Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-09-18
For the Democrat.
MISS PRUDY'S PICNIC.
arr STORY FOR THE LITTLE FOLKS

house with green blinds, when haa
stood quietly in its place in pretty VII
lapc among the Oxford hills for nearly
forty years-not that Miss Prudy had
lived in it so long, o no, for she was not
born there, and was not forty yet, either
though she had laughingly accepted The
title of "Uld Maid" some time ago;
but To tell the truth Miss prudy did not
care much what people called her, so
long as she enjoyed life.
She did not live alone, her father and
mother and big brother lived in the same
little house: o yes, and there was ChuH,
the big gray and white cat, who was
such an intelligent and affectionate fellow
that he was a great pet in the family;
but in Miss Prudy's opinion he did not
make up for the lack Of children in the
house, for she loved children, and en-
joyed entertaining her little friends when
ever they came TO see her.
Half a mile or more from her home
was delightful bit of meadow which
her father had bought, and which she
declared, when first he took her to see 1t.
was just the most charming place posi-
BILE for big picnic, where there are lots
of grown up people who wander around
and get hot and tired and cross. and
never seem to enjoy anything, but a little
bit of picnic, with only three or four
little people, who could spread their lunch
in some cosy nook, and could have just as
rollicking time as ever they wished. IL
did not take Miss Prudy long to decide that
she must have Just such a picnic; so she
invited Mollie Goodenough and Maize
Busybee. two little neighbors, and Jessie
Jewsharp, little friend from the city
who was visiting at her auntie's close by;
one bright September afternoon. Miss
Prudy's father loaded them, with all
their baskets and bundles, into his car
riage. and they started for the meadow.
Such funny time as they had to be
sure There were Miss Prudy and her
father and Molie. who was thirteen years
old, and the largest Of the girls, on the
seat; while ten-year-old Jessie occupied
stool in front, and Maize, who was
also ten, sat in Prudy's lap: waterproots
and bundles were slowed away wherever
there was room, while Mollie and Jessie
each held with great care mysterious
package which must not be jammed.
When they came to the bars, Maize vol.
untecred to Jet them down, and Gipsey
Queen, the little grey morse, took her
load carefully across the field and down
to the riverside, where she left them for
a long afternoon of play. They chose
the shade Of large elm for their camp
ing ground, and ilsH began to look
around the water was very low and
clear il he river, and the children thought
nothing could be nicer than to pull off
shoes and stockings and ~ in wading,
and am sure they enjoyed it very much.
but still were very good TO come out of
the water when Miss Prudy called them
to 90 back TO the elm tree, where they
spread their waterproofs on the ground,
and sat down and ate apples while Mollie
Goodenough read fairy stories 10 them.
and Miss Prudy was busy with pencil
and paper. when they were tired or that
they began ~ wonder " they could not go
fishing. but alas they had forgotten 10 bring
hooks and lines. However, they had a short
piece oil Irvine, Miss Prudy cut little pole,
and with bent pin for hook and a peb-
IN "a ~ hos,
not gone far when they came to steep
bank from which they could look into the
water and see lots OF little fish. and batting
their hook with bits OF bread they began
their york, taking turns al holding the fish
pole-but the ash only crowded around
and nibbled OF the bread without once
touching the hook they next tried crlckets
Tor bait but with no better SUGGESTIVE
1sh were too cunning TO be caught, and az
Ter al II vas quite a. nice 10 feed the spry
little things 40 10 catch then. They next
went down 10 little pebbly beach where
they had fine time digging wells. and
making RATS and air. balls with their hand
seTchiefs In the water. BY the time they
had Played there long enough they began
10 feel hungry, and We.e glad 20 go back |
once more 10 the old elm and spread out |
all the goodies they had so carefully brought |
there were bread and butter. and apple |
pie, two kinds OF cookies, and some cum
ming little cup cakes with candy frostng, |
loaf OF chocolate cake, aud peaches and |
pears. IL was such merry supper After
IL was ever, Jessie Jewsharp. who Is mus
ical, as you might guess by her name, sang
the " Medley" and Maize Busybee recited
TenDYson's Brook" Jessie, who Is poet
ical as Well as musical, now recited piece
which she had composed when she was only
nine years old. will give 1t TO my little
readers and perhaps some OF them will like
to try and see II they can make any better
verses. Jessie called II:
"My MAY.BAsKEr."
" was sitting by the Are one night,
As quiet Us anything,
And had almost gone 10 sleep,
When heard the door. bell ring.
Invent 20 the door; twas as still as conld be, J
But saw a May basket there:
II was made OF light brown tissue paper,
About the color OF my bair.
al looked around and round and round. :
] could not see anyone;
But thought II stood, IL would do no good
And 80 began 10 run.
e. saw some one behind o tree, I
Sol thought ia go and peep,
And who should see but little girl,
All cuddled down in heap.
"Pm sure did not know who IL was,
But was going 10 ind out, II