Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1878-11-14
MRS. GAYS PRESCRIPTION,
BI LOtlSA NJ. ALCOTT,

BI LOUIE. NJ. ALCOTT.
Bang, bang went the front door, as
Mr. Bennett and the boys hurried Oft to
store and school, leaving Mrs. Bennett
to collect her wits and draw long
breath after the usual morning furry.
The poor little Woman looked As if
she needed rest. hut was not likely to
get it; for the room was in chaotic
state, the breakfast table presented the
appearance of having been devastated
by Il swarm OF iocusts, the baby began
TO fret, little Polly set up her usual
whine of - want sumrin to do and a
pile of work doomed in the corner wait
ing to be done.
g don't see how I shall ever Get
through it ALL sighed the respondent
matron as she hastily drank cup of
tea while two great tears rolled down
her cheeks, and she looked from one
puny child to the other, and felt the
WEAKNESS of her own tired soul and body
more oppressive than ever.
A good cry" was bending when
there came brisk ring at the front door,
a step in the hall, and a large rosy
woman came busting in, aging in
CHEEKY voice as she sat a hower-pot
down upon the table, "Good morning!
Nice day, isn't it? Came in early on
business and brought you one of my
Lady Washingtons, you are so fond of
flowers"
"Oh, it's lovely! How kind you are.
Do sit down if you can find chair; we
are all behind hand to-day, for was up
half the night with poor baby, and
haven't energy enough to 90 to work
YETI answered Mrs. Bennett with sud-
den smile that changed her whole face,
while baby stopped fretting to stare at
the rosy clusters, and Polly found en-
ployment in exploring the pockets of
the newcomer as if she knew the way
there.
Let me put the pot on your stand
first, girls are so careless, and I am proud
of this. It will be an ornament to your
parlor for a week." and opening the door,
Mrs. Gay carried the plant to sunny
bay-window, where many others were
blooming beautifully.
Mrs. Bennett and the children follow
leisurelv cleared the table.
"Now give me that baby and put
yourself in that easy chair and tell me
all about your worries," said Mrs. Gay,
in the brisk commanding way which few
people could resist.
"pm sure I don't know where to be-
GIN sighed Mrs. Bennett dropping into
the comfortable seat, while baby chang
ed bearers with great composure.
II met your husband and he said the
doctor had ordered you and these chicks
off to Florida for the winter. John said
he didn't know how he should manage it,
but he meant to try"
Isn't it dreadful? He can't leave
his business to go with me, and we shall
have to go to Aunt Miranda to come and
see him and the boys while Pm gone,
and the boys can't bear her strict, old
fashioned ways, and I have got to 90
that long Journey all alone and stay
among strangers, and these heaps of fall
work to do first, and it will cost an i'm
mense sum to send us, and I don't know
what is to become of me-"
Here Mrs. Bennett stopped for breath,
and Mrs. Gay asked briskly, What is
the matter with you and these children?'
Well, baby is having hard time
with his teeth, and is croupy. Polly
doesn't get over scarlet fever we'll, and
I'm used up; no strength or appetite,
pain in my side and low spirits. An en-
tire change of scene, milder climate and
less work for me is what we want, the
doctor says. John is very anxious about
us, and feel regularly discouraged"
"Ill spend the day and cheer you up
bit. You just rest and get ready for a
new start Tomorrow; it's saving of
time to stop short now and then, and see
what to begin next. Bring me the most
pressing Job of work; can sew and see
to this little rascal at the same time"
As she spoke off went Mrs. Gays bon
net, and by the time her hostess had re-
turned with the overlooking work basket,
the energetic lady had put match to
the ready-laid fire on the hearth, rolled
upa couch, table and easy chair, planted
baby on the rug with bunch of keys to
play with, and sat blooming and smiling
to herself, as if work, worry and Novem-
Der weather were not in existence.
Tots frocks and Polly's aprons are
the things l ana most hurried about;
they need so many, and I do like my
children to look we'll among strangers"
began Mrs. Bennett, unr6llinp Yards
upon yards of ruff1ing for the white frocks
and pinafores, with a glance of despair
at the sewing machine, whose click had
grown detestable to her ear.
Make them plain if you are in q
hurry; children dom t need trimming un-
they are prettiest in simple clothes. [
can finish off that batch of aprons be-
fore dinner. if you will put that ruffling
away. Come, now do, it will be load
on on y S;g mind, and Polly won't know
II always do trim them, and every one
does, began Mrs. Bennett, who was
welded to her idols.
When l was in London I saw q
dukes children dressed in plain brown
linen pinafores, aad thought ia never
seen such splendid babies. Trv it. and #
people make remarks, bring in the Eng
lish aristocracy. and it will be all RIGHT. b
There was . twinkle in Mrs. Gav's eve
that made her friend ashamed to arp,;e
so she laughed and gave up the point.
acknowledging with sigh that it was a
relief. So =: ~ .
1T is this mania for trimming every
thing that is wearing out 50 many
women. Necessary sewing is enough,
then drop yonr needle and read, rest,
Walk or play with the children. and see
no" much you have lost heretofore with