The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1876-11-25

ing the autumn leaves that filed tht
bracket vases. Presently a knock at the
outer door announced morning visitor
Greta admitted to the dining room Mrs
Sage. the wife of plain parishioner.
"Morning, Miss Lane" said the ging
ham sun.bonneted lady, cheerfully, help
ing herself to a seat, "Pears to me you
don't look over and above rugged, this
mornin'. Anything the matter ?"
"Nothing, thank you, but little fa'
tigued Mally kept me watching lasl
night. Poor little fellow, his teeth
trouble him." And Mrs. Lane bent ovel
the cradle with a mothers sympathy
Mslly opened his eyes and reached up his
appealing arms. Poor little Mally
mamma will take you in moment-jusl
as soon as she puts away these teacups. y
But Mally-who was the best child
usually, who had learned patiently to
wait a moment" knowing that his
mothers promise never failed-was sick
this morning, and a monet seemed an
age to him. He puckered up his little
face, and gave forth such q pitiful wall
that Mamie could not endure it. She left
her vases and Sprang to his side. "Come
to sister, Mallie, darling" said she
precious pet, come to sister,"
But mamma was at hand, also. "Nan.
ME, my love-" said she, "Mallie would
rumplc your dress and disarrapge your
hair. Let him come to me-"
"'Pears to me-" said Mrs Sage, "you
are very much dressed up this mornin',
Mamie. Coin out, are you ?"
"No, Mrs. Sage said Mrs. Lane, with
a comical look in her eyes. "Nannie is
our visitor to day. She is trying how it
seems to be young lady who does moth
ing"
"Oh !" said Mrs. Sage, half mystifed.
"lf Mrs. Lane is furnishing Mamie she is
uncommon sweet and pleasant about it..
| cant make her out. But l guess she
knows what che is about. Mrs Lane
commonly does" And so she quieted
her curiosity, knowing that Mrs. Lane
would tell her just what she meant to
tell, and no more.
Mamie. for her part. had retreated to
the parlor, where sho was about as miser.
able as young lady in her best DR. css,
kid boots, perfect frizzes, and nothing to
do but to amuse herself, could well be.
She went back to her book but how
could she read with her thoughts contn-
ually on her tired mother, her disap.
pointed father, who was 80 fond of tho
pudding she had volunteered to mako for
him that morning2 And poor little
Mally She began to see how really
valuable and helpful girl OF fourteen
can be to her family.
1T may be ladylike to be of no use, I"
she said to herself, "but it is dctestable.
I'd rather be Bridget in the kitchen,
feeling sense of being good for some.
thing, than live in a prison of fine clothes
and know that | was helping nobody.
On, dear if this horrid day was only
over"
But it was not over by any means.
She had to meet her father at dinner, and
be treated with oppressive politeness in
his presence. Sho had to encounter tho
fun twinkling in his eyes at the sight of
her embarrassment-to see him Joining
the others By showering attentions upon
her as though she had been princess.
But she was girl of courage, and having
made up her mind what to say, said it,
right out before them all, while Bringet
was removing the dishes
"Mamma, dear, | beg your pardon. l
have been very naughty and foolish
hope you will forgive me and let me 60
back to my work, shall never be SO
foolish again !" and here, bravely trying
to smile, she burst into tears.
Mamma gave her the kiss of reconcile.
alton and trust. "Nannie, darling" said
she, "you have had your little lesson.
should not have inflicted it on you if
had not been sure it would save you
more bitter one 10 tho future"
Mamie was cured of ever wanting to
be lady, in the helpless sense-a drone
in society. She has become very noble,
useful woman, and if her hands are not
beautiful, they are SO helpful that every.
body admires them.