The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-05-17
II.
THE ARR1vAL OF GRACE MARSH.

THE ARRIvAL OF GRACE MARSH.
unusually happy smile rested upon
the fair features Of Blanche Levere two
weeks after our first introduction to her
as she, with a pretty little tidy spread
out before her, sat crocheting upon the
piazza, enjoying the cool morning
breeze as it danced among her curls.
Throwing down her work she ex-
claimed: "Oh, am out Of all patience
I do wish Sonora would comei Only
one week more and then-ho for splen-
did party! But bark! there comes a
carriage up the walk. do wonder if il
is Grace; she was to have been here
about this time" and rising upon the
little footstool, she stood gazing down
the lawn in hopeful expectation. "Oh,
1 am so glad! 1t is she! it is she ~ and
without any more ceremony was soon
at the gate to receive her. "Weleome
once more to the homesteadr' exclaimed
she, as her cousin alighted from the
old-fashioned stage-coach, and placing
an arm afiectionately around her waist,
escorted her up to the house.
"How is dear grandpa and grandma ?n
asked Grace, as she ascended the grand
old piazza.
''Both in excellent health" answered
the old lady herself, coming forward;
''but how is my little Oracle - and TAX
ing of her heavy gold spectacles she
kissed her granddaughter, as she led
the way into the comfortable, old-fash-
ioned parlor. 'tSit down, my other
pet" said the kind old lady, "and
grandma will see what she can get for
you, for you must be hungry and faint
after your long ride"
''You have scarcely given me time to
speak, so anxious have you been about
my welfare" replied Oracle; 'but, dear
grandma, do not give yourself any I'M
easiness about me, for l shall get along
well enough till dinner time"
'But a piece of grandma's good Gus
tard pie, and a glass of eurrant wine,
viii do wonderful things towards help
Al4E NOu ~ LUAAh El0t WIN lAAOAG lAAtlAANN
upon all the topics so interesting TO us
girls" added Blanche, looking mis-
chievously at her grandmother rs she
left the room. "After you get rested we
will 60 TO my room," continued she,
"and have a real good chat. I have so
many things to ask and to tell you. Oh,
by the way, l am expecting Sonora
Hewitt here every minute. They have
a country seat about a quarter of a mile
from us. You remember her, do you
not ?'
"Let me see,n said Grace; "she at
tends Madame C--'s school, does she
not? Yes, I have been introduced to
her and met her once or twice in COM
pany. have heard my sister Cordelia
speak of her as q very lovely girl"
"She is, indeed, one of the sweetest
girls I ever met with, though little too
fastidiOus about some things l think.
The other day had my fortune told,
and according to the prophecy, we are
to become rivals" and throwing back
her head, Blanche burst into a hearty
laugh
81 hope you will not prove a danger
GUS one" said our heroine, just ther
opening the door, and Overhearing th'
last part of her friends speech.
"Good morning. l am 50 glad yOu
are here at LAST said Blanche, taking
Sonora by the hand and leading her for
ward ''This is my cousin, Oracle
Marsh, whom believe you have met
before"
81 am happy to meet you once more
Miss Marsh" said Sonora, extending
her hand. 'May we become better ac,
quainted?"
mot while you call me Mss 8larsh,' >
said Oracle, pretending to look very in
dignant.
''Well, dear Gracie, then,'' and kiss
ing each other, they were as well ac
quainted as if they had always know
each other.
That's the wayw exclaimed Blanche
putting an arm around the waist {
each, and the three girls voices mingle
together till it became quite a difiicu
matter to distinguish one from I'll
other.
"HoityI toityI what a clatterm e.
claimed the voice Of good old grandI
Marsh, as he opened the door, unheal
by the occupants, followed by his bett'
half. and a servant bearing a tray, col
tanning goodies from grandma's we
stored closet. $50 you are here
last" said he, addressing his lately a
rived granddaughter; "and we inter
keeping you, too" and he kissed d
little ruby lips, held up so temptingly
his own. Then, turning to Sonora
"Why, yOu little puss, you look as swe
as pink this morning. 1 have a 90,
mind to serve you the same as Oracle
and patting her rosy cheek he seat,
himself in the large easy chair that h
father had sat in many years befor
while grandma Marsh entertained II
girls by lengthy recital Of the superi
excellence Of her currant wine. Whi
they are enjoying themselves, we W
take the liberty Of informing our reade
more particularly Of Grace Marsh. H
father and Blanche's mother had be
brother and sister, so that she claim
the same relationship to Captain Man
and his wife that Blanche did. In
the decease of her father, which II;