Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1878-09-30
Mrs. Gays Prescription.

bang, Dang, went Cne IronI uoor, DIS
Mr.. Bennett and the boys hurried off to
the store and school, leaving Mrs. Ben
nett 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 1t; for the room was in a chaotic
state. the breakfast-table presented the
appearance of having been devastated
by swarm of locusts, the baby began
to fret, little Polly set up her usual
whine of 81 want sumpin to do," and
pile of work loomed in the corner wait
ing to be done.
Il don't see how / shall ever get
through it all, )" sighed the deepondent
matron as she hastily drank cup of
tea, while two great tears rolled down
her cheeks as she looked from one puny
child to the other, and felt the weariness
of her own tired soul and body more op-
pressive than ever.
ga good cry" was impending, when
there came brisk ring at the door, a
step in the hall, and large, rosy wo-
man came bustling in, saying in CHEEKY
voice as she set fower-pot down upon
the table "Good morning! Nice day,
isn't it 4? Came in early on BUSINESS,
and brought you one of my Lady Wash
ingtons, 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 1
haven't energy enough to 60 to work
yet" answered Mrs. Bennett, with a
sudden smile that changed her whole
face, while baby stopped fretting to
stare at the rosy clusters, while Polly
found employment in exploring the
pocket of the new conner, as if she knew
the 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, opening the
door, Mrs. Gay carried the plant to a
sunny bay-window where many others
were blooming beautifully.
Mrs. Bennett and the children follow
ed, to talk and admire, while the serv.
ant leisurely cleared the table.
"Now give me that baby, put your
self in the easy chair, and tell me al
about your worries" said Mrs. Gay, il
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.
"I met your husband and he said tn
doctor had ordered you and these chick
off to Florida for the winter. John salt
he didn't know how he should manag
it, but he meant to try"
"Isn't it dreadful He can't leav
his business to 60 with me. and we shal
have to get Aunt Miranda to come an
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 60 tina
long journey all alone and stay anon
strangers, and these heaps of fall wor
to do first, and it will cost an immens
sum to send US, and 1 don't know whs
is to become of me-"
Here Mrs. Bennett stopped for breatl
and Mrs. Gay asked briskly, "What
the matter with you and the children ?
"Well, baby's having hard tin
with his teeth and is croupy. Poll
doesn't get over scarlet fever we'll, an
I'm used up; no strength or appetit
pain in my side, and low spirits. Ell
tire change of scene, milder climate, ar
/ less work for me, is what we want Il
doctor says. John is very anxious abo1
US, and l feel regularly discouraged"
I'll spend the day and cheer you l
a bit. You just rest and get ready f
a new start tomorrow it is saving
time to stop short now and then and s
: where to begin next. Bring me t
most pressing job of work, can Sc
and see to this little rascal at the sar
time"
s AS she spoke, off went Mrs. Gay
: bonnet, and by the time her hostess !
1 turned with the overhowing work-b;
= ket, the energetic lady had put mat
to the ready-laid fire on the heart
!. rolled up couch, table, and easy cha
e planted baby on the rug with bun
:. of keys to play with, and sat bloomi
% and smiling herself, as if work, wor
,. and November weather were not in
+ istence.
Of 'Tot's frocks and Polly's aprons
:. the things I'm most hurried about; Il
need SO many, and | do like my child
y to look nice among strangers, beg
- - Mrs. Bennett, unrolling yards VI
r. yards of ruffling for the white fro
er and pinafores. with a glance of desE
I'D at the sewing machine. whose click
NC grown detestable to her ear.
NJ "Make 'em plain, if you are in
ok hurry; children don't need trimm