The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-29


and homeless women in this very city, and
yet | cannot find one anywhere who will
give me honest, faithful service in return for
a good home, liberal wages and kind treat
ment. They all want places with the max
/ imum of wages and the minimum OF work,
and at the least clash between your will and
| theirs off they go. no matter how much it
may upset all your work and plans"
Another torn jacket, Phil? On dear, this
makes the fourth one this week, and when
ever mamma is going to find time to mend 1t
I don't know. Don did it? Well, you ought
not to have let him. If he plays so roughly
with you, papa must send him away. There,
there, dear, don't cry like that" to Neddy,
who had set up a terrific howl, at the pros
pect, however remote. of losing the precious
dog; lust be more careful, that's all, and
teach Don to play more gently. Ethel, Edith,
come babies, it is sleepy time now; come
with mamma, and take your nap"
AS she walked across the lawn to find the
children. who had crept to the hOwer-bed
where the first spring flowers were lifting
their bright heads, young girl opened the
gate and came timdly up the walk.
Margaret had seen her pass about half hour
| before, while she was mentally engaged in
the great problem of help, which at times so
! utterly oYercomes the cleverest of American
women. She had noticed in a careless way
that she looked like young girl from the
country, that she walked like one who had
been i'll, and that her face had a hopeless
sort of look in it which might have come
from hunger or sadness Asshe came slowly
up the walk certain indeinable thrill of
sympathy went through Margaret
The young girl (she looked but nineteen,)
stopped in front of her. and nervously pulled
the tips of her worn and mended gloves,
DO you wish to speak to me?' said Mar
garet.
Il went past little while ago when 1 saw
yon and the children in the yard. l want a
place to live, and thought perhaps you
might like a nurse" she answered, in a
strange tone for one so young. 1t was as
hopeless as her face.
Can it be my nurse from heaven?' thought
Margaret. "She does not look as it she drank,
nor as if she had diabolieal temper; and
she wears her hair plain, SO Johns tooth
brush would be safe, even if he left it in the
mug, instead OF hiding it in the top bureau
drawer"
Have you ever lived out as nurse, and
can you give me referencesY'
The young girls face grew a shade sadder
If that could be, as she replied Il have no
references. 1 don't know anyone here. |
came here from Laconia, hoping to get work;
but everywhere they ask the same question,
and when say no, they tell me they cannot
take me-"
1--WE are so often imposed upon in the city
that we have to be very careful" said Mar
garrett gently. What is your name and how
old are your"
MY name is Christine Donald am
nearly nineteen" She pulled her thin
shawl about her, for cold wind was blow
ing up, and turning away, fell in little heap
on the grass. Margaret lifted her tendery
and inquired my poor girl, are you ill?''
Il have been sick, but i'm better now. 1t
is because am hungry that feel so faint"
Only nineteen, and fainting with hunger
in city Margaret gave little cry of SYM
pathy as she raised the girl to her feet
II do need and want a nurse very much,
if can only find one who will be faithful TO
me and good to my children. Come into the
house now; you shall have some food and
wine, and then lie down. When my hus-
band comes home L will speak to him, and
perhaps you can stay with u.s."
In the evening Margaret held council with
John.
I'VE don't know anything about her, and
it's great risk, of course. but she looks
honest, and the poor thing has no home.
Sne came here from some little country viii
lage week ago, and has been looking for
work. Her money was gone two days ago,
and she has been without food ever since.
Last night she slept with poor woman who
took her in, and tonight she has nowhere
to 60"
Surely, Margaret, that is reason enough
why she should stay. Let us try her, any
way. 1 will be more than glad to have some
one here to help my wife, so that she can
get rid of some of those careworn wrinkles,
and not be so tired every evening that she
fails fast asleep the moment l begin to talk
or read to her."
So Christine was settled in the busy Dale
household.
When Margaret went to her that night
| and said, You are to stay with us, for the
present. at least" Christine clasped her thin
hands together and said. simply. Il will be
very faithful to you and good to the chill
dren."
1t was wonderful how Margaret bright
ened up after Christine came to live with
her. She finished the pictures which had so
long lain untouched in her studio, and one
of them was sold in Boston for more than
| enough to pay Christmas wages for two
years. We had long missed her bright face
from society, and had been rather
down on those precious babies who had
kept her from us, but now she was back
again, giving us new life from her earnest
ness, her thoughtfulness and CHEEKY WAYS
Always devoted mother, we saw her more
often still, now walking Or driving with her
| four lovely children.
II have time to enjoy them at last" she
said to me one day; time to read with them,
walk with them, amuse and teach them, and
l owe it all to Christine. She has been with
me nearly year. and 1 feel as if had been
born over since she came. | am so much
stronger and happier. She is perfect treas
ure. She knows how to do everything, and
always does her work as if her heart was in
it. / sometimes wonder if she sleeps at all,
she is up so early in the morning; and when
we go down stairs, the house is always as
| fresh and dainty as pink. 1 never see
mending basket any more. When those
horrid sick headaches of mine come on. she
keeps the house a perfect tomb of darkness
and stiffness until am better. The children
adore her. Not even mamma can tie up cut
I fingers and bruised toes like Christine; and
she cuddles the twins and croops to them as
never knew any one but mother who
has felt warm clingng arms about her neck,
could do. When John and go out in the
evening, we never have any visions OF roast
ed or smothered babies rising before our eyes
like skeletons at feast. Christine is watch
ing them and we know they are safe"