Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-07-31
Written for the Northwest
AMY'S NJ ANA s.
BY PHEBE FIELD.

81 can't help it," the young girl an
swered, 81 think it is pity ifa girl of
my age can't enjoy herself at all with
out some one being surprised. some
times almost wish that never had to
grow up and be proper andlike to stay in
house and sew" and Amy glanced at
her sister, who, in the neatest of morn
ing attire, sat by the window, working
on a wonderful combination of puffs
and ruffies.
"You have very curious idea of en-
joyment, chasing through the wet grass
after some ridiculous bird" replied
Kate, with her most grown-up and in
ferior air, that always aggravated Amy
beyond endurance.
'It wasn't ridiculous bird, at all, !"
she retorted, "but the most beautiful
bobolink, and Oh, Kate" she added
mournfully, 81 didn't find the nest
after all. He flew right down in the
meadow, on a clump of clover, and l
was sure the nest was there, but it
wasn't, and the grass ,oas rather wet,"
looking ruefully down at the limp gown
and water soaked shoes.
"Rather wet, l should say So" re-
turned her sister. "But do make haste
and change your dress. Carrie Boying-
ton and her cousin Dell sent word they
We're coming over. Put on your white
dress, child, and curl your hair. want
you to look your best when Dell Burns
is here, and you are prettier than she,
with all her city style, though you are
getting brown as nut, running out in
the sun and wind so much"
"Never mind, Kate" said the busy
mother, looking up from her work. "Let
the child enjoy herself. lam glad of any
thing that will make her strong and
well," and she patted the usually pale
cheek, now flushed and rosy. "But
run along dear, and take off those damp
clothes, or you will take cold, and then
there will be no more bird searching
for while.n
"But, mamma" began Kate when
Amy had hurried off at her mothers
bidding, "don't you really think Amy
too old for such childish things? Thir-
teen her last birthday, and spending
her time, and spelling her clothes,
tramping through the soft grass after
birds nests"
zone is never too old to be healthy
and happy" was the gentle reply, land
outdoor air and exercise seem to be
what Amy most needs. would rather
see my girls with happy souls in healthy
bodies, than to have them the most ac-
complished ladies in the land, if the ac-
complishments were gained at the ex-
pense of health"
"True, mamma" returned Kate
thoughtfully, "butpeople may be stin-
gy and accomplished too, and BESIDES"
she added, hesitating little, 'some
think it more refined to be delicate"
"More refined to be delicate" repeat
ed her mother Indignantly. "Never
allow such an idea in your
mind, my daughter. There can be
nothing attractive in disease, and weak
ness is not refinement. There are souls
that can rise superior to outward hind
erances, even that of bodily weakness,
but they are to be pitied rather than
envied. have no patience with those
who throw away the good gifts God has
given them, in the sentimental belief
that selfish idleness is lady like, and
good honest toll disgrace"
"But," said Kate, "why would it
not be as well for Amy to exercise by
riding and walking, instead of running
through the fields and woods? Here
she is almost as tall as I and as much a
child as she was at ten."
Mrs. Martin smiled. "Riding and
walking are good in their place, but a
ride or walk once or twice day would
hardly content an active excitable girl
like Amy. Besides, what is done as a
pleasure is of more benefit than some
thing done is a duty and people do not all
think alike as to what is pleasure. So
let your sister enjoy herself in her own
way. am not afraid but what she
will 600 co to bo n child .oo, o,,o,,u1.
too soon," and thekind eyes grew grave
as she thought of the storms that lay
beyond the safe and peaceful haven of
childhood.
Nothing more was said, for Amy en-
tered, looking fresh and sweet in the
white gown, neat slippers in place of
the wet boots, and with the long head
of hairin smooth and shining curles.
"Now you are as like to see you,u
said Kate graciously, for she dearly
loved this only sister, in spite of the diff
ference in their tastes and dispositions,
and was very proud of the beauty of
which she was notin the least jealous.
"But run and look out the front win
dow, and see if the girls are coming. 1t
is time they were here"
Amy fastened to look out, and re-
ported that, "four girls and a tall gen.
tleman were coming up the road from
the gate.n
"Who can it be-, said Kate. at surely
fsnit Carrie and Dall y