The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-05-07

Laura raped but there was such COM
motion in the hall that she could not be
heard, SO she opened the door and
walked in. A boy OF tive was in the act
of sliding down the balusters. which feat
he accomplished with such rapiditv that
the astonished visitor held her breAth till
she saw that he landed safely. A little
girl with tangled curls and a very dirty
apron was shouting and clapplng her
hands as audience.
Were playing circus. Mamma is in
the sitting no M they replied, in answer
to Laura's questions. E.
The door was opened, as Laura tapped,
by pale, tired looking woman, with a
baby in her arms just freshly dressed, but
50 fretfui that nothing but constant. loss
Ing up and down would keep him quiet.
There were traces of tears on the mother S
face, and the room was in disorder. She
evidently was much surprised at her
visitor, but Lauras easy manner reas-
sured her. 10y -..
81 am Laura Lamont-your neighbor.
I only heard this morning that your baby
was sick, and came over to rest you a
little. Let me carry him around little
while, am sure your arms must ache"
And without waiting for reply she
took the baby, who was SO surprised to
see the lovely face bending over him that
he forgot to cry. .H- .. @.a-,
HE is not SICK" said the mother, try
ing hard to keep back the tears; che has
fretted like that since he was born. I
feel sometimes as if could not bear it
T ho1f In sph
with him and now it is nearly time to
get dinner, and my breakfast-table not
cleared, nor bit of work done. [ be-
lieve he tries to keep awake"
why don't YOU try letting him crys'
II have to, sometimes; but he cries so
hard am afraid he will have spssm."
swell, trust him with me little while;''
and Laura began walking up and down
tho room, singing low lullaby, while
the little woman picked up the playthings,
brushed the hearth, and made the room
look more cheerful; then she went over
to her breakfast table.
A half-hour's singing and walking be-
fore the little one was ready for his era
dies, then Laura nodded good-by to her
neighbor, who was busily preparing din
ner, and got in return such a look of
heartfelt thanks that she went home with
new feeling in her heart.
,"lt was such a little thing to do, and
yet I have made somebody happier. I
have been of some use. Poor thing, I
should think she would be utterly dis.
couraged."
And forthwith there was a slight
change in the resolution she had formed
that morning. It now read, II will
Fever marry widower, doctor, or a
poor man." Then she laughed softly to
herself, as she thought what Aunt Prue
would say.
The next morning the sun shone, and
Laura, 20 every body's establishment, ap-
peared at the breakfast. table and an
nounced her intention of surprising her
Lazy p':2y " :.clne 1o, ar.ve, Every
3,dy Est Wa oasy. SO s:.c sral!ec atone.
But just as she was gathering up the
reins wistful little face peered through
the fence in the next yard.
II say, you've got a jolly pony" ..
Would you like to 60 with me,
Charie2''
MY name is Tommy Blake. hi bet
I'd like to 60; and Susie, too"
swell, run and ask mamma" ..
Ina few moments the happy little ones
were in beside her-Susie clinging tim.
idly to her skirts; while Tommy stood
boldly up in front, whip in hand, ready
to stir up the pony. n.t.
ut will be such rest for me; they
are so full of mischief" said Mrs. Blake,
as she put them in; and again the
thankful look went down into Laura's
heart, and made the morning a very hap
by one. j.
1t was one of those early spring DAYS
when every thing seems delightful after
the long, cold winter. The pony ielt
lively, and so did the children. Tommy,
in particular, was inclined to be rather
more communicative about home matters
THAI Laura desired. -
"Papa is cross sometimes when dinner
isn't ready, and says bad words; then
mamma cries. Dinner was ready yester-
day, though, cause you helped.'
"Who is coming, Tommy2" said Laura,
anxious to change the subject. i
"Hello, that's the doctor! know him.
He sewed up my head when I fell down
stairs;" and he waved his hat at that gen.
tleman, who was looking with surprise at
the ph@ton and its occupants.
Laura fancied his bow was trifle less
cool than usual, and thought, angrily,
"1ll never take them again. He thinks
I am following his advice, and I won't
crafty him."
He thought, ''There is more to that
girl than I supposed. really wish she
would cultivate Mrs. Blake; the little
woman sadly needs a helping hand.'
Then he straightway banished the beau
tiful Miss Lamont from his mind, and
commenced planning his new treaties on
diph:heria. 3.s ~
The lovely spring days followed each
other in rapid succession, and every day
Laura's pony carried its happy load out
into the country roads where the air was
the purest. Sometimes the little mother
and the baby went, and it was surprising
to see what change came over them ali
The rich color came into 1aura's cheeks
and she no longer complained of head
ache or blues. -
Cheerful mpanionship and little
leisure made Mrs. Blake bright-eyed and
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