Nevada County picayune., 1886-05-12


 much l could shove out of the way. And mother, you would be aston. ished to sec how little cleaning there is to be done when nobody makes any unnecessary dirt, or how much work can be saved by using your wits to save it."
 She never told her mother how her back achea during those first days of unusual exercise. This wore off as sue became accustomed to it. Every day she learned moro and more to simplify her work. A few minutes in the kitchen just be- fore bedtime, arranged things so exactly to her hand that there was was no hurrying or crowding at the busy time in the morning. Careful handling of the table linen and other things made the wash smaller. so that the stout woman could do two weeks wash in one. Janet found there were few days in which she could not sit dow n when the dinner work was over. Other surprising things came to light.
 "Whats the matter that you don't burn any woods nowadays" said Tom; have so little splitting to do"
 Bridget, like so many of her sis tcrhood, had always seemed to consider it her duty to keep a roaring fire all day, regardless of whether it WAS needed or not, and father always looked blank over the fuel bills, One.half the quan- tity was now amply sufficient, and difference was soon apparent in many other things. The food for one person is always noticeable in small family, where a rigid hand must be keep expenses, besides which, Janet was not slow in per- coiving how many things went further than before. Odds and ends were utilized which had been been thrown away or had counted for nothing, but no one felt afraid of scraps done over by Janets hand.
 "Nc never were 80 comfortable bcforc,r said father.
 "Wsncver have snch good things to cat" declared the boys. who highly appreciated the dainty, tho plain cookery, as cOntrasted with Bridgc,'s greasy preparations; for Janet, full of honest determination to earn her wages, had given much attention to tho getting up of palat' liable, inexpensive dishes, using a variety, while Bridget had moved almost in one groove.
 "I almost dread having Bridget come back" said mother. But the time came when she was hourly expected, Mother sighed as she took mote of the spotless kitchen, in which it was now pleasant to come aud lend a hand at the cookery, or sit with her knitting, with Janet moving briskly about.
 It's time was settling with you, Janet" she said. "Six weeks i-I owe you eighteen dollars"
 "No, six of for hiring Mrs. Burt, and few other things"
 Not a bit off. dear; I've beeu looking over the bills for the month, and l find quite difference It more than pays for all your ex- |. tras. Not only in meat, groceries and fuel, but I notice it in tho wear and tear and brcakage. Dear me! I don't believe five dollars a week will cover expenses of Bridget's being here."
 "You don't, mother dear, said Janet in great delight; then you not tired of your new girl, and wish to have Bridget back?
 'No, indeed" said mother ferv emily.
 "Thcn she isn't coming back Ive found my way of earning, and Pm going to stick to it for while It isn't all pleasant. to be sure, but I don't know any kind of business that is. "Only,' she said laughing "I shall insist on having ny wages paid as regularly as if l were Bridget. l shall clothe myself out of them, and he saving dear old father five dollars week, ifyou are right in your calculations mother.n