The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-07-18
WHEN AGNES WON APPRECIA-
TION.

Agnes stood looking at the ira.
thoughtfully. She was thinking o
what Miss Andrews had said at the
last meeting of the Girls Club
There is a JOY in doing things the
best way one can, and when one hon
estly wins appreciation it's price is be-
yond rubies."
81 don't believe I'll find the JOY
said Agnes. And as for appreciation
If Mrs. Winton is pleased she never
says a word. 1t will just take up
time, and it won't do any good what
ever. It isn't as though | were carry
ing poor food to her,
Still she did not take up the wait
ing tray. 1t was filled with a sub
stantial meal in the everyday dish
es, and it was for Mrs. Winton, who
was in her room having one of her
dad days"
bad days indeed" Agnes had
once said Indignantly to herself when
some visitor condoled with the lady.
"It's some one else that has bad
days when Mrs. Winton doesn't feel
we'll"
But after a moment Agnes began
to unload the tray. She knew well
enough how to prepare dainty tray
Mrs. Winton, in spite of her fretful
temper, meant well by her young
helper, and she had given Agnes time
off to attend an afternoon cooking
class and had paid her tuition. One
of the recent lessons had been on in
valid cookery and the teacher had
especially emphasized the need of
daintiness.
81 don't believe she will even no.
tice," said Agnes. Likely she'll
turn away without even tasting it;
and If she could eat at all, the other
was all right" Nevertheless, she
took some smaller and prettier dishes
for the tray. She gathered several
nasturtiums to lay on the napkin.
She poached a fresh egg to have it
piping hot, and put it on a round of
golden toast. The tea was just the
right amber color, and the half Or
ange was large and juicy. cit does
look better" admitted Agnes as she
lifted the tray. There is JOY in do
ing things the best way. But she'll
never notice"
Mrs. Winton turned her head with
a frown of pain. 81 can't eat" she
said family.
eff you'll leave it on the stand a
few minutes, perhaps you'll feel like
taking your tea at least" suggested |
Agnes.
Leave it," murmured the sick wo-
man.
Mrs. Winton's sister came in as
Agnes was leaving, and from the
stairway Agnes heard her say: Lucy, |
you must turn around and eat lit
tie. See how appetizing your tray
looks"
Thereafter on Mrs. Winton's ill |
days Agnes took time to prepare food
especially for her. She learned, too,
to stroke the aching head until the
sufferer fell asleep. She knew when
hot water bottles and extra pillows
were needed. She heard no word of
thanks, and Mrs. Winton was as
fretful and critical as before. But
Agnes still searched after that ideal
of doing the best she could. It was
a hard place. The house was large,
and most of the work fell upon
Agnes's shoulders. She always look
ed forward in the hope of finding a
place to work.
One noon when she carried up
tray she found Mrs. Austin, the doc
tors wife, in the room.
agnes" said Mrs. Austin as the
girl turned to go after making Mrs
comfortable, ,..:edave y8u ever
thought about beinEa nurse?"
eyes," said Agnss, ''I wanted to ha
me-. but it is cut of the question
low. "as-zve-
"I have noticed that you are quite !.
leIpful about the sick room, and the :.
octor has spoken of it, too. WIN ]
, It out of the question:" 4
1T haven't enough education til
,as in high school only year when