The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-06-01

prophet to see that another wife will
have the benefit Of this ones toll; though
it is probable that if she comes from
this section of the country, she'll not
have sense enough to be benefited by
anythingp'
"If your sister-in-law would only haye
q servant" suggested.
"a servant said the doctor. ''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? It is far
better, my dear, to work ones self to
death than to be called lazy, and shift
less, and extravagant. If this were not
the case, they would not think they could
afford servant. My brother is domi-
mated. soul and body, by the spirit of
economy, and his wife is reflection of
himself. Here we are again, my friend
continued, coming to stop before the
door of more modern and more pre-
tensions mansion. my youngest sister
lives here. 1t seems singular, doesn't
it, that have never introduced you to
my relatives before? The truth is, yon
and are only perplexities to these good
people. We turn them out of their
beaten tracks for awhile, with no other
result than to add to their hard work aud
anxieties. Ten years ago my sister
Anna was as healthy girl as there was
in Yer mont, and the brightest and wit
tiest one of the family. I had some
hopes that she would keep out of the
tread mill, and, if she did marry farm
er and settle down here, she would fur
nish 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 gravel
walk.
Sister Anna was scolding one of her
children when he entered the house, and
we were upon her before she had finished
her loud-pitched harangue.
81 don't believe any one ever had such
contrary youngsters as have gotr she
remarked apologetically. '"They do
worry me so sometimes that it seems
to me that should enjoy myself in the
grave"
''Send a couple of them to me, Anna.
whenever your feel like parting with
Them" said the doctor.
II would in q minute if their father
WAC WAlAlAS, buC koQy IOOllCu. uOu U
know how to bring up children" she
added, land if did know, haven't any
time. To tell the truth, have such a
pain in my side all the time that I'm not
fit for anything. I wish you'd give me
some of that medicine, Mary, that you
gave me last summer"
81 suppose you work just as hard,
Anna, as though you hadn't a pain in
your side," the doctor remarked.
"Of course do" was the somewhat
irritable response. "Who else is there
to do it if l give up?"
"Where is the pain, Anna, and how
long have you had it,"
The DOCTORS tones were even, and her
manner so calmly professional that had
at the time no suspicion that any of it
was assumed.
cit is under my left shoulder-blade,
her sister replied, "and I haven't
breathed long breath since last No
vember. Sometimes it is worse than
others, and am conscious of it every
minute"
The doctor drew a chair near to her
sisters side. and then 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
inquired, as she prepared some medi-
cine
"Only six this year."
"And you cook and wash for them, !
SUPPOSED"
"Of course"
"How many COWS have yous"
Fourteen"
"And you make butter for markst?"
Sister Anna smiled as she answered
this question"
II average about sixty pounds per
week.
"what time do you get up in the
morning?"
about four o'clock"
"What time do you go to bed?"
Anywhere from ten to twelve;" and
then, with q 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"
Gamma, said the doctor, taking no no.
tice Of the above remark, IT intend to
stay in Vermont a month, unless am
needed in New York. Would you like
me 70 take charge of your case during
that timer"
my caser' her sister repeated in
great perplsxity. II don't suppose I
che III rood auvxhsunv n, <,~o thai, that vnnd- :