Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-11-29

to see that another wife will have tic
benefit of this ones toll; though it is
probable il she comes from this section
Of the country she will not have sense
enough TO be benefited by anything"
"If your sister-in law would only have
a servant" suggested.
"a servant Why what greenhorn
you are ~ said the d-ctor. Do you
think my brother and his wife are strong
enough to bear the finger Of scorn that
would inevitably be pointed at them
should they employ servant. 1t is far
better, my dear, to work ones self TO
death than to be called lazy and shiftless
and extravagant If this were no, the
case they would not think they could
afford servant. My brother is domin-
a,ed, soul and body, by the spirit of econ
omy, and his wife is reflection Of him
self. Here we are again. my friend
continued, coming to a stop before the
door Of more modern and more preten-
tious mansion. my youngest sister
lives here. 1t seems singular, doesn't it,
that | have hever introduced you TO my
relatives before The truth is, you and
| are only perpleSi,ies to these good peo-
pie. We turn them out Of their beaten
tracks for a while, with no other result
than to add 10 their hard work and anx-
ie,ies. Ten years ago my sister Anna
was as healthy girl as there was in
Vermont, and the brightest and whites,
ore in the family. | had some hopes
tha, she would keep out OF the treadmil
and, If she did marry farmer and settle
down here, that she would furnish an
example Of common.sens to her neigh.
bors; but she is just like the rest, only
worse, perhaps"
All this as the doctor hitched her
horse. and we walked up the long gray'
eled walk.
Sister Anna was scolding one of her
children when we entered the house, and
we were upon her before she had finished
her loud. pitched harangue.
IL don't believe any one ever had
such contrary youngsters as have go:
she remarked, apologetically. They
do worry me 50 sometimes that it seems
to me 1 should erjoy myself in my
grave"
Send couple Of them to me, Anna,
whenevcryou feel like parting with them,
said the doctor.
Il would in minute if their father
was willing" the lady replied. | don't
know how to bring up children" she
added, and if ! did know how, ]
haven't any time To tell the truth, ]
h I'VE such pain in my side all the time
that I'm not ii, for anything. wish
you would give me some of the medi'
cine, Mary, ,ha. you gave me last sum
mer.
Il suppose YOU work just as though
You hadn't pain in your side, the doc
tor remarked.
"Of course do, was the somewhat
irritable response. "Who else is there to
10 u IL give up:
"Where is the pain, Anna, and how
long have you had it =
Inc doctors tones were even, and her
manner so calmly professional that had
a, the time no suspicion that any Of II
was assumed.
1T is un 'er my lef shoulder blade, y
her sister replied, land | haven't breathed
u long breath since las, November. Some
times it is worse than Others, and | am
conscious OF it every minute
The doctor drew chair to her sisters
side, and took her hand in hers.
Dear me, Mary, my pulse is all
right" said the invalid, doing her best
to make light Of the situation.
How many men does your husband
hire this summer, Anna :" the doctor in
quircd, as she prepared some medicine.
"Only six this year
"And you cook and wash for them, |
suppose"
"Of course"
How many cows have you:'
Fourteen"
"And you make butter for market =
Sister Anna smiled as she answered
this question.
IL average about sixty pounds per
week"
"What time do you get up in the
morning.
-Four o'clock"
What time do you 60 to bed: =
Anywhere from ten to twelve and
then with glance in my direction, "you
see, farmers have to keep ahead of time.
If they didn't manage to do this, they
couldn't lay up anything to save their
lives"
Anna, said the doctor, taking no
notice of the above remark, :" intend to
stay in Vermont month, unless | am
needed in New York Would you like
me to take charge Of your case during
that time"
my CASE" her sister repeated in
great perplexity, IL do not suppose l
shall need anything more than that med
icine."
Il will gladly do all l can for you.
Anna" the doctor resumed. "and when
| am compelled to go back will leave
you in good hands; but it must be on
condition of the most perfect obedience
ON your part. You have hard coughing
spells every morning, do you not =
Yes, Mary. but how in the world did
you know that ?"
mo matter how / know it. That
do know il Ia sufficient. Tn bepin with