The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-08
The
story
Clara's "Helpful" Day

z VERY ONE was busy getting ready for
II the wedding. Beautiful Aunt Alice
was to be married that evening. The
house was sweet with the fragrance OF
flowers and the tempting doors from the
kitchen. Clara and BERTHE were very an1-.
ious to help.
Clara her mama said, ''if you will
set the table, it will be a great help, for
it is time we had dinner"
ooh, mama, please let me help Aunt
Mary arrange the roses was the answer,
and Mrs. Hill had to assist Bridget her
self.
II want to help, too," Said 5-year-old
Berthe and in another moment over went
9 costly vase, scattering roses and china
IN every direction.
II meant to help sobbed BERTHE, as
every one scolded him at once -
''Clara can wash the Dishes" Mrs.
Hill said, when dinner was over.
"Oh mama, some of the presents are
not marked Aunt Allie says I write
beautifully. Can't do that?'' said Clara
II suppose that has to be done,'' replied
Mrs. Hill, bart she sighed as she went to
the hot kitchen, while her daughter took
the pleasant task.
-,s"Oh, mama" came from the library in
a few minutes. "Bertie has upset the ink
and ruined everything"
II meant to help, so put the bottle
nearer" said BERTHE, looking sorrowfu1ly
at his work. His white suit was covered
with ink. but worse than that, beauti.
full bedspread and hand-painted fan were
spoiled.
NYou ought to be punished, Bertie," de-
dared his mother, ''but it was very care
less in you, Clara. I've sent grandma up
stairs to rest, and I want you to sweep
off the verandas and then dress BERTHE.
''Oh, mama, let me help stem the straw
berries. I never can dress BERTHE without
fuss was Clara s reply. 49,
well, l suppose there can be no more
trouble, If keep my eye upon him. said
Mrs. Hill, and she went after the broom
while Clara seated herself with Aunt
Maryland all luscious berries did not go
into the glass dish. It was not long be-
fore Berthe came down in his clean clothes
wanting to help, but this time Clara was
wise enough to send him away.
''pll go help grandpa" he said, and
he soon found an opportunity. Grandpa
said he wanted the lawn watered, and
here's the hose. I'll surprise him." re-
marked BERTHE.
There was a surprise, for BERTHE turned
the water on first at the water tap, 80
when he turned the stop at the nozzle
out came the water with such force 1t al
most knocked him down. Too frightened
10 drop the hose, he stood screaming for
help while showers of water fell on his
new nat and best clothes The women
even the bride-rushed to the veranda,
while grandpa hurried to the rescue.
g.. 'tOh, grandpa, I just wanted to help
said BERTHE, through his tears.
You ought to be sent to bed" de-
elared his sister. -
Helping the wrong way, troublesome
help is often worse than none." said
grandpa. 1T Is easy to fix flowers or
pick over fruit, but really helpful peo-
pie do what they are told to do, not every
thing else. Do you think, Clara, Berthe lie
Is the only one who has made trouble?"
C1ara's face crimsoned very deeply be-
fore her grandfather's sharp glance, then
she answered:
mo, grandpa. suppose if had taken
the work given me I would have kept
BERTHE out Of trouble. Don't punish him,
mama, I will change his clothes
Clara had eaten too many berries to
enjoy the wedding supper very much, but
she cheerfu1ly helped wait on the table,
and found something for her small brother
30 do. When he became sleepy she took
him uEs*.irs AS sho came down her
grandfather said.
II don't believe BERTHE will NEEDLE With
the hose again, and I think my little
girl has learned lesson. too. You have
helped more in the few hours you have
been unselfsh and obedient than in days
before F
II will try and not be troublesome help
again." ~ C1ara's answer. =
Jennie Fitting,
"A 9TH Grade, 3f22 Grand st NE
Van Cleve School.