The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-02-28

Sdlu the Little girl. ON zee mamma
has got the idea that am careless.
'Tlsn't so; I'm just as careful, but
some way my things get out Of sight.
Last week one OF my rubber over
shoes got lost, and then l couldn't find
one OF my new red mittcns. and my
handkerchiefs are always losing; and
SO mamma said il lost any thing
more, should have to earn the money
and pay for it. She said 'twould teach
me TO be careful"
"Your mother is wise; It's Il good
plan," laughed Ben. but | would
not cry yet
You don't know the worst said
Dolly This morning l borrowed
mammals pearl-handled pen-knife. and
tonight put it in my pocket just as
careful, and 'tisn't there, and mamma
says I'll have to pay dollar"
Ibid she know You borrowed it,"
asked Ben.
Dolly hung her head.
Il asked her II | could take it to
sharpen my pencil" she said, very low;
'.but may be she didn't know how l
wanted to take it to school,.
Il should think not. said Ben. But
how will you earn the money? I've
got a little could lend you.
Mamma says IU'c got to earn it. !"
said Dolly. shell pay three cents
every time / wipe the supper dishes,
and four cents If go without dessert
for dinner How long will it take to
earn dollar?'
just about two weeks" answered
Ben. ..if you don't miss any days.
There were signs OF another tear
shower, which the kind brother hast
cned to avert
Il don't see as l can wipe your
dishes. or divide my pudding with
you," he said, ..for IN that case sup
pose you couldn't earn your money,
but I'll do this: whenever you wipe the
dishes clean and bright, without any
tears, or frowns, I'll give you ride
down the long hill on my traverse
Will that help any, Puss?'
''Oh goody?' cried Dolly, the tears
giving place to smiles.
And Ill give you the first one
now,' said Ben. Put on your wraps,
and We'll have a jolly slide
When Dolly came back her face was
SO bright you would not suppose she
had ever had any trouble.
For two long weeks she wiped the
supper dishes, and went without des-
sert for dinner. 1t was hard and they
all pitied her. but there came day al
last when Dolly stood before her moth.
er, with bright face.
There, mamma, I've earned tn.
dollar to pay for the knife" she said,
and I'm SO glad"
II am glad, too" said mamma.
"And think, little daughter. that you
arc improving. You haven't lost any
thing for weelS--have you?"
No" said the little girl, ''only a
lead pencil; but most lost button
off my cloak. Will you please sew il
on? put it in my pocket"
uOil HHu ~, Sstlu HldInina, look
ing in all the pockets.
Il surely put it there" said Dolly.
You said you put the knife in youl
pocket, but-why, here's holc!"
Mrs. Sweet ripped a larger hole, and
put her hand between the outside and
lining. and took out two pencils. three
acknowledgements, the missing buftor
and 10 st knife.
.'Oh. Oh!'' cried Dolly. Il did put
it there. mamma, and now I've paid il
besides"
well, DEAR said mamma there
is little notebook / will give you,
and you shall write it down whenever
you lose any thing, and. also. what
you earn by extra work. or self-denial,
and We will balance accounts once q
month. You will have dollar on tho
credit side to begin with"
''How nicc.' cried Dolly. "And
will you pay me al the money that's
left over?"
Certainly ] will" said mann ma.
Dolly clappcd her hands. ..I'll
have lots Of money for next Christ.
mas!' she said. You just wait and
see. Youths Companion.