Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1881-12-26

ties. Ten years ago my sister Anna
was as healthy a girl as there was in
Vermont, and the brightest and With
est one of the family. | had some hopes
that she would keep out of the treadmill
and, if she did marry a farmer and set
tie down here, that she would furnish
an example of common sense to her
neighbors. but she is just like the rest,
only worse. perhaps"
All this as the doctor hitched her
horse, and we walked up the long grav-
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.
9 Il don't believe any one ever had
such contrary youngsters as have got 7"
she remarked apologetically. "They do
worry me so sometimes thas it seems to
me 1 should enjoy myself in my grave"
"Send couple of them to me, Anna,
whenever you feel like parting with
them," said the doctor.
81 would in minute if their father
was willing" the lady replied, 81 don't
know how to bring up children" she
added, land if l did know how,
haven't any time. TO tell the truth,
have such pain IN my side all the
time that I'm not fit for anything.
wish you'd give me some of that medl-
cine, Mary. that you gave me last sum-
mer."
81 suppose you work just as hard,
Anna, as though you hadn't pain in
your side" the doctor remarked.
''Of course do" was the somewhat
irritable response. "Who else is there
to do it if give up?'
Where is the pain. Anna, and how
long have you had 1t %
The doctors tones were even, and her
manner so calmly professional that had
at the time no suspicion that any of it
was assumed.
lit is under my left shoulder blade, -
her sister replied. .and haven't breath
ed long breath since last November.
Sometimes it is worse than others, and
am conscious of it every minute.
The doctor drew chair to her SIS
ter's side, and took her hand in hers.
dear me, Mary, my pulse is all
right" said the invalid, doing the best
to make light of the situation.
"How many men does your husband
hire this summer, Anna ?" the doctor
inquired, as she prepared some medi.
cine.
"Only six this year"
Sand you cook and wash for them,
suppose ?''
..Of course"
"How many cows have you? ?"
Fourteen"
"And you make butter for market p
Sister Anna smiled as she answered
this question.
81 average about sixty pounds q
week"
"What time do you get up in the
morning 2"
"About four o'clock"
"What time do you go 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 dc
this they couldn't lay up any thing. tt
save their lives"
"Anna," said the doctor, taking nj
notice of the above remark, 81 intend tt
stay in Vermont a month, unless an
needed in New York. Would you lik,
me to take charge of your case during
that time %
"My easel" her sister repeated il
great perplexity. Il don't suppose
shall need any thing more than tha
medicine.
81 will gladly do all can for you
Anna" the doctor resumed, sand whel
am compelled to 60 back will leave
you in good hands; but it must be OF
condition of the most perfect obedience
on your part. You have have hare
coughing spells every morning. do you
not 2"
"Yes, Mary. but how in the world
did you know that ?"
'.No matter how | know it. That
do know it is sufficient. To begin with
Anna, your husband must find Other
places for his workmen, and some one
must be found Immediately to do your
housework. You must 60 to bed every
night at eight o'clock, and remain il
bed till after breakfast You must have
all sorts of nourishing food, and porl
and Goldfish must be eliminated from
your bill of fare"
"Mary, what do you mean ?"
There was look of terror in the pool
woman's eyes, and her lips quivered
painfully.
Il mean, if you do exactly as I tel
you, you may get we'll if not. it is i'm
possible" the doctor replied. "If you