The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-02-28
Gracie's Memorial.

Gracie's Memorial.
1t was raining, and Oracle didn't like
that; she was looking very sober about
that and some other things. There was
company at Mr.. Gilmore's this evening
and she was invited, but her sensible
mother thought it rained too hard to
venture on "A half-mie walk, and, be-
Sides didn't quite believe in parties for
Woodworking schoolgirls. Besides, it
was Saturday evening"; who ever heard
of worse evening on which to go to
party? The Sunday school lesson was
then being studied, for Oracle always
took care to be ready with that, but she
seldom brought such frowning face to
the work. She ratified over the words
very fast, "'And these stones shall be
memorial to the children of Israel for
ever oh, dear!" These last two words
don't belong to the verse, but Oracle
spoke them as if they did. The truth
is, she heard the clock strike s Just
then, and it reminded her that the girls
were going to start for Mr.. Gilmore's at
that hour.
What long face" said Harvey; it
scares me-" Harvey was her college
brother, full of vacation and mischief;
he had pencil and paper before him, but
he did not seem to be very busy. Oracle
made no answer to his remark, but went
on with her studying.
" Just hear how it rains" her mother
said; it would have been lovely
evening for you to have walked away up
to Mr. Gilmore's, Oracle"
Miss Oracle shifted scOrnfully; q am
not made Of sugar" she said, in anything
but a respectful tone. After that she
seemed shocked and moekly added that
it was raining very hard.
Busy with thoughts of the party, there
presently came to her such n memory of
the pleasant things that were to have
been done that she mixed lesson and
words IN very queer manner again
And Joshua set up twelve stones in
the midst of jordan DO keep still
What little nuisance you are!
This meant Fanny, the 4-yearold
sister, who was trying TO slip through
very small space and reach her mother
Mr. Thomas was reading the evening
paper; he thought it was time to speak
Grace he said, severely, Il am as
tonished at you. What IA name to call
your little sister Don't let me hear it
again.
1t wouldn't do to make any answer
when her father spoke III that tone, so
Grace contented herself with flashing
an angry look mt the paper over which
his head was again bent, and going on
with her lesson. Horace left his books
and walked to the window.
1T is as dark as possible" he said.
Mother, it is almost wonder you con-
sonted to Lucy's going out this even
ing"
This made Gracies lip curl. Lucy
can do anything she wants to" she said,
sharply, because she is engaged l
suppose the rain doesn't hurt girl
after that"
For some reason Mrs. Thomas saw fit
not to notice her daughter Grace this
evening.
q did almost enter IA protest" she
said, only there seemed to be good
deal depending on her being there; it
wasn't a mere matter of pleasure
But, mother, she will get just as wet
as though it was party" This was
Grace, of course; she couldn't keep
still
Grace" her father said again, II
should be sorry to have to send young
lady of your sense to her room for rude
ness; but you make it almost neces-
sary for me to do it. What can be the
matter?
Grace got her handkerchief and
wiped two great tears from her eyes.
! oh
ashamed of herself, "and I'm all out Of
sorts any way
Horace laughed, rather provokingly,
it must be confessed.
No need to tell us that" he said !;
your face and words and manner all
proclaim it,"
Now, people who are in i'll hum r
don't like to be told of it, and Horace
was minister and ought to have known
better. Grace gave him glance that
ought to have rebuked him, rs she NUT
tered in very low undertone, Nobody
asked for your opinion"
There were five long wrink 'es on her
face after that by actual count, and
she went on with her memorial stones
in silence. She only spoke once, and
that was to say, Mother, i IN going to
bed"
Harvey had been busy with his pencil,
and very much amused for some time !;
he got up now and made a profound
bow, as he handed Oracle card.
I've been engaged in making me-
mortal of this evening for your special
comfort and help" he said solemnly !;
1T is intended to hang at the foot Of
your bed and be studied at your leisure. y
Now, what could Oracle do but accept
an innocent little card thus civilly Of
fered?
You will also observe TINT it is an