Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-21

when her mamma was obliged to go to
market Saturday mornings. And espe-
cially did she object to remaining with
baby brother when a nice snow was
on the ground and Oracle and Pearl
Thompson were calling to her to come
out and coast down the hill that was
behind Oracle and Pearls house across
the street.
1t was really such a beautiful day.
sun shining so brightly and the snow
on the coasting hill as smooth as glass.
And Bessie could see from an upstairs
window Oracle and Pearl frolicking
about with their lovely coasting sled
one that Santa Claus had brought to
them on Christmas. And here was
Bessie shut up in the house with baby
brother, and here she must remain till
mamma came home from the market,
which would not be till nearly noon.
She raised the window and called out
to Oracle and Pearl. These little maids
paused in their play to answer her.
"Oh, Bess, it's just grand on the hill
this morning." cried Pearl. yes;
can't you put baby to sleep and come
out for a while?" called Oracle.
Bessie shook her head. Tears came
into her eyes, for she hated to miss any
of the fun that was being had across
baby is, anyway" she pouted, drawing
down the window and seating herself
on a chair where she might look with
out. "a baby isn't fit for anything but
trouble" she went on. Nov Oracle
and PEARLS folks haven't a baby, so
they can go out and play whenever
they want to, even if their mamma is
away from the house."
What's that, Miss Bessie?" asked
the house maid, entering the room with
a broom and duster. Whats that
about babies, dearie?"
They're of no USE" declared Bessie,
pouting. "I don't see why 1 had to
have a baby brother when Pearl and
Oracle haven't one. They can go out
and play whenever they want to and
never have to mind a baby"
well, I think you a very naughty
GIRL said the house maid, smiling on
the little brother, who was cooling and
laughing in the happiest of moods
why, / should think little girl would
be most happy to have such a dear
baby for a brother as that darling"
And the maid stopped her work to play
moment with her dear, good-natured
baby brother
After the maid had finished tidying
the room Bessie went to where baby
brother was sitting on a big fur rug
on the floor and said to him: "You
sleep?" But baby brother only laughed
and crowed and kicked his funny fat
heels, catching at Bessie's long hair
with his dear little hands Bessie
lodged the baby fingers and frowned.
"Ah, why don't you go to sleep, you
bad boy?" she went on. Then the
naughty girl took hold of baby broth
er and pushed him over on the rug,
holding him down and saying: "Now
you shan't get up again. You must go
to sleep, so you must"
Baby brother began to cry, for the
big sister was holding him in an un-
comfortable position and he kicked
and fought to get up to a sitting pos
ture again. While he was thus cry
ing and vainly trying to get from
under his naughty sisters hands the
houSemaid again entered the room.
Taking pity on the poor little fellow,
who had been so happy but a minute
before, she took him in her arms, tell
ing Bessie that she might go away and
leave the baby to her, the maid "I'n
take better care of him than you do"
she declared. You do not deserve such
a dear little brother
May I go coasting with Pearl and
Gracie?' asked Bessie, eagerly.
No, have no authority to allow you
to leave the house." answered the
maid. Your mother might object to
your going while she is away. But you
may go downstairs and play with your
dolls and other playthings."
Bessie was glad of the chance to get
away from baby brother, and ran
downstairs as fast as she could. She
got her story books and sat down to
read. So absorbed did she become in
this occupation that the morning
passed rapidly, and when Bessie looked
up at the clock to learn the time she
was surprised to see the hands point
ing to II.
Almost time for mamma" she said
to herself. Il guess I'd better run up
stairs and see about baby brother. 1
guess Made put him to sleep, for /
e heard her come downstairs long ago,
and now she's in the parlor putting
things to rights"
Bessie ran upstairs to see how baby
brother was doing, but to her surprise
no baby was there. She looked all
about the room, on her mothers bed,
in the crib, on the sofa, but no baby
was to be found. 'T guess Maidie must
have taken him to papa's room,'' said