The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-04-22
THE CATHOLIC BULLETIN, APRIL %, 1911

TAKEN HOWARD SaxtOn Wnen MS par
ents died and reared him to manhood
along with three other homeless rela-
tives. 1t was well known that Of her
little family Howard was the favorite,
so she would only add to the troubles of
the household by sympathizing with
him and helping along his imaginary
woes. No wonder Mrs Saxton pre-
pared the spare chamber with a sink
Ing heart, listening as she ran up and
down stairs with clean linen and fresh
water to her husbands complaints and
desires for this or that to make him
more comfortable.
well! Well! How do you all do?
Have you been sick, Howard? You
look rather peaked" was the greeting
of Aunt Susanna, as she came into the
house rather Unexpectedly Mrs. Sax
ton had planned to meet her at the
station and warn her about her ne
phew, but the depot carriage brought
pected, owing to sudden change of
plans. How are you, Emma? My, but
the wind is strong today!"
| All this time the vigorous old lady
was removing her veil, and shaking
hands, and telling the driver where
to put her luggage in her old breezy
| fashion.
We'll, I'm not as we'll as I'd like to
be-" said Mr. Saxton, Imply shaking
hands, "but it's all I can expect, I
suppose. T never hope to be we'll in
this world" His tone was a hopeless
whine and he looked respondent.
wont you come upstairs and rest,
/ IT have your room all ready for you.
You must be tired from your trip"
| mot bit tired" said the old lady
heartily IT want to sit right down
here and hear what is the matter with
this boy. Why in the world didn't
you tell me long ago I'm real scared
about you.''
whats the use?" returned Mr.. Sax
ton, signing deeply. Emma and the
doctor are all the time arguing with
me that there's nothing wrong with
me, so l thought you'd say the same
thing. I've often heard about sick
folks not being understood, but I never
dreamed that would be my fate.
Even John Floods, who used to call
himself a good friend of mine, said
yesterday that ought to be out plow-
ing corn, that the work was too heavy
for Edward. Maybe when I'm in my
grave they'll realize how I suffered.
Why, can't go upstairs without losing
my breath"
Something's got to be done," said
Aunt Susanna with decision, land that
right away. By the looks of your
complexion you need hot foot bath
and some boneset tea You just lie
down on the lounge, and I'll have
things ready in a hurry. Emma, you
look after this boy. I've had many a
case to deal with like his, and I don't
take a back seat for trained nurses
land doctors"
Mrs. Saxton did weeI in dead earn
est as she set about making prepare
tions for dinner, and saw through the
open door what went on. Aunt
Susanna tied on huge Bingham
apron, got the invalid's feet in hot
bath, and had him making face
over the familiar drink of his boyhood
before half an hour went past When
dinner was on the table she had him
snugly tucked up on the lounge and
the shades down so he could take a
nap.
IT feel as if T could eat something"
said the patient feebly, as the odors
of stewed chicken, fresh rhubarb pie,
and warm biscuits f1oated in through
the open door.
mot right after that tea," said the
nurse in charge. "You take nap,
} Howard, and then I'll prepare some
; thing special for you. I know Emma
is a first-rate cook, but sick people
, need nourishing things that are not
| too heavy"
So he dutifully drifted off to slum-
Der, while the family enjoyed the de-
licious things in the dining room and
talked in subdued tones. The hot
bath, the tea kept him asleep until
the middle of the afternoon, when he
woke up ravenously hungry. Aunt
. Susanna was ready for him, and ap-
. peared with dainty tray set forth
, with tiny bowl of chicken broth,
two crackers and a spoonful of boiled
, rice Mr.. Saxton looked at the meager
| outfit with dismay, but there was no
use protesting. His elderly relative
; had said he must stay on the lounge,
and he was forced to obey.
All the afternoon Mr.. Saxton really
, enjoyed himself talking about his
complaints, but at supper time he
was not allowed to partake of the good
| q q ~~.s~~ L..