ; 81 wanted
to 60 right of in the woods with Ben and Joe
and the rest. / wish / did not have to work
in vacation. think ought to have it all, to
do just as please
His mother thought moment.
Richie" said she, lido you suppose that
you are the only one who feels that way 2"
Eyes ma'am." The boy looked surprised.
"You can do just what you like, and father,
and
"Stop moment, dear, I, for one, don't do
As l like, by great DEAL"
"Why, mother Do you do what you don't
want to any more than want to weed those
beds?"
Yes, almost every day. And, Richie,
do not believe that you, or /, or any one,
would be really happier, if We only pleased
ourselves.'
"Well, any way" said the boy, "I'd like
to try it Just for one week-just do nothing at
all but what really wanted to do--and see IL
it did not make mo happier"
"You may" answered his mother, elf you
will allow me the same privilege"
Riches eyes opened wide:
"What, mother Do you really mean til !"
~ do but you must be willing should do
the same.''
'Oh, that, indeed--yesl Good I" slyonted
Richie, tossing up his cap. "Then need
not weed the beds?"
"No.n
"And may 60 to the woods right now,
may L? Good bye; {" and he was off in mo-
ment, singing and whistling.
Mrs. Benton shut her sewing machine and
folded her work, nice, new linen suit for her
boy. She put it just as 1t was, into hor draw
er, and throwing herself upon the sofa, began
to read new aud interesting book. 1t was
far pleasanter that warm morning to lie on the
sofa and read than to exert herself to sew or
get dinner, and she was, for the time, without
girl
The hours wore on, and, rather Este for din
ncr, Richie came home tired and hungry as a
bear.
isn't dinner ready yet ?" he asked in
tone of surprise and impatience.
'10hr didn't feel like getting dinner his
mother answered carelessly 'it was very
warm to go about the stove. You can get
some bread and milk. have had some. l
have some. l only got a hot dinner on your
account, aud this week, you know an. going
to please myself. ---.,sz-
Richie did not like this very well, for he was
not fond of bread and milk, and he did dearly
like their usual dinner of meat and Summer
vegetables. But, as he had been so eager to
close the bargain, he had not much to say.
For tea, Mrs. Benton was usually careful to
have some delicacies that Richie liked. She
INDUCED him enough to spoil him, some over
careful nsoxIssss in ths village said. This time
she certainly did not There was nothing on
the table but bread and butter, tea and milk.
Haven't you any Strawberries, mother ?"
he said. 81 thought you bought some this
morning"
"Ohr yes, there are plenty" she answered.
You'll find tlsesa in the refrigerator, if you
care for them enough to hull them l didn't.
It's not very pleasant work, and it stains my
hands,"
Richie looked at her. What had come over
his mother, usually SO utterly sslf-forgetful,
minding such trifles now ?
He was tired of rambling about all the day
ION milk diet, too), and went to bed early.
Presently his voice came down in an injured
tone "Why, mother, my bed isn't made"
" l didn't feel like making it," Mrs. Benton
answered g it was such hot day, Richie,
and you know was to please myself. You
can make it yourself or sleep in it as it is"
"Wellr I never ~ said Richie to himself
He spread on the clothes some way, but it was
not very comfortable.
The next day there was nothing on the
breakfast table but coffee, milk and toast
Richie, again astonished, asked his mother il
he couldn't have some mead
"We havn't amy, she answered; az should
have had steak this morning but didn't want
to broil i.~
Richie in rather sullen silenee,. ate his toast.
took tumbler Of milk, and went out. But
in half an hours time he rushed in wild with
excitement.
as Mother, mother What do you think p
An invitation from the Markhams to 90 to the
White Mountains with them next week.
And they do want me, mother. See here's a
note from Mrs. Markham to you. may 20
may'nt / ?"
Mrs. Benton read the note, and then an
swered quietly, II should be very glad to
have you go, my boy, but for one thing-you
have no suitable clothes.''
"Motner Why mother " Richie's face
was picture. Why couldn't wear nv
new linen suit ?"
\" You eesald my dear it would be just the
thing if ID were made"
"But you've time enough to finish it, hay-
emit you, mother p
All, RICHES, you know am to please N.Y.
self this week.. And you don't suppose I
would sew in this weather to please myself"
But mother, how can go without any
new clotkaa 3, And do. an ,,a.,t =. - ,,