The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-11-23
MRS. GAYS PRESCRIPTION.


Bang, bang, went the front door, as
Mr.. Bennett and boys hurried off 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, but was not likely to
get it; for the room was in a chaotic
state, the breakfast table presented the
appearance of having been devastated
by a swarm of locusts, the baby began
to fret, little Polly set up her usual
whine of Il want sumpin to do" and
a pile of work. doomed in the corner
waiting to be done.
Il don't see how l shall ever get
through with it ALL" sighed the de-
spondent matron, as she hastily drank
last cup of tea, while two great tears
rolled down her cheeks, as 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 impending, when
there came u brisk ring at the door, q
step in the hall, and large rosy wom-
an came busting in, saying, in a CHEEKY
voice, as she set a flower pot down on
the table: Good morning! Nice day,
isn't it? Come in early on business
and brought you one OF my Lady Wash
ingtons, you are so fond of flowers"
80, it's lovely how kind you are.
Do sit down if you can find chair; we
are all behindhand to-day, for [ was up
half the night with baby, and haven't
energy enough to go to work yet" an
swered Mrs. Bennett, with a sudden
smile that changed her whole face,
while baby stopped fretting to stare at
the rosy clusters, and Polly found en-
ployment in exploring the pocket of
the newcomer, as if she knew her way
there.
LET me put the pot on your stand
first; girls are so careless, and I'm
proud of this. 1t will be an ornament
to your parlor for week." and open
ing door Mrs. Gay carried the plant
to u sunny bay window, where many
others were blooming beautifully
Mrs. Bennett and the children fol-
lowed to talk and admire, while the
servant leisurely cleared the table.
"Now, give me that baby, put your
self in the easy chair, and tell me all
about your WORRIES" said Mrs. Gay, in
the brisk, commanding way which few
people could resist.
I'm sure | don't know where to be-
GIN" sighed Mrs. Bennett, dropping
into the comfortable seat, while baby
changed bearers with great composure.
Il met your husband, and he said
the doctor had ordered you and the
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 90 with me, and we
shall have to get Aunt Miranda to
come and see to him and the boys while
I'm gone, and the boys can't bear her
strict, old-fashioned ways. and I've got
TO go that long journey all alone, and
stay among strangers, and these heaps
of fall work to do first, and it will cost
an immense sum to send us, and don't
know what is to become of us
Here Mrs. Bennett stopped for breath,
and Mrs. Gay asked briskly, "What is
the matter with you and the children?"
"Well, baby is having a hard time
with his teeth and is croupy. Polly
doesn't get over scarlet fever well, and
I'm used up; no strength or appetite,
pain in my side, and low spirits. 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 discour-
aged"
"rll spend the day and cheer you up
a bit. You just rest and get ready for a
new start tomorrow; it is saving of
time to stop short now and then and see
where 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
bonnet, and by the time her hostess re-
turned with the OVERLOOKING work bas-
ket, the energetic lady had put match
to the ready laid fire on the hearth,
rolled up couch, table and easy chair,
and planted baby on the rug with a
bunch of keys to play with, and sat
blooming and smiling herself, as if
work, worry and November weather
were not in existence.
"Tots frock and Polly's aprons are
the things I'm most hurried about;
they need 50 many, and do like my
children to look nice among strangers, -
began Mrs. Bennett, unrolling yards up
on yards of ruffling, for the white frocks
and pinafores, with a glance of despair
at the sewing machine, whose click had
grown detestable to her ear.
Make 'em plain if you are in a hur-