The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-10-30
MRS. GAYS PRESCRIPTION.
By LOUISA NJ. ALCOTf.

Bang. bang, went the front door, as Mr..
Bennett and the boys hurried of to store
and school, leaving Mrs. Bennett TO collect
her wits and draw long breath after the
usual morning furry.
the poor Ii tie woman looked as IL she
needed rest but was not likely to get il; for
the ro1rn Wss in a chaotic state, the breakf fast
sable presented the appearance of having
been devastated by a swarm of locasts, the
baby began ID fret, little Polly set up her
usual whine Of II want shmpin 10 do" and
O pile of work loomed In the corner waiting
70 be done.
ssI don't see how shall ever get through
II ALL" sighed the despondent mairon as she
hastily drank a last cup of tea, while two
great tears rolled down her che eks, as she
looked from one puny child to the other,
and felt the weariness of her own tired soul
and body more oppressive than ever.
- good cry" as impending, when there
came brisk ring ut the door, q step in the
hall and a large, rosy woman came busIlny :
flower pot down upon the table, Good
mornipg Nice day, isn't it2 Came In early
on business aud brought you one of my
Lady Washingtons, you are so fond OF ho~-
eTs."
"Oh, it's lovelyl How kind you are Do
sit down if yoo can lind a chair; we are all
behind hand to-day, for | was up half the
night with poor baby, and haven't energy
enough TO go to work yet" answered Mrs.
Bennett. with q sudden smile that changed
her whole face, while baby opped freittDg
20 stare at the rosy clusters, and Polly fou I'D
employment in exploring the pJckes of the
new conner, as if she knew her way there.
Let me put the pot on your stand hrst,
girls are so careless, and pm proud Of this.
II will be an ornament to your psrlor for a
week" and opening a door Mrs. Gay carried
the plant to a sunny bay window where
many others were blooming beautifully.
"NowgIve me that baby, put yourself in
the easy chair, and tell me all about your
worries" sand Mrs. Gay, in the brisk, COM
mandIng wav which lew people could re-
sst.
I'm sure don't know where to begin"
sighed Mrs. Bennett, dropping into the CON-
Portable seat, while baby changed hands
with great c0mpoSure.
II met your husband, and he said the
doctor had ordered you and these chicks of
20 Florida for the winter. John said he
didn't know how he should manage it, but
he meant to try"
Isn't il dIeadiul2 He can't.leave his
business to 90 with me, and we shall have 70
get Aunt Miranda to come and see TO him
and the boys while Pm gone, and the boys
can't besr the strict old fashioned ways, aud
I've got 10 60 that long journey ali alone
and stay among strangers, and there's heaps
of all work 10 DO first, and it will cost an
immense sum 20 send Us, and l don't know
what is to becoms of me-"
Here Mrs Bennett stopped for breath and
Mrs. Gay asked briskly, What is the matter
with you and the children?'
swell, baby is bsving bard time with his
teeth and is croupy. Polly doesn't seem to
get over the scIrlet fever well, and I'm used
mp; no strength or appetite, pain in my side
and low sIsrts Entire chenge of scene,
milder climate and less work for me is what
we want, the doctor says. John is very rnx.
ious about US, aud feel regularly dlscoul-
aged"
.> "Ill spend the day and cheer you up bit
You just rest aud get ready for a new start
tomorrow; IL is q saving of time to stop
hort now and then and see where to begin
next Bring me the most pressing Job of
work; can sew and see 10 this little rascal
at the same time"
As she spoke, off went Mrs. Gays bonnet,
and by the time her hostess returned with
the overfowing work basket, the energetic
lady had put match to the ready laid FIRE
on the hearth, rolled up couch, table and
easy chair, planted baby on the rug with q
bunch of keys to play with, aud SAT bloom
ing and smiling herself, as IL work, worry
and November weather were not In exist.
once.
.'rot's frocks and Polly's aprons are the
things I'm most hurried about; they need
50 many, and I DO like my children TO look
nice among strangers" began Mrs. B,Rnett,
unrolling yarjs upon yards OF ruffiing for
the white frocks aud pinafores, with glance
OF despair at the sewing machine, whose
click had grown detestable to her ear.
Make 'em plain, il you are in a hurry
children d0n't need trimming up, they are
prettiest in simple clothes. / csn finish of
that batch of sprous before dinner, IL you
will put that rutHing away. Come, now, do,
1t will be a LOAD off your mind, and Polly
won't know the d fersnce.
81 always do trim them, and every one
does" began Mrs. Bennett, who YVES welded
TO her Idols.
when I was In LONDON / saw a dukes
children dressed in plain brown linen pima.
fores, and i thought I'd never seen such
splendid babies Try II, and IL people mako
remarks. bring 10 the English arlstocracy,
and 1t will be all right"
There was q twinkle In Mrs. Gays eyes
that made her friend ashamed to argue, 50