Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-02-25
ONLY A GIRL.

So Matty's brothers often said in
tone that had something of contempt
in it.
q would not be a girl for all the
world said Tom.
"Neither would | if | could help it."
Matte confessed q am sorry enough,
but then sorrow will not alter the case,
so / must make the best of it."
She was a very wise little Matty to
come to such decision. She had a
fancy that boys were of much more use
in the world than girls; that they had
many more chances of succeeding in life,
and were altogether better off. If |
were man [ should be wise and strong"
she said. But Matty's admiration car
ried her little too far, for it is certainly
not the truth that ali men are wise and
strong
Poor Matty sometimes felt quite dis
couraged, and one day she did very
good thing, for she took her mother into
her confidence.
"Matty, DEAR" said that thoughtful,
kind friend, 81 would not trouble my
self about it if | were you, for really a
good woman is almost as much needed
in the world as a good man, and these
times are excellent ones for a woman. !"
q know they are, MOTHER" she said
land | should be almost content if had
any hope of being a clever woman. But
am afraid that it is not in me to paint
picture, or write book, or preach and
lecture, as some ladies do"
"Never mind, my child. If God has
not given you talents for such work, you
may be sure that He will not give you
the work to do. My opinion is that
clever women are less valuable than good
women. Be good now, and pray to God
that He may help you to become a use
full woman, and [ am sure that when you
grow up you will be contented with your
life"
So Matty was a cheerful, thoughtful
girl, who cared very little indeed about
herself and very much about others;
very bad after all to be "only girl"
"Matty! Matty!"
This was the name that was heard the
most frequently up and down the stairs,
outside and inside the house When
Matty heard it smile broke over her
face.
81 am so glad that some one wants
me-" Matty used to say, and she ran as
fast as she could to the spot from which
the sound came.
''Tom, did you call me?"
eyes, Matty; should think I made
noise enough for you to hear me, too"
81 heard you. What can | do?"
"Sew this button on for me, please"
$50 [ will. [ have needle-book and
thimble in my pocket"
81 tell you what, Matty, boys would
be very helpless without girls"
81 really think they would"
"Of course, boys are most useful, and
good, and necessary, you know, Matty,"
said Tom, thinking he had admitted
little too much; but still girls can do
some things they cannot"
"I am very glad they can," said
Matty.
"Thanks; that will do"
"No, dear, wait one moment; buttons
must be sewn on very strongly, you
know"
"Matty! Matty!"
eyes, Willie"
g have been jumping, and have fallen
down"
ooh, Willie, I am SO sorry. Have you
hurt yourself ?''
81 have cut my face. Come and see;
I want you to battle it for me-"
SO Matty ran down. When she saw
the blood she felt ready to faint, and for
a moment she thought she must call
some one else to attend to her brother.
But Matty did not mean to be delicate,
timid young lady, but brave, useful, re-
liable girl.
q will conquer this weakness" she
said to herself. And then she set her
lips together and went toward her
brother. She could not help becoming
white, and her hand trembled little;
but after time she bound up the cuts
on her brothers face, and was so g lad of
the result that she begged him if ever he
should have another accident to be sure
to call her again.
Willie said he hoped he should not
but boys are often hurting the mselves
and it was not very long before he needed
his sisters services AGAIN
Practice makes perfect Matty began
to show herself so clever in all common
place but useful work that she was con
tinually being called to do it, and she dld
it so cheerfully, and even gladly, that
after time people called her Matty the
helper"