The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1903-07-21
NHY NOBODY CALLED

~ '""sHihS. II WIS rather late, Tor
ne baby was cross; and little Lottie
rad had the earachc during the night,
90 the mother had lost a good deal Of
seeded rest on that account.
On the morning in question she had
lfst put the clothes into the boiler,
~aen she beheId her nearest neighbor.
ars. Dean, coming through the front
rate, roll of fancy work in her
hands. She groaned inwardly as she
opened the door, but forced smile Of
welcome.
Washing, see" exclaimed the
caller. noticing the tub through the
open door Strange you always wash
ON Monday. Now, ! never wash ex-
eept when the spirit moves me-
We'll, you might stay at home and
let those who want TO wash on Monday
do So" thought Mrs. Stevens But she
did not say so.
Don't let me hinder YOU" contin-
ned Mrs Dean. II brought some work
with me, and will sit here by the win
dow for awhile. Put the baby down
on the floor, and ! will watch him"
Mrs. Stevens sat the baby on the car
pet in silence, and surrounding it with
playthings, went back to her work.
She was not left uninterrupted for
long at time. Mrs. Dean had great
many things to discuss, and a little
gossiping to do, and she was often
obliged to pause in her work to listen
or to reply.
Dear me! how late I have stayed"
Mrs. Dean exclaimed, glancing at the
clock, at a quartz after eleven. But
she added, II am all alone to-day, and
so have no dinner to get. / can take
lunch when get hungry"
"You are very fortunate" replied
her hostess, as she prepared dinner,
for her husband and the children
would be home at noon, and all would
have good appetites. Her caller
showed no disposition to go till the
family assembled and the meal was
ready; then, of course, she was inyi-
Jed to stay.
II don't know but I will she de-
clared. sit will save cooking a meal
just for myself And besides, do
hate to eat alone. One does so enjoy
good change of cooking once in
/. awhile" She added, when she wasseat-
ed at the table, land your eggs and
butter are always fresh, which is more
than one can say of the things got at
the store"
Mrs Stevens face should have
beamed with pleasure at this an
nouncement, no doubt, but somehow it
did not. Perhaps she had heard it 100
many times before from the same
source to be gratified
my wife seldom has a chance to
find out whether she enjoys a change
of cooking" remarked Mr. Stevens.
"It seems impossible for her to get out
even for a walk. She is-tied down to
her work"
MA doesn't have chance to get
away" spoke up ten-year-old Jack,
cause there's some one here all the
time"
Mrs. Dean took her departure while
Mrs. Stevens was washing the dishes.
But she called the next day twice on
some trifing errand, and chartered
for a half hour or so each time. The
next day, and the next, and so on
throughout The week, Mrs Stevens
was interrupted by callers, and by
people who ran in for a few minutes,
just to borrow some thing to save a
"trip to town." until in her despair she
gave vent to her annoyance in the Sc
clusion of the family circle.
Fl have so much sewing to do next
week" she complained, that if am
much longer so constantly interrupt
ed do not know what shall do"
She was not interrupted again. for
during the next week not soul came
near the house. Once or twice she
was quite sure she had seen neigh
Dor approach the gate, but when she
looked again no one could be seen.
Several times day she started at
some noise which she imagined TO be
the click of the gate. 1t was vacation
week, and without cautionng, the chill
dren all remained within the yard.
She wondered much at this, but took
IL as a piece of good luck Usually
they teascd TO go and play with other
children. Mabel helped her about the
/. houSework, and she got ON famously
with her sewing. But such week OF
uninterruptionwaswithout precedent,
and Mrs. stevens was greatly mysti-
fed. Her husband and the children
wore broad grin at times, but she
failed ia take notice.
Wouldn't you like to walk to
church, mother?" Mr.. Stevens asked
when Sunday came, and She gladly
consented.
When she passed out Of the gate she
discovered the reason for her week OF
uninterrupted quiet. There upon the
gate-post, facing the road, were the
words in large black letters, printed
ON pine boards
"DIPHTHERIA HERE"
She looked at the sign in startled