Sharp County record., 1881-06-23
A THORNY PILLOW.

rem aw0ke one morning after a dis
turbed nights rest with the thought
that a hesvy days work awaited her
one pair OF hands.
Il hardly know where to begin,
John" she confessed to her husband,
as she hurriedly dressed herself. 81
have some canning that must be done,
and the ironing is not anywhere near
finished, and there's no denying that
the baby is Uery troublesOme-can't
wonder that he is, though, dear little
thing!n she added, as she bent over the
cradle where the baby lay sleeping;
"he's cutting teeth, and they probably
pain him more than we have any idea OF.
You must keep Katy out Of school
to help you; she is twelve years old,
and surely ought to be able to save you
a great many steps. y
"Oh, I couldn' think OF keeping her
out of school Just now, she get behind
in her classes. She can help me before
school and at nOon-yes, and after
school, and perhaps l can get through
the day all right, although | do feel
severe headache coming on
After breakfast Mr. Warren hurried
to the store, kissing his wife first. how
ever, and saving, "Pm very sorry for
YOU. dear:n then looking at Katy, who
sat by the window with her history, ne
added, pleasantly, Come, Katy, child,
put up your book and help mother
willing little hands can do big work. "
But the trouble with Katy just then
was that her hands were not willing.
As the door closed after her father she
said, without rising from her chair.
You don't need me very much-do
you, mamma? haven tlearned my his
tory lesson, and we recite it the first
hour
"Why didn't you learn it last even
ing? You had long, quiet evening,
with nothing else to do
Yes, know | did, but l had an in
teresting library book to finish. and after
that it was too late"
"Another time you must learn your
lessons first before YOU amuse yourself
with storv-books. You can study your
lesson now; l will get along without
you.n Mrs. Warren said.
Noon came. There was anice dinner
upon the table Upon the bars the
smoothly-ironed clothes hung, and on
the kitchen table there was row Of
glass Jars, filed with delicious hot fruit.
But it was a very flushed and wearied
face that looked over the cotfee-urn. 1t
was only ha.f-psst twelve when the
family finished their dinner, and Mrs.
Warren said, katy, dear, You have
half an hour before school; supposing
you tie on q big apron and help me get
some of these dishes out of the way"
"Oh dear! don't see how | can,
mamma; missed my practice hour this
morning. and you know have to take
my music lesson tomorrow. But I'll
let it go if you say 50" Katy said, fret
fully.
"Go and practice" That was all
Katy's tired mother said, as she gather
ed up Jhe many dishes preparatory to
removing them to the hot kitchen.
Katy s conscience troubled her some as
she practiced her scales in the pleasant
parlor. Two or three times, in place of
the musical notes, she saw tired moth
er's face, but she did not close her in
struction book and 90 to that mother s
relief, only struck the notes more
vehemently. 1t was four o clock when
Katy returned from school. Looking
into the sitting-roo she found the baby
asleep in his cradle, and her mother,
withbandaged head, lying on the couch.
"All quiet along the Potomac?n Katy
questioned, as she bent to kiss her
mothers hot cheek.
"Quiet Just now; but the baby's nap
is nearly out, and | dread his awaking.
My head is much worse. Think you Il
have to get tea tonight, dear; don t
think [ possibly can"
"All right. mamma; but tits not near
time vet, aud can 30 over to the slope
after wild clematis? Thegirls are wait
ing at the gate, and We'll not be gone
long,
"You can go if you'll be here at five
promptly"
"Yes, ma am, I'll be here,n Katy
answered, as she danced from the room.
unmindful of her mothers pain. The
door closed after her with a bang which
woke the baby, and he began CRYING.
1t was some moments before Mrs. War
rem dizzy head would allow her to get
up and lift the screaming child from
his cradle. She put him on the floor
and gave him his box Of playthings,
which he threw all over the room-even
into the dining-room beyond. Mrs.
Warren did not seem to care where he
threw his TOYS. as long as he was
amused. She laid down again and held
her throbbing head, watching the clock
as the hands crept closer to i've, hoping
TnaT TnOuTnTTeSs little Katv would Keep
her promise. The clock struck one
twO-three-fOur five. Oh how the
little hammer beat her weary head! But
notwithstanding her pain she arose.
built the fire, prepared the supper-a
pain III her hesrt worse than that in her
head. "Cau it be that my little KATY
does not love her mother?" she
thought.
Supper was all ready when Katy made
her appearance at The same time with
her father and brothers.
I'm so sorry, mamma. meant to
come sooner, but l was having such a