Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-01-24

THERE WAS A CASE OF MISTAKEN
IDENTITY WHICH WAS NOT CLEARED
UP TILL NIGHT CANE.

Mamma Marvin was in lots Of trouble
that morning, for telegram had come
SAYING that grandma had broken her arm
and wanted her daughter right away.
OF course the baby had to 60 with her,
but it was out of the question to take
the twins and Harry and Maud. If poor
grandma was suffering she could not
have four lively children In her house
besides the baby; but what to do with
the little folk Mrs. Marvin did not know.
"I'll keep them for you," said deep
voice, and all the children jumped; for
they were very much afraid of Miss
Perkins who had lately moved into the
cottage across the way. "Mr. Marvin
told me Of your troubles, and can stay
as we'll as not"
10, thank you, Miss Perkins," said
mamma, much relieved. "Children, you
must all be very good to-day. Take
good care Of"
Come" said papa, "or the train will
leave us. Miss Perkins will take care of
the youngsters, and We are ever and ever
80 much obliged to her!''
He hurried Mrs. Marvin to the buggy,
and the little folk, running about in
their night clothes, barely got tiny kiss
apiece. Soon the cloud of dust follow
ing Prince Charlie and the buggy disap-
peared, and four sober boys and girls
went back into the house.
I'll dress you," said Miss Perkins.
And the children were tho awed to tell
that they always buttoned each others
clothes and laced their own shoes.
"Come," she said, holding up ruffied
bingham dress and some little white
skirts; but Harry held back.
Then amt mine," he stammered.
"Oh, we'll, it doesn't make any diff
ference for to-day. Maybe l won't get
them just right, but that doesn't mat
ter" said the voice that always frighten-
ed the children, because it seemed to
come clear from Miss Perkins shoes.
Presently Harry, with his curls comhed
and q white apron over the gingham
dress, was eating breakfast with the rest,
and they were all talking in whispers.
'sIts on account of these curls," said
Harry, with tears in his eyes. "If mamma
would only have them cut off, nobody
would call me little girl"
Never mind" said Maud, trying to
comfort her brother. well play in the
orchard all day, and nobody will see
you"
Miss Perkins wondered why the chill
dren were so quiet and only said Eyes
ma am" and "No ma Jam" to everything
she said. They usually we're so jolly
and full of play, but to-day they played
quietly in the orchard. Some boys and
girls came to see them; but Miss Per
kins could not find them, and she looked
everywhere, and the visitors had to leave
without seeing the Marvin children.
How surprised the good lady would have
been if she could have peeped behind the
big brush pile where four little people
crOuched, with poor Harry almost
smothered in the middle.
And were they good children?"
asked mamma when she came back that
evening.
Eyes, indeed" said Miss Perkins
heartily. ~ would have thought they
were sick, they were so quiet; but they
ate their dinner and supper all right, so
suppose they were only homesick for
you and Mr.. Marvin"
"Why. Harry, what are you doing with
Maud's dress on?" cried Mrs. Marvin In
astonishment, catching sight Of her son
shrinking behind the twins.
30, mamma, please tell her amt a
grip sobbed Harry, running to hide
his face in his mothers lap. "And
can't have these curls cut Off"
"The first thing in the morning you
shall 60 to the barber's." said papa firm
ly. II have been thinking of it for some
time, but mamma thought they looked
so cunning. Don't cry. dear"
Miss Perkins looked as II she wanted
very much to laugh; but she only said,
in her big tones: "Well, sonny, why
didn't you tell me?'-Journal and Mes
senger.