Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1873-12-18
REDEEMING A PROMISE
GRACE READE'S TEST.
OIL
BY o. AUGUSTA CHENEY.

"What shall do with her?'
This was what Charles Williams salJ,
as he finished reading letter he had Jus'
received from DR.. Wharton, physician
living in Audover. 1t gave the details
of tho sickness and death of his inend
and former classmate, Wilbur Reade, and
enclosed q letter which he had written
several months before. 1t ran thus:
"Ay Dear Charles You will no
doubt be surprised to receive letter
from me after a silence of so many years.
But within that time many events nave
been crowned. | was married twelve
years ago t, Grace Bently, whom you per-
haps remember. Two years OF unln>
tcrrupte happiness followed. !hen' IN
giving birth to daughter, my vile died.
This was bitter blow, but still my
child was left to me to care for and In
struct and in this employment took
great delight. But, two years ago. my
health began to fail. | moved to Ando-
yer, trusting that the fresh air OF the
country might bring back my lost health;
But | cannot deceive myself longer.
am growing weaker, and am slowly, but
surely diving. This thought would not
main me'-since | do not fear DEATH
we're It not for the thought that my
little Grace will be left alone IN the
world | have thought of various plans
for her. but none satisfied me till l re-
called your words spoken when We last
parted Goodbye, Will, and if can ever
do YOU service, command me-,
q write to you now, asked you to re
deem your promise, and be father to a
child She is gentle, amiable and afiec'
tionate, and cannot fail to win ycur love-
Transfer the affection you felt Tor hei
father to the child. and my heartfelt
gratitude will be yours.
a may live several weeks, perhaps
months, but / sSall teel easier knowing
that Grace is provided for. and will receive
yoSr hind care and affection. leave sui
6cient property to pay all her expenses
and to provide for her future wants.
This letter will be forwarded to 20,
after my death, by my pbysciaa and friend
DR. Wharton. who will take charge o
Grace till YOU are able to come tor her
- Your Old Friend.
WILBUR READE."
Accompanying this letter was a no.
from DR.. Wharton, stating that Mr.. Read
died the week previous. and that h,
daughter Grace was stopping with hlmsel
and Mrs. whartoa, VINO were her father
friends. He added that he had forward
ed the enclosed letter at Mr.. hcade
request, and should be happy to see MI
Williams at any tino when agreeable
himself. -.
Charles williams sat for a few me
ments wondering what he should DO Wit
his young charge. Ha was a bachelor . q
thirty, and. it was rather awkward 10
him to have the care of child. how
ever. he would not refuse to take her 10
her father and himself has been ehums 'o
rether. True, Mr.. Reade was hve year
older than Charles. bat that had maze u
difference in their friendship. 90 "
young man determined to start tue ne'
, day to bring the child home with h,"'
He reached Andevcr carly in the a
ternoon, and found the house OF y
Wharton without difficulty. de 'n'r'
duced himself to Mrs. WHARTON VINO 'o'
him that Grace hadgoue to the cemete'
as was her daily custo n, to carry howe
to place on her fathers grave,
!. "Perhaps sir" said she, 'you will con
in and wait her coming; she will not
!, absent long"
II think l will seek her if you Will