The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-05-17


, who. being left with scarcely enough
, means to educate her three young
daughters, had nearly given up to de-
spair, and had it not been for the self
sacrificing daughter, would have sunk
/ beneath the blow. Her sister COrdelia,
, two years younger than herself, had
been placed at Madame C-'s school
! by q wealthy lady, after whom she was
, named. Grace was now eighteen. She
was not beautiful, neither was she per-
feet as a heroine of a story is generally
pictured out to be, but her delieately
moulded form and fine features could
be well termed ''good iOoking''-a least
so thought many a young man who had
sued for her love in vain. Her large
brown eyes, so full Of love and tender
ness, had never yet rested upon one to
whom she could say, "Where thou goest
will 90, thy people shall be my people,
and thy God my God" No. Her heart
was yet free, but how long did it remain
so? All, we will not anticipate. She
was noble and generous by nature, with
a mind well cultivated with the useful
as well as the ornamental. She could
not only sing and dance, but could also
"bake and brew" with the agility of a
slIillful hand. She could regale her
guests with some of the daintiest bread
and pastry, made by her own delicate
hands, while the same little fingers
would bring forth some of the sweetest
music from the finely toned piano, which
served not only for her amusement, but
was also an instrument of great service
in teaching her pupils. Such a girl as
this was Oracle Marsh. No wonder she
was loved by those who knew her best.
But TO return-after they had partaken
of some refreshments, and the girls had
retired to Blanehe's little boudoir, they
began arranging and talking over the
anticipated party, which was TO take
place one week from that night
~ hope your mother will consent to
Delia's coming" said Sonora to Grace.
~ quite long to see her, though it is but
month since left her at SCHOOL,
81 do not think it will be possible for
her to leave when am away" replied
Grace, as she turned over some engrav-
ings upon the table. "But we shall
have fine times when we return to New
York, now that we are so well acquaint-
ed. COrdelia graduates next summer, ]
believe.n
''Yes," answered Sonora, "we both
enter the graduating class this year"
''Then look out for two paragons of
smartness," said Blanche, her roguish
eyes sparkling with mischief. "But
come, what about the party, Sonora?
You know that you are my right hand
man., and great deal of the arrange
ments devolve upon you. We will APP
point you captain, and we, your loyal
subjects, are ready to obey"
"Well, then, to begin, let us three sit
down and write the Invitations" and
opening large box sitting upon the ta-
bic, Sonora took out a package of note
papers and envelopes, and dividing
them, handed parts to each of her COM
panions. Then, going to Blanehe's lit
tie writing desk, she took out the ink
and a pen for each. "There, now, let
us begin," and setting the example, she
seated herself with the list of guests be-
fore her and began writing. About two
hours were thus occupied, when the last
one was finished by Blanche, who
jumping up just as the bell sounded fol
dinner, exclaimed, zone hundred and
fifty! Well, that is pretty good for {
country party. What do you think
girls?"
"Capitalr' exclaimed both at once.
'rNow let us pack them nicely in thi:
little basket" said Sonora, "and they
will be ready for Juno to deliver this af
ternoOn."
, Finishing this important task, they
descended to the dining room, wher,
grandpa stood carving leg Of lamb
: whose savory smell might have causeC
= the mouth of an epicure to water, whil'
a grandma, at the door, stood waiting t
receive them.
=, "Come, girls, be seated" said grand
If pa, as they entered. 81 want your opin
d ion on this roast. 1t is one Of the lamb
II Fof our fiock.r
le "Oh, we can imagine already, for see
ing is believing" said Oracle. takiu,
& her seat beside grandpa.
"a "And these delightful peas and ne,
"A potatoes are from grandma's own lttI
pr garden, I'll wager" said Sonora, wh
n was in the habit Of calling Blanche
II grandparents by their afTectisnate title
NJ "Yes, and these tarts were made E,
p pressly for our little pet,r said the ol
"A lady, as she glanced toward Sonora.
70 'FThank you, dear grandma" al
10 swered Sonora, and seating herself b
tween Blanche and her grandmOthe
o, began partaking with the rest of IL
"A bountiful supply with which the tab
- was loaded.
"a Here we will not intrude, but lea,
IL them to the enjoyment Of their mea
q uninterrupted by the peering eyes
he strangers.
or CHAPTER III
lie RIssFY, soSoRA's PUPIL
i'll Juno having been dispatched with Il
,rs invitations, the girls spent the afte
.er noon wandering among the fine o
en- trees in the garden and forming pla
ed with reference to the party till at Ia