The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1881-06-30

Is writing book on the revolutionary
war, and he wishes to come and study
about the battle that took place here.
If we found we like the place we
might live here permanently, and then
grandmother would probably let me do
something with the store-fancy work
and trimmings perhaps"
"An excellent idea! Most young
ladies now days are not so thoughtful"
said Mr.. Norman, with appreciation.
The serious young lady had made q
| decidedly favorable impression. "Jo,
bring the keys" Then, soto voce,
"Thats my son, he's the youngest;
my. married daughter lives out in
It's very nice house, if it is old. :"
said 10, coming forward with the keys.
IAN excellent, comfortable house."
added the father, taking the keys from
Joe's unwilling hand. and giving him
one Of these stereotyped looks which
always accompanied his "Don't 90
away, Jo." 10 watched the demure
young lady and his. father cross the
street and enter the house.
"Yes, there he goes coughing his
head off with the DUST" mutIered 10,
then resolutely walked into the store,
opened the door leading into the dwell
ing part, and amazed Mrs. Badger, who
was seated pairing potatoes and reading
a tract, by requesting her to keep an
eye on the store moment. 1t was q
most unheard-of action on the part of
Joseph to leave the store in his fathers
absence, fact that Mrs. Badger had
| ascertained when the sound of the
strange voice before the store compelled
her to the narrow aperture Of the key
hole in the intervening door. 10 strobe
across the street, and entered the house
while his father was still fumbling at q
window shutter.
THE air is too close here for you,
father" said 10, in a decided tone.
"GO back to the store and I'll show the
house." Without waiting for the very
probable dissent, Joseph began unfast-
ening the shutters. excusing the dust
and pointing out the various merits of
the property with great briskness.
"Well, well!' muttered Mr.. Norman,
stepping to the front door for fresh air,
and wiping his beaded forehead. ''What
are things coming to?" While waiting,
as if to propose satisfactory solution
to his perspicuous question, he heard
the voice of Miss Dean in one of the
back rooms.
what lovely old man your father
seems 10 be- she was saying, doubt
less thinking he had returned to the
grocery; "a deacon he tells me, in one
of your churches. My old grandmother
would enjoy his conversation so much.
| can appreciate what it is to have been
brought up under such pious surround
ings. My parents were worldly peo-
pie, and l owe everything to my dear
grandmother benign influence"
"She must be remarkable lady for
her years." said 10, at a venture.
ooh, she is. Her conversation is
beautiful Every one loves her; and
brother and revere her as-as you
doubtless do your father"
Joseph could be heard asserting his
filial regard as they walked beyond ear
shot. Mr.. Norman was Immediately
further favorably disposed toward the
proposed tenant. and began discounting
the probable influence of at least one
member of such desirable family over
his "wild" son. In few minutes
Miss Dean and Joseph returned, and
found Mr.. Norman re-entering the front
door.
THAT old-fashioned bulk window"
she said, pointing to it, "can be made
a snug, sunny place for grandmother to
sit in while reading or knitting. Until
we decide about the store. we could put
chintz curtain across the lower half
of the window-glasses. That would
make it retired for her, and yet not
prevent her looking out at the sides of
the window when she felt inclined,
using this as a sort of sitting room
understand? She is very feeble, and
can scarcely bear company at all. She
Graves it. too, but we have to be care
full. am sure, Mr.. Norman, as have
been telling your son, that could not
have found q house that would better
suit her; and, brother, also, he vener-
ates all that is DID,
"rm glad it does suit you," said the
elder grocer. "My housekeeper, Mrs.
Badger, will come over to-day to sweep
and air it for you; and hope Well not
long be strangers.
"You and grandmother know will
soon be good friends. How far from
here did you say the church wasp
''Only four blocks" replied Mr..
Norman, "and the parsonage is next
door. Our pastor. Mr.. Ruddiford, is
out Of town to-day, but-Jo, suppose
Dean
"Yes, would like to see it. Grand
mother will be sure to ask if did,
though she is not strong enough to at
tend any meetings, which is a great
cross to her. But I'm glad you think
she will like MIR. Ruddiford; that will
please her."
The following morning but one, as Jo
was very busily engaged in the store.
his father discovered a close carriage
stopping before the door of the late
Mrs. Rayner. Mr.. Norman rushed
across to lend assistance, but 10, under
the circumstances was not even free to
stand in the store door with Mrs.
Badger and watch.
1.-THE dear old woman, how tenderly
they support herr' exclaimed that lady,
when Mr.. Dean, with the aid of his Sis
ter, slowly assisted the bowed, feeble
form of their aged grandmother into
the house. Mr.. Norman was proud to
help the driver with the baggage, and
though Mrs. Dean had been much
fatigued by the journey, her whispered
thanks for his kindness sounded in his
ears like blessing.
"It is beautiful, Mrs. Badger, to wit
ness the care and attention which they
give to that dear old mother in Israel"
remarked MIR. Norman, at the dinner
table. Her every wish is anticipated"
"What comfort for her old days.
fervently exclaimed Mrs. Badger, and
then sighed as she glanced at 10.
That Ne'0s paragraph was furnished
by that warm-hearted man, the Rev.
Mr.. Ruddiford, who, accompanied by
Mr.. Norman, made an early and edify-
ing visit to the head of the house.
Though her physical strength seemed
frail, forcing her to speak at intervals,
and with considerable effort, her re-
marks were so excellent that Mr.. Rud-
diford begged permission to make a