The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-10-31
"What's the matter that YOU don't

"What's the matter that you don't
burn any wood nowadays?" said Tom;
81 have so little splitting to do"
Bridget, like so many of her sisterhood,
had always seemed to consider it her
bounden duty to keep up roaring fire
all day, regardless of whether there
was need of it or not, and father al
ways looked blank over the fuel bills.
One-half the quantity was now amply
sufficient, and difference was soon
apparent in many other things. The
food for one person is always noticea-
BILE in small family where a rigid hand
must be kept upon expenses, besides
which, Janet was not slow in perceiv
ing how many things went further than
before. Odds and ends were utilized
which had been thrown away or had
counted for nothing, for no one felt
afraid of scraps done over by Janet's
hands.
"We never were so comfortable be-
fore" said father.
"We never had such good things to
eat," declared the boys; who had high
ly appreciated the dainty, though plain
cookery, as contrasted with Bridgets
greasy preparations; for Janet, full of
an honest determination to earn her
wages, had given much attention to
the getting up of palatable, inexpen-
sive dishes, seeking variety, where
Bridget had moved in one groove.
81 almost dread having Bridget come
back" said mother.
But the time come when she was
hourly expected Mother sighed as she
70 Df fho L in
which it was now pleasant to come and
lend hand to the cookery, or sit with
her knitting while Janet moved briskly
about.
'It's time l was settling with you,
Janet" she said ''SiX weeks-I owe
you $1S."
mo; six off for hiring Mr.. Bolt, and
a few other things"
mot bit of it, dear; I've been look
ing over the bills for the month and |
find quite difference, more than pays |
all your extras. Not only in meat and |
groceries and fuel, but notice it in the |
wear and tear and breakage-dear me!
l don't think S. a week covers the ex-
pense of Bridget being here
''You don't mother, dear?" said
Janet, in great delight; ''then you are
not tired of your new girl and anxious
to have Bridget back?''
mo, indeed" said mother, fervently.
''Then she isn't coming back. I've
found a way of earning money and I'm
going to stick to it for awhile. 1t isn't
all pleasant, to be sure, but 1 don't
know any kind of business that is.
Only" she said, laughing, 81 shall in
sist on having my wages as regularly
paid as if | were Bridget: 1 shall
clothe myself out of them, and so be
saving dear old overworked father S.
week, if you are right in your calcula-
tons, mother"
"What will you do with Bridget when
she comesp"
''Mrs. Whitcomb wants girl, so she
can go there. Oh, mother, dear! it's a
real comfort to feel as if | were sup
porting myself. And wonder why 1
never thought before how pleasant a
way it is, this doing kind and pleasant
5hings for you all"
And Janet worked on, feeling sure
she bad found her best way of securing
her pocket-money in this expanding of
ler energies for those she loved. How
many daughters, restless and fretful
or want of something to do, might find
he same way blessed to themselves
ind to others in homes made bright
Ind sweet by their faithful ministra-
ratiOnS