The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1860-07-31

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business-like air, proceeded TO his work
he had nearly finished the job, which,
by the way, seemed to take him consid.
erable longer than usual, when knock
at the door caused Mrs. Grafton to put
down her knitting work and answer the
summons.
She started back in surprise at the ap-
paration which presented itself.
1t was apparently venerable crone,
nearly bent double, attired in an old plaid
cloak, and leaning for support on a rough h
stick.
"Good morning." said the visitor in a
cracked voice.
"Good morning." said Mrs. Grafton,
mentally deciding that she was an appli-
cant for charity.
"Would you like your fortune told.
my worthy madam ?" inquired the crone
in quivering voice.
Are you fortune teller % asked
Mrs. Grafton. wonderingly.
Yes, madam, can read the secret Of
the stars, and from their mystic depths
trace out their wondrous secrets. Thou
would'st know the past, present or fu-
ture 90
Now Mrs. Grafton had in her nature a
large portion Of superstitutious credulity,
and she listened with no little awe to those
words of the crone.
How much is your charge ?" she
said.
Twenty five cents" was the reply
Can you tell me the past %
Yes, madam
Every well, what is my husbands
name 90
1T was Ebenezer. But your husband
is no longer living"
You are right" said Mrs. Grafton,
quite impressed with the correctness Of
the reply. " Can you tell me how long
ago he died %
"Three years since"
On what day %
The day before Christmas"
This is wonderful said Mis-. Graf
ton to herself. /" Can you tell ME how
many children / have %
You have two, but only one is liv
ing"
Is that male or fem ale ~
1T is girl
How marvellous" thought Mrs.
Grafton. Il wish Anne was here
should like to see what she would say
about her."
But Annie did not seem likely to max Q
her appearance.
At this moment John Wyman came to
the door.
"Will this young man have his for
tune told ?" inquired the crone.
"Yes, said the young man.
What would you know the past or
future ?"
The future, by all means. my good
lady"
PROFOUND your questions"
Shall | be rich %
The old crone took his hand in hers,
and examined it attentively.
Riches await you," she said after a
considerable pause.
"Well, that is agreeable" said the
young man. "Shall | become IN any
way distinguished ?"
Again attentive examination, and the
crone started, in apparent agitation.
Young man." said she. you will
become President"
"ls it possible ?'' exclaimed both
Mrs. Grafton and John Wyman, in cho-
rus.
Rely upon my word," she said,
shaking her head solemnly.
Come" said John, gaily, "she de-
serves to be we'll paid. Here is twice
your fee.'
II cannot accept it," she said, Il
never take more than my fixed rate
This more than anything else, convinc-
ed Mrs. Grafton of the truth Of her pre-
dictions."
After the crone was gone Mrs. Graf
ton seemed plunged in brown study for
some time.
Al last she said" Mr.. Wyman, have
considered the matter which you spoke
of the other day. and if you still desire
to marry Annie, and she is willing. you
have my consent
1t is needless to say that John Wyman
very warmly protested that he was of the
same mind. That day month they were
married, and John took charge of his
mother in. law s farm
p. S.-As the reader may be anxious
to know whether the prediction has been
verified, will say that John Wyman is
now President of the b Bank
AS to the old crone. she has not been
seen since. But shrewdly suspect that
Mr.. and Mrs. Wyman know something
about her.