The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-12-23

Il es, 10 the most feeble way, though 10
one sense, she had never felt SO uncom-
Portable in her life. She took up book,
more to hide her bushes than to read; but
the letters had way Of running together.
She went to the piano; but the keys refus-
ed to obey her nervous fingers. Then she
tried to amuse herself by arranging the
autumn leaves that filed the bracket vases.
Presently knock at the outer door an-
nounced morning visitor Greta admit.
ted to the dining-room Mrs Sage, the wife
Of a plain parishoner.
Morning, Miss Lane, said the ging-
ham ,sun-bonnetted lady, cheerfully, help
ing herself to seat. HPears to me you
don't look over and above rugged this
morning. Anything the matter p
Nothing thank you, but little fatigue;
Mally kept me watching last night. Poor
little fellow, his teeth trouble him" And
Mrs. Lane bent over the cradle with
mothers sympathy Mally opened his eyes
and reached up his appealing arms. ''Poor
little Mally, mamma will take you in a
moment--just as soon as she puts away
these teacups."
Bat Mally-who was the best child usu-
| ally, who had learned patiently to "wait
moment, knowing that his mothers prom
Use never failed--was sick this morning,
and moment was an age to him. He
puckered up his little face and gave forth
such pitiful wall that Mamie could not
endure it. She left her vases and sprang
to his side. "Come to sister, Mally dar-
ling" said shci "precious pet; come to
sister,"
But mamma was at hand also. "Nan-
ME my love" said she, "Mally would rum
pie your dress and disarrange you hair.
Let him come to me-
"Pcars to me" said Mrs. Sage, "you're
very much dressed up this mornin', Nan
ME. 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 nothing
"Oh |" said Mrs. Sage, halfmystified,
eff Mrs. Lane is Furnishing Mamie" she
thought, "she is uncommon sweet and
pleasant about is. can't make her out.
But guess she knows what she's 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 she was about as miser-
able as young lady in her best dress, kid
boots, perfect frizzles, and nothing to do
but to amuse herself could well be. She
went back to her books; but how could
she read, with her thoughts continually on
her tired mother, her disappointed father,
who was so fond of the pudding she had
volunteered to make for him that morning.
And poor little Mally She began to see
how really valuable and helpful girl of
fourteen eau be to her family.
1t may be ladylike to be of no use,"
she said to herself, "but it is detestable
I'd rather be Bridget in the kitchen, feel
ing a sense Of being good for something,
than live in prison Of, fine clothes and
know that | am helping nobody. Oh dearl
if this horrid day were only over" I'
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. She had to encounter the 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 a girl of courage, and having made
up her mind what to say, she said it right
out before them all, while Bridget was re-
moving the dishes:
Mamma, dear, beg your pardon. l.
have been naughty and foolish. l hope
you will forgive me and let me go 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 reconcilia-
tion and trust. "Nannic, darling" said
she, "you have had your little lesson.
should not have inflicted it on you if l had
not been sure it would save you more
bitter one in the 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.