The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1883-03-24

pressing over the darkness and cruelty
of her fate. E4NF H
THE bare fact of the dish washing
and busting is not awful, said Bertha.
"but it stabs me TO the heart to have
my parents think me on level with
such mental occupations. If mother
would only recognize those finer grades
of the soul
sob, mother hasn't time for such
trash" said Ned, who was listening to
the conversation with a face in which
disgust could be plainly read, there's
too much to be done. And you only
want to shirk, Bertha. You'd like to
put all the work off on Lena and
Carrie"
elbow am misunderstoodp' sighed
Bertha
She always took refuge in that asser-
ton when not caring to continue an ar
gument, and she derived a great deal of
comfort from the reflection.
Bertha" said her mother little
later. 81 want you to pay more atten-
ton to your morning toilet hereafter.
Do not come to the breakfast table
again with your hair in curl-papers."
Aunt Hattie always let me dress as
pleased" said Bertha, resentfully.
Every likely; but you are not with
your Aunt Hattie now, and | don't
want my daughters to grow up with
untidy habits. And now you can go up
stars and sew the buttons on your
shoes"
, They won't stay on" said Bertha"
because you sew them on with cot
ton. Use linen thread, and remember
that once well done is twice done"
1t seems to me that my life is all
dish. washing, busting and sewing"
grumb!ed Bertha, as she went out.
"Oh, how wish l was back at Aunt
Hattie'sl led an ideal life there. She
understood me. She thought me above
kitchen drudgery. You don't under
stand my sensitive nature, mother"
Mrs. Sumner smiled, but a heavy
sigh followed the smile, for she knew
that Bertha really imagined herself i'll
used.
~" Do you want to 90 coasting to-
night, Der hap asked Ned at the tea
table: The moon is full, and about
all Centreville will be out on the hill"
NO replied Bertha 81 am not
strong enough for such wild sport"
| an onsense,' said Doctor Sumner.
"You're no fine lady, full of aches and
pains, Go with your brother, and have
a little healthy enjoyment.h
y" 1t would not be enjoyment to me-
said Bertha, sand though you may re-
fuse to acknowledge it. father, I am
very far from strong" and her coun-
tenance took ON an expression of deep
melancholy. ;
i'"Dont get that notion in your head,
for PHYS sake said the doctor.
"There'l Il be no living with you if you
begin to imagine yourself an interest
ing invalid"
AUNT Hattie often said she believed
/ would die young" said lie tina, look
ing deeply hurt "She understood
me. ---s.-s.--...s...,s..,s.-4a-
"Your Aunt Hattie is very foolish
woman said Doctor Sumner. If 1
had found out that fact three years ago
she should never have had charge OF you
for single hour. You are completely
spoiled by over-indulgence and novel
Ereading. s 4N0f..t
Bertha looked as if another word
would cause her to burst into tears, and
it was relief to every one when Ned
changed the sub ct by saying that be-
fore going coasting he would make a
rough draft of his essay for the club
meeting the coming Thursday night.
i what is your sub. ect?' asked his
a father.
1.-The difference between boys and
girls" answered Ned II think shall
touch up Bertha little, as an illustra-
ton TO my argument
make me the butt of your wit if
you will" said Fertha with an air OF
injury. 81 expect to be misunderstood
always"
"Give me some blank paper and per-
haps I'll spa you," said Ned
"There's some in my desk said
Bertha, but can't"
"Oh, I'll go for it." interrupted Ned.
~ didn't think of asking you to take
such journey. You know YOU are 'faI
from strong, and with teasing laugh,
He was gone so long that Bertha be.
came uneasy, 80
al hope Ned isn't rummaging over
all my things" she said at last u
dare say SHAH find al the bureau draw
ers upside down in the middle of the
floor"
But as she spoke, Ned entered the
room.
:. Ibid you find the paperp" asked
Lena. "Why, what Is the matters
Bertha, do see how Ned is laughingp'
Bertha looked up, and regarded hen
brother curious y. He was iarly shak
ing with suppressed merriment.
"Hase YOU been playing any trick il
my room, NedP' she asked, with grave
suspicion. Itf. .-
But Ned made no reply, and he lof
,, the room before the question could be
repeated.
The club to which Ned. belonpeC