Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1899 — “Kit and Kit's Sister.” [ARTICLE]

“Kit and Kit's Sister.”

I Kitty Riley and her ai«et- Maggie had been married on tpe same day newly tthTjhenf* ago. Both bad married honest workingmen, with ateady positions, and the wages of both husbands were about equal. Each had been presented with a son and belr, and both the sisters ought to have been happy, bnt while Kit and her husband were always In good spirits, light-hearted, contented and pleased with tbeir lot, there seemed to be a shadow hanging over thb household that was ruled by Kit’s sister. It was not that any trouble or misunderstanding existed between Maggie and her husband. Far from it. They loved each other dearly, and were always happy In each other’s society, as true wives and husbands ought to be, but there soon crept into the young wife’s eyes a careworn, worried look that betokened secret sorrow of some kind. Between care for her baby and her household duties her time was fully occupied—lndeed, It was noticed that she did not take her infant out for an airing anything like as often as did her sister Kit. At first her husband, John Clarke, was too -busy to notice any change in bis wife, and If was only when Kit’s husband, Tom White, began to ask if Maggie was ailing that poor John directed his attention to his wife’s appearance. “Maggie,” be said one evening In a self-reproach ful way. “1 have been rather neglectful of you of late, I am afraid, and I haven’t been taking care of your bealtb and comfort. You are beginning to look pale and thin, and, now I notice It, the baby is not as healthy looking as he onglit to be. You’ll have to go out more. You don’t get enough of fresh air, and neither does the child! Why don’t you put him in the baby carriage and take him out for an hour or so in the mornings and afternoons?” “I haven’t time, John,” replied Maggie, In a sad tone of voice. “There Is so much to be done in tbe house, you know, and between that and the baby I don’t have a minute to spare.” “Well, your 6lster Kit has Just the same to contend with. She keeps her house clean and attends to little Tommy, and yet she finds time to take a run In the park every day with the boy, and she is as blooming and fresh in appearance as a new-blown rose.” “I know she is. John, and 1 can’t understand It.” (Here a tear crept into the little woman’s ey£ and her lip trembled.) “It Isn’t that I don't feel well, but somehow or another I am always tired. lam trying to keep things clean and straight all the time, and yet I never seem to get ahead. God knows I would often like to take baby out for a Mow of fresh air, bnt I don’t seem to be able to afford tbe time!” “Well, see here, now, Maggie," said her bnsband kindly. “Your health and the child’s Is of much more importance to me than the bouse work. Don’t do so much cleaning! It isn’t a bit necessary. I’ve noticed you scrubbing and robbing many a time when I couldn’t see tbe use of it. Take more healthy exercise and do less hard Work." “No, John, that will never do,” answered Maggie; “I’m quite willing to have some restful exercise, but not at the expense of a dean house. I like my home to be scrupulously clean at all times.”

“Well, It Is clean; I’ll give yon credit for that,” said her husband quickly, “but then you are too particular. Give as much care to yourself and the baby at you do to the housework, and you’ll feel better and so will I! Now just get baby and yourself ready, and we'll walk over to yoilr sister's—there’s a good girl.” g Maggie rose and dresfsed the baby and handed him to papa while she prepared herself. In the midst of her preparations she said: “Really, J4hn, 1 don’t see how I can afford the time to gol That kitchen floor ought to be scrubbed to-night and I was going to clean up all the door knobs and brasswork." “Let the brasswork be—photographed!” exclaimed John, somewhat testily. “You’ll keep on rubbing and scrubbing, and brushing and cleaning until you drop into the grave! Hereafter you'll hare to go out every day for at least two hours. I insist on It, and I’m going to ask Kit to come over and take you with her regularly from this day.” At Klt’g house they naturally met with a cordial reception from Tom and his wife. The house was as trim and neat and straight as busy hands could make It, but Kit and the baby had been out in the park nil the afternoon! John Clarke sighed as he noticed the different complexions of Kit and her sister. The one was ruddy with health, the other pale, wan and sickly looking. “You poor dear!” exclaimed Kit, com* miseratlngly, “I’m sure she must be 111, John, or she would not look so tired an<| weary.” “I am not 111, Kit—lndeed I am not, and you know is never was laay, but somehow I don’t seem to keep up with my work, and yet you get ahead of' yours always. I was always as strong as yon were, and naturally as quick, but I honestly cannot understand how you manage to get through all your housework and yet hare so much time to yqurself.” “Perhaps,” said Tom White, as a light gleamed in his eyes, “perhaps this secret Is easily solvable after all. Tell os, Maggie, do you use Sapollo In your housecleanlng?” “Why noT I use almost anything I can buy at the store.” “There,” cried Kit, triumphantly, “that Is really the secret of your troubles! You Just use Sapollo as I do. Maggie, and you’ll find tjie work easier in every way. You’ll have lots of time to yourself, and therefore you’ll feel better, and enjoy good health!”