Year: 1873

suppose ~ ana IN dnOtner moment
Mrs. Lawson was actively preparing
a substantial breakfast, which, with
some help from Mr. Markham in tell
ing her where things were kept, was
soon ready for the table, while little
waiter stood neatly arranged for TAX
ing a tempting little meal to the
weary mother, who was still watch.
ing by the sick bed.


Mrs. Markham will feel better fol
a cup of tea and bit of toast viii
you take it to her, sir" said the
kindly neighbor, "and | will have all
ready for you and the little man when
you come down"


As she spoke, she stopped to give
little Robbie, who had been atten.
lively watching her, kiss, and care.
fully lifting him into his high chair
tied on his table apron, which she
saw was hanging ready for the pur.
pose, and placed his breakfast before
him.


Mrs Markham looked up, and made
a sign of silence, as her husband en-
tered the room with the waiter.


"She is really sleeping quietly
she whispered, as she came forward
to meet him, "and there is moisture
upon the skin. | do think the sym
toms are more favorable. Why Hen
ryw she exclaimed, with a glance Of
surprise at the waiter, what a good
cook you are! | had no idea that
you could get breakfast so nice"


"You are not indebted to me for it, >
replied her husband with a smile
1--WE have help of the first quality
down stairs, | assure you"


as it possible! What a relief
Did Doctor Merrill send her ~


mo, indeed! She came on heI
own accord. 1t is our neighbor, Mrs
Lawson. She heard of our situation
and came to offer her services"


"And you asked her to get break.
fast Why, Henrvr'


1T is all right, | assure you. little
wife. She is just the kindest, the most
mothcrIv sort of woman you ever
saw, and takes right hold the first
thing she sees needs to be done. She
said cup of tea would do you good
and asked me to take it up to you
and then come to my own breakfast
She has it all ready"


"Go then, by all means; / am sure
you need it. But it does seem SC
strange to be indebted to a stranger
in this way" replied Mrs. Markham
with sigh, as she closed the door
gently after her husband, and sat
down to refresh herself from the little
waiter.


And now, Mr.. Markham, said his
new friend, as the gentleman finished
his morning meal, and expressed his
earnest thanks, ''if you will trust
your family to my care for the day,
and go to your business as usual, |
will do my very best to attend to
them faithfully"


But my dear madam, it seems to
much to ask of you. We have nc
claim upon you for such kindness"


II do not see it in that light. We
all have claims upon each other for
kindness and sympathy. l have O
daughter at home who can attend to
the family, so you need not hesitate
to accept my offer. | am very glad
to be of use to you"


Mr.. Markham thought of his boast
ed motto; Take care of number one ;
and stood rebuked in the presence OF
his friendly neighbor.


An early visit from the doctor, and
an assurance that the disease was TAX.
ing a more favorable turn, diffused a
cheerful sphere throughout the house
Mr.. Markham went to his business,
and Mrs. Lawson, after putting the
house in order and Attending to little
Robbie's wants, went, in her mother.
ly way, to the sick-room, and kindly
won her way to the hearts of both
mother and daughter.


When Mr.. Markham returned in
the evening, he was surprised to find
his wife awaiting him at the supper
table, and to hear from her that Julia
was quite willing to have Mrs. Law.
son to stay with her part of the time.


"Shc knows exactly what to do for
the poor child far better than | do y
added the mother; land she is so
very kind that | feel as if had known
her all my life"


ut is blessing to have her with
US, | am sure" was the reply; "but
it seems too much to ask of neigh
bor.u


81 know it does; and / said so to
Mrs Lawson, but she says it is real
pleasure to her She is going to watch
with Julia tonight, and let US sleep,
and she has told the doctor of wo-
man, who lives two or three miles
from here, who, she thinks, will be
willing to come and stay with US un-
til the sickness is over. The doctor
will see her tonight. and bring us
word in the morning"


THAT is good news. l hope he
will be successful. And now for sup
per. feel very tired, and shall be
very glad to rest, if l feel sure that
you are to be relieved. The last two
nights have been very trying for both
of u.s."


Quiet and refreshing sleep, and en-
couraging accounts from the kind
nurse the next morning, had restored
the weary patients. Doctor Merrill
came early with the welcome tidings
that a woman, well qualified for her
work, would be there within an hour.


1--WE are very grateful to you ?"
said Mrs. Markham, as her kind
neighbor bid her goodbye prOmis-
ing to look in agaiE by and by, after
she had seen to her own family lit
tle."


"And l am so glad that | have been
of use to you," was the reply. 1T
is such a pleasure to help those who
are in trouble"


81 have given up my old motto, my
dear" said Mr.. Markham to bis wife,
as he returned from accompanying
Mrs. Lawson to the door. 81 am con-
vinced it will not answer to always
look out for number one.'"


1T will not, indeed. Henry" was
the earnest reply. 1--WE are SO de-
nendept unon zach nthar