The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-07-26
CHAPTER XE.

AlIS. Aal1ils WHO HIS really Ietoh u
ed her health, is seated by the side Of a
bright coal fire. Upon the opposite side
of the room sit two little boys busy
at a game of checkers. At her feet
kneeIs a little cury-headed girl, of five
summers, very intent with "Mother
Goose's Melodies" To the left, partly
reclining upon the old-fashioned chintz
lounge, with her feet upon a footstool,
sits Cordelia, her second daughter, por-
ing over the pages Of the last new novel.
On the right, near the window, in
large easy chair, with heavy tartar
shawl thrown over her shoulders, sits
our Old friend Oracle, looking like a
visitant from some spirit land.
Glow late is it, mother? ! wonder
how long it will be before Blanche will
be here?" asked the invalid, looking
anxiously out of the window upon the
now leahess trees, which shaded the
walk from the house to the street. I do
want TO see her once more before
leave this world. l have something to
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the shawl closer about her frail form.
at is almost four, and she will soon
be here if she is coming to-day" an
swered Mrs. Marsh, as she arose and
walked toward her daughter. "Gracie,
my child, you are not going TO leave us
for many years, / trust. DO not talk so
1t makes one feel so dreadfully," aud
the aflectionatc, doting mother pillowed
her daughters head upon her bosom,
while the tears OF maternal love flowed
thick and fast
"'There is a carriage driving up" eN-
claimed Cordelia, throwing down her
book and running to the door.
Thanks! thanks, Cousin Blanche
has come at lastr' murmured the in
valid, and as her mother went to meet
Blanche she added, "'tis the last time
/ shall ever see her on earth"
"What did you say?" asked little
Madeline, climbing into her sisters lap
and putting her arms lovingly around
her neck. "Sweet Oracle, what did you
say?'
u am going TO leave you, Lima" an
swered Oracle, land you must be a good
girl and obey mother; and you must
take Gracie's place when she is gone
will you not?n asked she, as she parted
the golden ringlets and kissed the baby
brow.
The child made no reply, for her little
heart swelled with grief; but laying her
head upon that dear sisters breast, she
wept in silence
Darling, darling Gracie" and the
arms Of Blanche were twined around
her.
For 4 moment there was silence
Then Blanche, releasing herself, stepped
back as she fixed her gaze upon hel
cousin. "How changedr' she inwardly
commented.
II was afraid you would not come
dear Blanche, and began to be impa
tient, but now that know that you arr
here at last, ! will lay down a littl,
while and compose myself, for am no
very well to-day, and a little excite
ment makes me weaker
Mrs. Marsh assisted her daughter {,
the next room, which had been fittcC
up expressly for the dear girls comfort
Lifting her upon the bed she kissed he
pale brow, and bidding her "try an,
take a nap" drew down the curtain.
and left her alone, while she returned t,
the sitting-room.
"How Grace has changedr' observe,
Blanche, in a subdued voice "Why,
had no idea she was so i'll when 81,
sent for me. She seemed very well tn,
last time ! saw her"
''She was always rather delicate. yo,
know" answered her mother: .but he
cough has seemed to grow worse for n,
last year, and her health has been dc
cIining ever since. She never con
plains, nor utters even a groan, but
fear we shall not have her long"
\ low sob was heard from the opp,
site side of the room, when, lookiu
around, they beheld little Lima, her IA,
buried in her hands, weeping as if h
heart would break.
"What is the matter, dear Lima.
asked Cordelia, going to her and takir
her up.
go, my dear, sweet Oracle is going
dier' screamed the child, clinging
her sister.
80 no. Lima" said her sister, tryir
10 comfort her "Who told YOU Grac
would die?"
80, no one here. But Oracle said 81
was going to leave me and l must tai
her place." sobbed the little creatur
''And Lima knows that Oracle will al
for the happy angels told her So, co
tinued she, drying her tears and poin
ing with her finger TO the skv. "Ia
night l heard such sweet musie,-av,
sweeter than Oracle sings! And. mot
er, an angel, a bautiful angel. stood
Oracle on one side and papa on +
other, and said, Come home. Groc
come home;' and 1 thought l held Il
fast, and papa said, You shall con
too, my little Lima And then su
music! 0 mama! o Della! 1 was
happy! But now Oracle is going wit