The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-06-23

The girls did not waste time, but soon
built fire in the kitchen range, with a
small quantity of wood and coal left in
the cellar by the recent occupant, then,
with plenty OF warm water, they COM
mencsd cleaning the house.
Energetic, handy girls they proved
themselves to be. Entirely unused to
such work, knowing that they could not
afford to hire, their good sense and de-
termination carried them through it all.
Several days of hard labor were cheer
fully endured, then all was pronounced
clean as it could be made.
The parlors looked far better after coats
of paint had been successfully put on by
Elsie's unskillful but willing hands, then
a sleeping room was furnished and the
sisters left their temporary boarding
place and took possession. Carpets with
cheerful colors were put down and dainty
furniture arranged around, the merchants
agreeing to wait few months for pay
ment.
When all was in order it looked pure,
refined and cheerful. Pictures, some of
them portraits of loved and lost ones,
hung on the walls; dainty articles, gifts
of former friends, Hastily disposed around,
added to the homelike look of the place,
while pretty portieres replaced the I'M
slightly folding doors. When all was in
order, Mrs. Morgan was summoned, after
which their household goods in Philadel-
phia were sold at auction. We will not
attempt to describe the feelings OF the
mother, now nearly restored to health,
when ushered into this home, 80 different
from the large and elegant one she had
left.
She tried to smile, but tears would
come. Being fond mother and at heart
a just and good woman, she dashed them
away, and struggling for composure,
praised the diligence and energy that
had accomplished SO much in 80 short a
time.
"It looks pretty and cheerful am
sure we shall be comfortable and happy
| mere, bQ6 5alO DraV6lys
| "Yes! and it is our own," returned
Elsie, her lovely face radiant with smilee.
"Poor as it is, this is home. No rent to
| pay, taxes small, and house in decent re-
pair-cleap, warm and cozy."
"But how are we to meet daily ex-
penses?" asked the mother anxiously.
"We must not spend much, and We
must earn what we spend. In order to
make beginning have been engaged
to give music lessons, at the If homes, to
three little girls. In short time hope
to be able to dispense with teaching.
Since you can bear it, being SO much
better, I will now tell you my plans for
our support. You know what passion /
have always had for flowers, and how
happy have been while working among
them. have made their culture perfect
study from childhood. That knowledge
I mean to turn into useful service. ALI
| our friends have praised the artistic way
in which arrange bouquets. There is a
real science in blending colors, to bring
out the perfect beauty of blossoms.
seem instinctively to understand it, 30
shall make use of this gift. / have en-
| gagged q carpenter to build, at small ex-
pense, a nice, good-sized greenhouse in
| the yard, where a strong southern sun
shines 30 brightly. 1t will have second
hand glass window france, and will be-
heated in the most approved way. We
have retained the contents of our own
choice conservatory, and in this green
house our callas and other beauties will
be placed. Callas are little trouble and
are always in demand;I shall devote a
large space to them. Violets, pansiee,
roses and other floral gems bring good
prices. A florist not far from here has
engaged to pay me well for cut flowers,
as we'll as for punched. While waiting
for my new plants to yield what desire,
I have engaged cut blossoms at other
places, and these, with mine, 1 will bunch
prettily, and thus supply him. Mother
dear, our home shall be cheered as of old
with flowers, and beautiful buds and bios
SONS shall provide all our wants."
"Elsie has told her plans; perhaps you
will both be surprised if the youngest of
the family makes the most money out OF
little project Of her ownP said Marjorie,
bluahing shyly as she spoke.
"What?" exclaimed her astonished list.
eners, shave you really a money-making
spirit, too?"
"Yes, indeed, and as have several or
ders to fill at once, must waste no time.
These packages contain materials for
commencing business
"I can scarcely credit it" exclaimed
Elsie. "This is surprise indeed. Then
you are not to be my partner in the
flower business
81 am not | have entered the contec-
tionery trade. But 1 must not stop to
talk, have work to accomplish"
mo work until you explainp' cried her
companions.
"Briehy, then, for time is money, while
Elsie was studying out her floral scheme,
1 was fretting, that 1 had no useful tai
ents. Suddenly remembered how some
young friends and myself, during the
holidays last winter, made white nut
candy for the fair held in aid Of our
church; That candy was delicious and