The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1922-09-09
90. I III
CHILDREN'S HOUR
cARLoTTA's LOST CLUTCHES.

She slipped downstairs so lightly
that Monday morning that crutches
seemed the last thing to be associated
with her. But she was hardly seated
at the breakfast table before the ne,
cessity for them began to appear.
Matte, l promised to get that
book OF recitations to Ethel, and now
| shan't have time. Could you go up
there some time today?"
Matte, her sister, three years older,
looked frankly dismayed.
ooh, CaTlotta! I've got such a busy
! day planned. The dressmaker is com.
ing and l thought if l worked with
her, we could pretty nearly finish
making over my blue serge"
well, I'm sure l don't know what
Ethel will do remarked Carlotta.
'The entertainment is on Friday. you
know and Ethel is very slow about
learning anything"
The older sister drew a long, re-
signed breath.
I'll have to take it, of course -
she said, "but I don't know how to
spare the time"
That conversation was Characters
tic. All her life lCarlotta had. been
dependent on human crutches. # she
were going out for the evening. the
other members of the family were
called upon to get her ready. Would
Matte mind running fresh ribbon in
to her underwear?
krnd then brother Bob was sum
moned from his game of checkers
with his father.
Bob, please shine my pumps for
me. / don't want to get my fingers
all black"
And after a little, mother would be
called on to hunt for Carlotta's lace
edged handkerchief.
After the door closed upon her, the
family all sat down and took long
breaths Of relief.
As q matter OF face, Carlotta hardly
realized that she was making use
OF clutches. It did not occur. to her
that she was especially dependent,
There was always someone at hand to
do the thing she had left undone. to
make up for her lack Of foresight and
her neglected preparation. And SO
CarDtta went on her way very we'll
satisfied with herself, and not at all
conscious Of her crutches.
It was Aunt Margaret who opened
her eyes. Coming for a visit to her
brothers. family, Aunt Margaret had
watched with grave disapproval Car
lotta's way of relying on other people
to do the things she herself should
have done It would not be an easy
matter, Aunt Margaret realized, to
help Carlotta correct that fault.
severe lesson would be necessary
Aunt Margaret wondered what form
that lesson should take.
From her brothers house Aunt
Margaret was going out West, ston-
ping for time in Chicago and then
taking wonderful trip that included
Pixies Peak and the Yellowstone and
California. Carlotta's eye always
grew very big when Aunt Margaret
discussed her plans.
1T sounds like taking "trip to
faiTyland,' she declared one day.
Aunt Margaret looked at her very
thoughtfully.
would you like to go with me,
CarIotta?"
Like to go?" Carlotta flushed as
she repeated the question. Like to.
Aunt Margaret Why, it would he
the most wonderful thing / ever heard
Of
Aunt Margaret rejected.
I am going home next week, and
I start the 10Th. If you meet me
the afternoon lbf the 18th at Marden
Junction, will take you with me.
provided, Of course, your parents are
willing"
Carlotta started, unable to believe
her ears.
You'll take mech, Aunt Mar
garet, you must be joking"
Her aunt smiled.
y I'm not joking, Carlotta, but there
is a condition. You must get ready
without any assistance"
Get ready-why, don't know what
you mean?"
You must rely on yourself in max
ing your preparations, just as though
the family did not exist. You must
buy your own ticket, order your own