Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-02-12
FDIE'S ROSE TREE.

II won't stay here another day."
Anna sObbed, hiding her tear-stained
face in her apron. every hour Miss
Edie does something to make me an
CRY, but this is too much" with des-
pairing glance towards a pretty lace
cap, robbed of all its ribbons, lying in
a tumbled heap on the table.
Mrs. Lisle looked veXed, and turned
gravely towards her young daughter.
eddie, it is very wrong of you to do
such things; you are much too old to
act so childishly," she said gently.
''How could [ help it, mamma?
Anna should not wear such ridiculous
colors; fancy green and pink! 1t made
my eyes ache to look at it.
Still, Edie, that was no reason why
you should touch Annals things with
out her permission.
Il won't stand it any longer, ma am
You may find another housemaid. I'm
not going to be insulted by Miss Edie
for nothing" the indignant girl gasp
ed, and with whitening glance at the
laughing child she bounced angrily
from the room,
Mrs. Lisle leaned back in her chair.
She had suddenly realized the fact that
her petted child had been allowed too
long to have her own way unchecked,
and the mischieYous spirit encouraged
by Mrs. Lisle's gentle fOrbearance
ought now to be stopped.
''Edie," said Mrs Lisle at last,
sudden resolute light dawning in her
eyes, ] think [ know a way of curing
you of your naughty habits. 1t is use
less my scolding you. / have been too
indulgent; but | really cannot bear the
constant Quarrels with the servants on
your account. As you do not know
how to behave towards them l must
teach you"
How, mamma?' Edith asked,
frightened at her mothers serious
voice.
do YOU see that tree? You love it,
do you not?" pointing to pretty rose
tree, covered with buds, in a china pot
by the window.
You know do, mamma. Did not
my dear godfather give it to me when |
was quite baby? | loved it then; /
love it doubly now, as the only thing [
have in remembrance of him which
never dies"
II thought so, Edie," Mrs. Lisle
nurmured, signing, land through this
plant | mean to punish YOU
Ringing the bell quickly, while Edie
waited in awakening fear, Mrs. Lisle
rested silent until the maid, red-eyed
and sullen, entered.
Tell Bridget to come here; | wish
to speak to YOU BOTH" she said briefly.
Anna nOisily obeyed, and soon re-
turned, followed by the buXom cook,
both somewhat surprised at this unus-
ual summons.
Bridget, and you, Anna, wish to
tell YOU that | am not Indifferent to
your complaints, and know they are
Just. 1t grieves me very much to see
how thoughtlessly Miss Edie behaves,
and | want you to help me cure her.
You have my full permission, when she
does anything annoying or mischiey-
Gus, to cut from this tree rose. Per-
haps love for that plant will keep her
from teasing"
Edie started forward as her mother
finished speaking, her eyes full of fear,
her cheeks flushed, and her lips trem-
bling.
''Oh, mamma. do you really mean
that? My poor tree to be sacrificed for
my faults? 1t cannot ber' she cried
in distressed accents.
1T can and will be, Edie. 1t is the
only way can see of curing you. Try,
for the sake of your cherished flower,
to check the little acts and words
which not only cause pain but discom-
fort to all around.
L will try, but it is very difficult,
Edie sobbed.
The two maids, delighted at having
the power in their hands of revenging
their wrongs, smilingly thanked Mrs.
Isle, then quilted the room, scarcely
able to conceal their JOY.
For several days Edie was so good and
careful, that Mrs. Isle began to think
the cure had commenced. and congrat-
ulated herself on having managed so
well.
But one fatal morning, as Edith sat
in the dining-rOom alone, busily study
inc her lessons, before breakfast, Anna
quietly entered. and began her busting,
whirling the tiny feather-broom in all
directions
Suddenly, pausing before the rose
tree, she bent to inhale the sweet fra
GRANGE.
..Oh, Miss Edier' she said, signing,
lit is a thousand pities you have be-
come so good all at once. We have no
chance now of plucking those lovely
roses. I wish you would do something
naughty; / should dearly like a flower