Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-06-04
Number One.

gentlemen, said Mr.. Markham, and as he
spoke he buttoned his coat tightly about
him, as If he thought that his act would be
convincing proof to his auditors that he in
tended to act up to the sentiment he had
just expressed.
"But, surely, we are commanded to help
one another" was the reply awe should
do as we would be done by
Exactly agree TO the last proposition
If my barn should burn down, | should not
wish my neighbors asked to share the ex-
pense Of having it rebuilt
"Certainly not, because you have compar-
atively ample means, and could easily have
it rebuilt yourself. But You may be placed
in situation when help from another will
be very necessary to you"
Possibly; but | have never yet found it
so. believe every one can take care of
himself if he has the disposition to do So
must beg you to excuse me gentlemen, it
is time that / was on my way to the city,
The disappointed visitors took leave, and
Mr.. Markham returned to the comfortable
apartment where his wife and children were
awaiting him.
" It was early for callers remarked Mrs.
Markham. "Who were they, my dear ?"
1.-TWO gentlemen, who are trying to get
up subscription to rebuild Mr.. Lawson's
barn, which was burned three or four months
since, just before we moved here"
"Mr. Lawson Is he our next neighbour"
Yes; you can see his house from the
window-that small, old fashioned farm
house. The barn stood on the other side of
the road, and was really quite good build
ing. 1t was a great loss to him, though
there was some Insurance."
How much did you give, Harry2"
Nothing at all. 1t was great piece Of
assurance to come to me. We have not
lived in the town more than three months,
and hardly know Mr.. Lawson by sight.
What possible claim has he upon me for as
sistance Besides, l always stick to my
motto, take care of number one"
We are all members Of one great family
Henry"
Yes-perhaps so," was the half-reluctant
admission; but | have no time to think
about it now. Go ,d-morning to you all T"
What changes will take place in one short
day In the morning all may be calm and
bright and ere nightfall the widest storm
is sometimes raging.
A dark shadow had fallen over Mr.. Mark
hams household, during his customary alb
sence, on the day of our story. Little Julia
Miss Pert, as her father had called in the
morning-had been taken suddenly i'll, and
her symptoms seemed so alarming that the
mother was anxiously awaiting the arrival
OF her husband, that she might consult with
him in regard to sending for a physician.
Certainly; will go for DR.. Merrill at
once" said Mr.. Markham, as he bent fondly
over the little sufferer, who was in burning
fever, and tossing restlessly upon her pillow.
Here is the candy she asked for" he
added in lower tone, as he handed his wife
a small parcel but it will be better not to
offer it to her now.'
She would not take it," replied the
mother, her eyes filling with tears. "She
scarcely notices anything, and, indeed, do
not think she is fully conscious of wha. is
passing around her."
And what does the doctor say is ailing
Miss Julia, sir 7" asked Bessie, the maid Of
all work, as Mr.. Markham came into the
kitchen, soon after the doctor had made his
visi'.
Scarlet fever of the very worst descrip.
tion," was the desponding reply. "Mrs.
Markham cannot leave her for an instant,
Bessie, and we shall depend upon you to see
that everything is attended to about the
house; and please keep Robbie from the
sick-room as much as possible. Poor little
fellow | fear we shall not be able to pre-
vent his taking the disease"
1ndade, an am very sorry for We, sir,
but must be after laving My month was
up yesterday"
But surely, Bessie" exclaimed the in
dignant gentleman, "you would not be so
cruel and selfish as to leave US, now that we
are in such trouble ?"
1t is not cruel and selfish that am, sir.
| am very sorry for ye all, but indade an
am afraid of the fever, l must leave this
very evening"
Expostulation, persuasion and bribery
were alike useless Bessie's only reply to
Mr.. Markhams remonstrances was that she
/" must take care of herself"
"This is looking out for number one with
a vengeance" muttered the discounted
master, as he turned from the kitchen and
went reluctantly to tell his wife of the new
misfortune.
ave must make the best of it." remarked
Mrs. Markham. ave can get along yery
well tonight, and tomorrow will send for
Mrs. Bates, who sometimes washes for us.
She will help us for day or two, until we
can find some one to take Bessie's place. |
a
house Just now. Perhaps DR.. Merrill knows
of some suitable person."
Morning brought no relief, either to the
sick child or the anxious parents. The fear
ful disease was making rapid progress, and
1t was very evident that the case was an ex-
tremely critical one.
Weary with watching and anxiety, Mrs.
Markham sent, at an early hour, for Mrs.
Rat h.tt ,.l &c.. Al
could not think of coming where there was
scarlet fever, and would not even be willing
to have the clothes brought 10 the house,
lest her own little girl should take the dis
ease
"What can we do, doctor 2" asked Mr..
Markham, as he told DR.. Merrill how they
were situated. "Can you tell us of any one
who would be willing to come and help us 2"
al fear it will be a difficult matter to get
any one" returned the doctor. "Scarlet fe-
yer has been so fatal of late that it is as
much dreaded as small pox. You should
not have told Bessie the name of the disease,
Mr.. Markham
81 did not suppose any one would be so
selfish as to go off in that manner when
there was sickness in the house, replied Mr.
Markham, Indignantly.
"Oh, as to that, people always look out
for number one" said the doctor, good ma.
turedly, and quite unconscious that he was
treading on delicate ground. al will make
inquiries, and see what ! can do for you."
he added, and he took leave promising 10
see his patient again in the course of the
day.
81 think he will find some one," said Mr..
Markham, hopefully. Everybody cannot
be afraid of scarlet fever; and to-day can
remain at home without serious inconven.
ience, and will do my best to help you.
What shall do first 2"
:" You had better stay with Julia, think"
answered Mrs. Markham, little doubtfully,
for she had not much confidence in her hus.
bands skill as nurse, and still less in his
capacity for being useful in the kitchen.
The day wore slowly away. The child
continued very i'll, and after doing what was
absolutely necessary for the comfort of the
family, the mother returned to the sick.room,
and devoted herself to the sufferer, while
Mr.. Markham took charge of Robbie, who
was lonely and fretful without his usual
playmate.
The doctors second visit brought no re-
lief. lie shook his head gravey as he looked
at his patient, and made no direct reply TO
the anxious inquiries of the parents aud
his efforts to procure help had been entirely
unsuccessful.
And another weary night passed. The
little girl moaned piteously il her mother
attempted TO leave her and after one or two