The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-04-20
NOT IN VAIN.


In his own pulpit we first see Mr.
Grey.
'sWayside Grace is the name of the
tiny church. To me, fresh from the
great city, it seems very queer little
place indeed with lis low ceilings, its
wooden benches for pews, and old lat
tice-paned windows; but once the minis
ter speaks forget all the bare surround
ings, and rs the solemn simple service
goes on, ! realise tht { God is here. away
mp in this mountain village, and with
his rustic uncul;ivated congregation,
just as much may. perhaps more. than
within the most magnificent ediice.
& We only been here In our mountain
home couple of wcci-s. 1t was aliptie's
idea coming; and ever since ourparents
left US, three small children, in her care,
her will has been law, though Julie and
protested very strongly against leav-
ing the gaietcs we are so genuinely
fond Of
We are here far from the maddipg
crowd''-in great country farmhouse,
whose rambling hooks and corners
have not done exploring rs yet.
OF course PIIc, our elder sister. sides
.Nth auntic. agreeing that country air
IS just what my somewhat delicate
health needs.
1t was through her that we first be-
came acquainted with Mr.. Grey, the
young minister of whom have spoken.
They met while upon some mutual
charitable errand, then he called.
Auntie was very much pleased with
him, SO much so that she invited him to
come again, which he did.
/ must describe the manner of that
second call. Ii makes the merry laugh
bubble up even now to think of il.
Such sight as we girls were! Julia
and had been up in the hayloft, each
with favorite book, nearly all the fore
noon, until feeling sense of emptiness
that only strawberries could fill-so we
declared--we wandered down to the
great patch near the gardengate.
Prue had started off, basket upon her
arm, upon some good deed intent, some
time before.
Country life is not so bad after all,
is it. Juliep" say, after a prolonged
interval of silence. ''Talk of nectar
and ambrosia-these berries are both in
one"
jules red lips are evidently MAX
ing too intimate acquaintance with
their sister berries. for she does not re-
ply.
In the meantime the gate clicks and
light steps come up the path.
''lIcrc we are, Prue. You'd better
come before they are all gone,h cries
Julie: ''or has the sight of that adorable
young diyine-the only representative
of the gems homo this place has afford
ed as yet---rendered you oblivious to
the attractions of great luscious fellows
such as these?n
Rising. my sister holds aloft in hel
hands, crimson-staincd to The finger
tips, her basket. hcaped to Overlooking
with the ripe tempting fruit.
A sudden exclamation, followed by
the sound of flying petticoats, brings
me to my feet
No elder sisters gentle face confronts
me. but instead. two bearded counten-
apcss cndeavor in vain 10 restrain theil
mirth
look after jules form. fast fading
IN the distance, with q feeling of envy.
But it would certainly never do for two
to r,in--it would be too ridiculous; and
so l stay and make the best of it.
Let me make you acquainted with
Mr. Morgan. Miss Lisle,' Mr.. Grey
says, ''lic has but just returned from
the Continent, and, as congenial society
is so rare in this region. he requested
me to introduce him without delay TO
your aunt and sister,
His companion is young like himself,
with face as merry and full Of fun as
his own is grave and scrious--as
minister's should be, privately and
approvingly think
The gate clicks again, and this time
it is Pruc, and she too is introduced,
and we stroll together up TO the house.
Now | may as well tell the reader at
once that this is not my story at ALL
am only the narrator; for being but six
teen years of age, though dearly love
. romance, l have rs yet no sight to
heart-history.
Prue is twenty, and, rs may have al
ready been surmised, the good one of
the family. Whenever I read of q
medieval saint think of her, with her
demure sweet face and gentle admon-
ishing ways.
Then comes Julie; shall not try to |
describe her, for l should fail; it would
be as difficult task as to paint accur-
ately and infinitely the glowing tropical
colors that corruscate upon the rapidly |
quivering wings of tiny humming-
bird. Life, motion, vivacity, impulse
all these qualities are combined in my
sister jules character, and the whole
is very lovely, though ofttimcs tantalis-
ing, as all who love her have found.
Time goes on with no events, unless
the frequent visits Of our young pastor