The Princeton union., 1879-01-22
MRS. GAYS PRESCRIPTION.

Baas, Eang went the front door,as Mr..
Bennett and the boys hurried of to store
and school, leaving Mrs. Bennett to col
lect her wits and draw long breath af-
ter 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 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 II want
sumpin to do.' and pile of work loomed
in the corner waiting to he done.
Il don't see how I shall ever get
through it ALL" sighed the despondent
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 WEAKNESS
of her own tired soul and body more op-
pressive than ever.
"a good cry was pending when there
came Drisk ring at the front door, a
step in the hall, and a large rosy woman
came bustling in, saying IN CHEEKY voice
as she sat f1ower-por down upon the ia.
BILE. "Good morning Nice day, isn't itf
Came in early on business and brought
you one of my Lady Washington's you
are so fond of flowers
ooh; 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
halt the night with poor baby, and have
not energy enough to go to work yet"
answered Mrs. Bennett with sudden
smile that changed her whole face, while
baby stopped tretting to stare at the
rosy clusters, and Polly found employ
ment in exploring the pocket of the new
conner as it she knew the way there.
"Let me put the pot onyour stand first,
girls are so careless and I am proud of
this. 1t will be an ornament to your par
lor for a 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 followed
to talk and admire, while the servant
leisurely cleared the table.
':Now give me that baby, put yourself
in the easy chair and tell me all about
your. WORRIES" said Mrs. Gay, in the
brisk, commanding way which few peo.
pie 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.
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 dreadful2 He can't leave his
business to 60 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 have got to 60 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 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 children9"
"Well, baby is having hard time with
his teeth and is croupy. Folly doesn'
get over scarlet fever we'll, and I'm usec
up; no strength or appetite, pain in my
| S1NC cbAN INV optIlGSs AL Cut11c CuduSt
of scene, milder climate, and less worl
for me, is what we want, the doctor says
John is very anxious about us, and I fee
regularly discouraged
''I'll spend the day and cheer you up {
bit. You just rest and get ready tor {
new start tomorrow; it's a saving of time
to stop short now and then and see wha
to begin next. Bring me the most press
ing job of work; I can sew and s"e to thi
little rascal at the same time"
AS she spoke off went Mrs. Gays bon
ret, and by the time her hostess had re
turned with the overfowing work basket
the energetic lady had put match to tn
ready laid fire on the hearth, rolled up
| couch, table and easy chair, planted bab,
on the rug with bunch of keys to pla,
with, and sat blooming and smiling t
herself, as if work, worry and Novembe
weather were not in existence.
'Tot's frocks and Pollly's aprons ar
the things I am most hurried about; the
need so many, and do like my childreI
t. look nice among strangers" bega
Mrs. Bennett, unrolling yards upon yard
Of rufling, for the white frocks an
pinafores, with glance of despair at tn
sewing machine, whose click had grow
detestable to her ear.
/ snake them plain if you are in hu1
ry; children don't need trimming up
they are prettiest in simple clothes.
can finish off that batch of aprons befor
dinner, If you will put that rufHing away
Come now do, it will be a load off you
mind, and Polly won't know the differ
ence."
81 always do tria them, and every on
does," began Mrs. Bennett. who was wed
ded to her idols.
"When was in London I saw duke
children dressed in plain brown line
pinafores, and l thought had never seel
such splendid babies. Try it, and
people make remarks bring in the En-
glish aristocracy, and it will be al
right"
There was a twinkle in Mrs. Gays ey
: that made her friend ashamed to argue
so she laughed and gave up the point
acknowledging with sigh that it was
relief.
'It IS this mania for trimming every
, thing that is wearing out so many wo
men. Necessary sewing over, then dro]
, | vOur needle and read rest walk or MIA