Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-12-10
The Faded Wrapper.

Are you not sorry that father has gone
away to stay all night, Alice 2" said one Of
Mr. Montgomery's children to his sister.
" It rains so that no one will call, and
mother will wear that faded wrapper all
day. | heard her tell Barbara that she
would have a good day for sewing. She
doesn't think it worth while to set even the
dining-room table for u.s."
"Don't YOU wish she would spill ink on
that dress, Philip" was the answer. "Then
she wouldn't wear it any more"
No, indeed, | don't want it any worse
for she would wear it all the same on rainy
days and when papa is away"
Now mamma in the next room heard this
discussion of the children, and arose to take
a survey of herself in the looking glass. It
was not very pleasing picture that the
polished surface gave back to her view.
"Now Harry Warren's MOTHER said
Philip, ais always dressed nicely, any time
Of the day."
"She wears such pretty bows on her hair
and neck" said Alice. "But she isn't half
as pleasant as our mother" she added Loyalty,
:" if she does look prettier.'
The mothers eyes glstened as she looked
down on the old wrapper
"To be compared to aunt Warren" she
thought, "and by my own children, too.
Who would have thought they were such
sharp little things? They notice every trihe."
Mrs. Montgomery's spirit was quite stirred.
She would not allow such a rival, she said,
if she could eclipse her.
"You shall be disappointed about the old
wrapper for once, Mr. Philip" she added
smiling so she took soft, bright dress,
just the thing to enliven dull day. Then
| she proceeded to dress herself with care and
| simple neatuess.
Mrs. Montgomery's face wore brighter
look than usual that day, as she entered the
nursery. Her dress had actually raised her
| spirits; but she was hardly prepared for the
burst of admiration that greeted her. 1t is
not often that compliments are sincere and
heartfelt as were those of her little ones that
day. But the children's tones quickly
changed to one of anxiety.
Are you going away nywhere, mamma,
they asked directly.
No, dears, am going to sew on the ma
chine all day; so we can have a nice time
together"
Little Alice hung over her chair minute
admiringly, and fingered her buttons as she
said, with smile of deep content in her eye
You look nice, mamma"
Mrs. Montgomery smiled as she threaded
the needle of her machine, while Philip
added proudly:
"She looks nicer than Harry's mother
even when she has her silk dress on
That was reward enough; she had eclipset
her rival.
"1ll remember this days lesson," said
the mother, in her own heart; and she die
remember it.
The rainy day dress was doomed, ant
they helped to rip it up with sincere pleas
ure. 1t made excellent lining for new
one, and it often preached its old sermon
over as it hung wrong side out in the closet
Mothers, when you allow yourselves slov
emily ways among the little ones in the Sc
clusion of the nursery, remember there's
child there "a takin' notes." These note
will be read even when your head lies low
Of all the bright pictures that hang oil
memory's wall, there is none to me so fai
as sweet loving mother whose appearance
was always neat and tasteful, even in work
ing dress. Children love an untidy mother
after fashion, but they can never respec
her. She cannot keep the hold on then
in after years that one of the opposit
habits possesses. Besides, if you are uu
tidy yourself, they will probably grow u
to initiate you. Don't neglect the detail
Of dress, that add so much to the appear
ance, because there will be "no one abou
but the children