The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-11-10

guest. Then came that pleasant, cosy
hour, when all the little ones we're sleep.
ing, and she could sit down and have
quiet talk about old times. Even the
presence OF Mr.. Vinton might have been
Felt as an intrusion.-there we're 80 many
things to talk about OF which be knew
nothing A-but luckily bis presence was
required at society meeting, and With
an apology for hi, impolisehess, he had
aken his departure soon after Miss
Polly's arrival.
Much was said OF by-goue days, aud
lhen came the talk Of present times.
"And so You are very bappy0in your
married life, Lizzie2" remarked Miss
Polly, addressing Mrs. V,nton by the
endearing name Of her childhood. "a
good husband and promising children
are great blessings
.tery great" was the reply; aand
these treasurers are certsinly mine And
vet can scarcely say that am happy,
FOR the want Of time to attend to thou.
sand little duties is so very annoying
that I am' often qnite miserable on that
account. My husbands income is not
large, and OF course We keep bnt one
servant. and | sm called so many ways
that 1t seems difficult to accomplish any.
thing"
Miss Polly unused in silence, and Mrs.
Viutou continued: II wish you could
help me about this. l remember that
you used to be famous person to 6nd
out the causes OF troubles, and 10 apply
a remedy. Now, II you will discover
in what ] am deficient. and teach me to
get as much done as Mrs. Benson does,
the lesson will be invaluable"
81 will try my best, said the old lady,
and her face lighted up With pleasure.
Tor as her memory recalled Mrs. V:nion
and Mrs. Benson in their girlish da,s
she believed that she had already dis.
covered the secret. "But come, Lizzie,
~hv do we sit here idling our time I
Our hands may be busy while our
tongues are going 80 fist. Have YOU
not basket Of 8 ockings to mend Tha,
is generally my e, ening work"
"But you ave fatigued after yonr Jour.
ney, and, besides. Mr.. Vlnton will be in
soon. 1t is hardly worth while to pro.
duce our work at this hour"
Take care OF the minutes, Lizzie. A
small portion of time will accomplish
much that is useful in family like
yours"
"You are still the same Miss Polly
answered Mrs. Vinton, as the work. bas-
ket was produced. "Tske care of the
minutes sounds as fsmiliar 20 my ear
as IT it were but yesterday that l heard
you repeat the words to me, as / threw
down my task and ran TO chase the
bright butterflies on the green"
ut is good motto for old apd young,
Lizzie. A few minutes wasted several
times in Cay will soon make an hour
Very true" was the ready reply and
now the fingers moved swiftly, while the
tongues we're as busy as ever. 1t was
astonishing how that pile If stockings
diminished, and Mrs. Vinton warmly
congratulated herself that they we're not
left until Saturday night, as was too
often the case.
A good nights rest made Miss Polly
appear even more natural than ever, and
her delighted hostess declared that she
had not grown one day Older during the
last ten years; an opinion which the
good lady seemed resolved to verify
for it was really wonderful to see With
What youthful activity she lent a help
ing band TO the various household duties,
and with what remarkable tact she set
other people to work. Even the young.
eat child vas made useful ami felt her
self amply rewarded bv the praises OF
her new trend. and the nicely fitted dress
which was presented to her doll,-a
treasure long coveted, bot which poor
mamma never could find time to attend
to.
The days seemed to have grown
longer now, however, for even mamma
had found time to complete many long.
neglected or unfinished undertakings.
To tact. every one had taken leaf from
Miss Polly's book, and vet they did not
seem TO have discovered what was writ.
ten upon that leaf, hut ascrihed the
greater order and regularity Of the house.
hold to the assistance which was rem
dered by the busy old lady, and not ,o
any Improvement In their own manage.
ment.
A few examples will suffice to exem-
plify Miss Polly's system "Ten min.
utes before breakfast" she exclaimed, as
with qaick, psttering steps she entered
the apartment; slime enough 10 accom-.
plish great deal My dear little Ellen,
bring your book and read over your
task TO me, while put few s,itche, in
the pretty frock which l am making for
you."
"And what shall do, Miss Polly p
asked another OF the little girls, as
Ellen FASTENED to bring her book.
"Here are slate and pencil, dear
just try that difficult sum which troubled
you so much las. evening. You are
bright and fresh sitter q good night'a
rest. William Henry. my good boy"
she continued, addressing the iad, ~bo
stood idly drumming upon the table,
there is time to feed your rabbits be-
fore breakfast, il you wish" p
"And that will give me more time for
play on the green." was the quick reply,
and the boy FASTENED away.
Anything for us to dot" playfully
asked Mr. Vinton. who, with his wife.
had just entered, and stood an unoh
served spectator of the scene.
That peculiarly pleasant smile spread
over Miss Polly's countenance. but very
readily she answered: "By all means.
my good sir. You will find q button
upon the mautle-piece. which you have
long desired to find leisure to place upon
the cellar.door. Five minutes will sui.
fee. As for you, Lizzie, Just take this
old stocking and transform it into a
holder, for Sslly's use. She tells me
that she is 10 much need of one"
Both husband and wife lauqhingly
obeyed; and a few minutes afterward,
when all met at the breakfast table, THE
consciousness that each one possessed
that even ititiing duty bad been we'll
performed, gave feeling of social cheer
fulness to the whole party, and they had
seldom enjoyed more pleasant meal.
SgYou bayo n~~ko;c'y I;eoouorad tho