The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-05-15
MATTE VAN WYCK'S STORY.

heard but the ticking of the clock an
the purring of the old gray cat. TIL
night was frosty without, the tall pin
trees cast their long shadows acros
the snow; everything seemed tranqu
to Matte Van Wyck as she looked on
of the window, then going back to tn
stove stirred the scanty fire.
The Van Wycks were very well-to
do few years back, Mr.. Van Wye
having had quite property left him
but being an easy-going man and no
having the ability to make money, hi.
property gradually slipped through
his hands; and after selling his farm
ard paying his debts, left him bu
little. He decided to go West, and
finally drifted up into a Northern
town, buying little home which tool
nearly all he had He had worked
hard in the pineries and kept his family
supplied from day to day; but from
severe exposure, contracted harC
cold and died, leaving his wife and
four children to the mercies of north
ern winter.
The oldest child, Matte, was a
bright. energetic little girl of Is. She
was attending school, but would have
to give it up for while at least, and
stay at home to help her mother. who
by taking in sewing had kept the wolf
from the door ever since her fathers
death. Matte had sat up later than
usual to do her sums, and how, with
her chin resting on her hands, sat
looking intently into the fire, won
dering what she could do to help
along. The problem was a hard one
for slender girl, and she gave it up
for the night, and, locking up the
house, took her light and trotted off
to bed.
The next day was Sunday. After
the frugal breakfast, the dishes were
washed and the house put to rights.
Mrs. Van Wyck got the children ready
for Sunday-schooI, combed their hair,
made them look as neatly as possible,
all except Johnnie. who was sturdy
little fellow with black eyes and red
cheeks. He had played hard and
stubbed out his boots, so he would
have to stay at home for while till
Providence or Santa Clause sent him
some new ones. He made up quite a
lip, and big tear rolled down his
cheek as he looked out of the window
after his sisters; but The must to dry
his eyes and be a good little boy"
his mother said, ''for some day he
would be man, and take care of
them all.'
johnnie caught the idea at once,
climbed down from the window and
buisied himself helping his mother
by bringing in wood, and in various
ways; and was very happy. The day
passed quietly and plea sanity; the
children came home each with fresh |
new book.
In the evening, as they were seated
sround the table reading, Matte broke
the silence by saying:
Mother, wish could write a sto-
y. When we were at the library
o-day l heard Lusie Foster telling
iertie Manning that she had an aunt
n Boston who wrote stories and made
OTIS of money. Now if l could only
10 something like that how nice it
sould be"
"You might try, Matte" her mo-
her replied; 1--WE never know what
We can do till we've tried"
If l only knew what 10 write
bout
write about your home. brother
nd sisters, Mrs. Van Wick suggest
d.
Matte was quite imbued with the
lea, and went and got paper and pen
Il. II she could only make some
'oney, all herself, buy some new boots
,r johnnie, some mittens for Amy; and
hristmas would soon be here, and
ow nice it would be to surprise them
Il.
She sat down and began. 1t was
OF an easy task, but she kept dilIgent-
at 1t all the spare time she had, her
lother being busy at the machine from
arly morning till late at night.
The close of the term was near at
and. and in three weeks--the holt
avs. Matte looked pretty sober; she
I'D her mother she had written about
or home, but she thought the story
aeded brighter side, and was afraid
10 would have to give it up. Her
lother told her she had good begin {
ing, and not to worry any wav, as
40 was great help to her, and as {
BON as she could, would send her to
chool again. Matte took her books s
nd trudged to school with a heavy '
cart. She had planned so many t
tile surprises with the money she l
1ould get, that to fail with her story
Tas bitter disappointment; but she $
tudied hard and had her lessons. One
ay she noticed an unusual excitement
mong some of her schoolmates, and
verheard one little girl saving to an {
Their THAT Oracle Thornton was going t
, give birthday party the next eve. c
ing" Matte thought no more about ]
, till on her way home bright C
fought struck her; she walked more e
risky and rushed into the house, ex- v
aiming, "Oh, mother! Oracle Thorn il
n is going to give party tomorrow t
'ening. and if could only 60" Her S
other looked at her in anazement, v
i'd said: why, Matte, l don't be- t
we you want to go. Oracle Thorn t
n belongs to a certain little set Il
no are wealthy and dress nicely like )
rself. ]" ''But l don't mean to 90 II
at way. l would like to 60 and
lp them some way. help pass re- b