Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-07-10
rsTOWNW w VA.

the wash smaller, so that the stout wo-
man could do two weeks washing in
one. Janet found that there were few
days in which she could not sit down
when the dinner work was over. Other
surprising things came to light.
"What's the matter that you don't
burn any wood, nowadays! !".said Tom
81 have so little splitting to do" Brid-
get, like SO many Of her sisterhood, had
always seemed 20 consider it her bound.
en duty to keep up roaring fire all day
regardless of whether there was need
of it or not, and Father always looked
blank over the fuel bill. One-half the
quantity was now found amply suf1-
cient, and a difference was soon appa.
rent in many other things. The foed
for one person is always noticeable in d
small family where rigid hand must
be kept on expenses, besides which ia
net was not slow in pcrcelving how
many things went further than before
Odds and ends were utilized which had
been thrown away or had counted fol
nothing, for no one felt afraid of scraps
done over by Janet's hand.
"We never were so comfortable be-
fore" said father.
eve never had such good things tC
eat," declared the boys, who had highly
appreciated the dainty, though plain
cookery, as contrastcd with Bridget:
greasy preparations; for Janet, full OF
an honest determination to earn her
wages, had given much attention to the
getting up of palatable, inexpensive
dishes, seeking n variety, where Bridget
had moved in one groove.
81 almost dread having Bridget come
back" said mother.
But the time came when she wa:
hourly expected. Mother sighed as she
took note of the spotiess kitchen, in
which it was pleasant to come and lent
hand at cookery, or sit with her knit
ting while Janet moved briskly abont.
ats time was settling with you, ia
net, !" she said. "Six weeks-I owe yOr
$1S." .. .IErF rtm.f l....
ono; six of for hiring Mrs. Holt ant
a few other things"
"Not bit Of it dear, rve been look
ing over the bills for the month, and
find quite difference; more than pay'
all your extras. Not only in meat an(
groceries and fuel, but | notice it in tht
wear and tear and breakage-dear me
don't think s. a week covers the cx
pense of Bridget being here"
"You don't mother, dearr" said ia
net, in great delight; then you are no
tired of your new girl and anxious tC
have Bridget back?"
"No, indeed" said mother, fervent
ly.
Then she isn't coming back. I've
found my way Of earning and am going
to stick to it for awhile. 1t isn't al
pleasant, to be sure, but / don't know
any kind of business that is. Only
she said, laughing, 81 shall insist upon
having my wages regularly paid as if
were Bridget. l shall cloths myself ou
of them, and so be saving dear old over
worked father about So a week, II you
are right in your calculations, mother
"What will you do with Bridget wher
she comes?"
"Mrs. Whitcomb wants a girl, so sht
can 90 there. Oh, mother, dear' it's {
real comfort To feel as il were support
ing myself. And l wonder why l never
thought before how pleasant way 1t is
this doing kind and pleasant things fol
you ALL"
And Janet worked on; feeling SURE
she had found her best way of securing
her pocket money in this expending o.
her energies for those she loved. How
many daughters restless and fretful FOL
something to do, might find the same
way blessed to themselves and others ir
homes made bright and sweet by theil
faithful ministration.