The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1888-04-13
"why Dorothy!,, cred her mother.

floor with a crash, and throwing herself
into chair, burst into tears of dis
appointment and Encouragement.
Mrs. Maynard ran to her in alarm.
Dorothy, what is the matter?'' she
exclaimed. "What were you doing,
child ?"
"oh, MOTHER she sobbed '1'm a
stupid, stupid goosel / thought I'd help
you, and get breakfast; but I've spoiled
every single thing, and made dreadful
muddle."
Mrs. Maynard laid her cool hand on the
girls hot forehead
Getting breakfast to help me, were you,
dearie ?' she said, with an irresistible
smile, as she glanced at the ruin scattered
about. 1T was kind thought. but one
cannot learn TO cook all in a minute.
Don't feel distressed; there's no harm
DONE
Dorothy took the comforting hand in
hers, and pressed it lovingly against her
burning check
She left the cooking alone after that.
She found there were many other ways
in which she could be a help and comfort.
There were many draw backs and dis
couragements, but "For mothers sake, y
was her watchword, and, as she watched
the dear face day By day, she rejoiced TO
see the weary look gradually disappear,
and the shadow under the eyes grow less
apparent.
Nellie, who in her heart considered her
elder sister perfection, was quick to fol-
low her example; and the boys, almost
unconseiously, grew 10 be more heedful
of mothers comfort
Mrs. Maynard wondered at the change.
She found the loving care of her eldes.
daughter very sweet, aud grew to depend
on her more and more. Her mother-eyes
saw quickly when Dorothy was tired, and
she insisted on her going out, as usual, in
the afternoon. Dorothy always went. and
came home bright and full of fun.
So the weeks and months passed away
On looking back, Dorothy wondered
where the time had flown She thought
this last summer had been the llappiest
she had ever known.
One morning, ON entering the dining
room, Mrs. Maynard was greeted with &
chorus OF:
Many happy returns Of the day.
Mother, did you forget it is your birth
day %
''See what I have for you. mamma; ant
| made ii all myself said Dorothy. a.
soon as she could be heard. 'sAuntie wa.
here yesterday, when you were out, ana
she wants us TO celebrate your birthday
by taking dinner with her,"
This was soon settled. They all weni
over the next day, and of course Frank
was invited. All were in raptures
Charlie, when it was over, cried:
81 think We all owe You a vote o
thanks. anntie, for what, without exagger
alton, may be called tip-top dinnerf'
s'IIear, bear!'' murmnred Frank.
YES, auntie, it was splendid, specially
the pudding, said Nellie.
1.-THE pie, I say" put in Gus.
Mrs. MAYNARD langhingly shook hel
head at the children.
"Anntie is very kind, " she said.
"Well, observed Aunt Dorothy, com
placcntly, thanks are always agreeable
of course. I'm glad you all enjoyed your
I 4 :.
ssWhat?''
"Who did?''
at cooked itself, suppose
"Why, what do you mean"
They all spoke but Dorothy and Frank
Her checks were flushed, and her dancing
eyes were hidden By their long lashes
His eyes were on her face, and their ex
preston was half laughing and who'll,
tender.
Il mean just what | say" answered
Aunt Dorothy, with quiet enjoyment. 81
did not cook the dinner we have just
eaten--no, nor did / help one mite. II
YOU want to know who did make every
thing. from soup to dessert, look around
the able, and see if you can guess
They all obeyed, and each pair of eyes
stopped at the young girls tell-tale face.
Congratulations poured in on all sides,
and Charlie let out that he had known the
see,et long time.
Dorothy smiled up at him, aud blushed
prettily, but did not speak
Didn't you loag to teli?" demanded
Nellie. finding voice at last.
.'Yes. did bat wanted to wait till
had something worth telling; and then
auniie though it would be nice surprise
for mothers birthday
"But Why did you do it2' repeated
Gus, whose curiosity was not yet salts
fed.
Aunt Dorothy answered
''For what seems to be a most excellent
reason; she did it for her mothers sake. -
Mrs Maynard pressed the little hand
that rested in hers; Gus looked at Dorothy
with a new respect; Nellie regarded her
with species of awe, and there was a
suspicious CLEAN in Charles eye as he
joined the chorus.
That evening, as he walked home with
her, in the starlight, Frank asked Dorothy
question.
Yes she answered, clasping both