The Worthington advance., 1900-12-21

thing in my life before! 1t just
seemed like everything went, all on a
sudden! hain't been rale strong,
some way, for long time"
NO." DR.. Temple answered, quietly.
"But it don't do to give up! What
with the fruit season and harvestin',
thrashin' and the like, there's a sight
to do. don't see why have this
give down now-just at Christmas!
It's too bad!"
"And may be worse" the physician
replied, his keen glance resting on.
the sewing machine piled high with
unfinished work. MRS. Merrie, If your
friend over there fell to squeaking.
grinding and swapping thread, should
you go on working at full speed?"
"Why, that wouldn't be very smart
In me, sir, to wear it out! 7 should
stop and DILL"
'Thou sayst the thing I mean!'
Your old worn-out body bids you be-
ware. I'm not going to give you any
medicine. You need rest-absolute
rest. advise you to accept the good
cheer of the season; leave home, and
take vacation"
-Four solemn young faces turned
b1ankly to the stern one of the man
of science. Mother leave home! Jack
and Joe, Jim and Jerry (diminutives
of Jacqueline, Josephine, Jemima and
Jerusha, the "Merry Jays") grasped
the situation at once, and realized it's
hopelessness. 1t is all very we'll for q
rich man to prescribe rest and
change, but another matter to follow
his advice when the purse is flabby
and family cares crying with voice
which will not be comforted. A pit
eous little smile drew down the cor
ners of Mrs. Merrie's mouth.
''Oh, fix me out little quiqine,
doctor, or calomel! You know I
can't leave home! Christmas is here,
and the poor children have been slav-
ing away at their books and must
have their good time. I'm all right" !"
DR.. Temple snapped the straps of
his case and arose. "When you COL
lapse again." he said, coldly, "you had
better call another doctor-one who
will give calOmel."
Jerry, youngest of the Jays, had
been standing remorsefu]ly. by her
mothers chair. II know what DR..
Temple Thinks" she said, valiantly.
''sHe thinks if you cannot rest-with
grown-up daughters-your case IL
hopeless, and he gives it. up. You
can follow the advice; she shall have
her vacation. sir!"
Spoken like a mani" the doctor
answered, heartily. (Jerry wore her
hair cut close, and walked and talked
with slight swagger.) 'Take care
of her; mothers are not q drug in
the market. I will 60 now-good
day, friends! hope to see roses on
those cheeks before spring comes.''
IL "What very absurd mani" the
mother exclaimed, dropping weakly
back against the pillow "Why, did
you send for him, girls?'' q
i Because" Jerry answered, rising
to the height of self-accusation,, 'be-
cause we needed some one to tell us
how selfish we are! In school, every
one Of sus-not, q soul to- give you q
hands turn And in vacation-oh,' .
with Il rerhorseful groan-''last' vaca-
tion / madescrazy quilts!" 4 y
b. "Apd very pretty they were, too,
Tn sure, What's the matter with
you all? I amt complainia'!'
ny "Of course not. But we're guilty
sall the same She shall have hersva-
Gcation-what do you say, girls?'' :.
W "Christmas or no Christmas!" was
the verdict. xE
# Last summer a Jim, remarked,
gravely, II went of to Cousin Vic's,
and kept my hands white. It's mas
turn now.''Ei III M#&' ,t..# s.. .s
But ma amt agoin' to your Cousin
Vic's," Mrs. Merrie announced, reso-
alutely. MAS agoin' to stay right
here. I see me a-askin' your poor %
Tor money!" aS5@ =, {. I. s4. y .5 ..1.
The word "money" brought : frown
10 four faces. wen, veil ret sup.
tlper and talk It over" Joe said, sober
.sly. 1You lie still and rest. !"
III M" was nothing ioath. II wi