The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-11-10
BARBARA'S LESSON.

Should Care sOr Her Aged Grandpxr-
ents.
Barbara" The little rosy-chcekcd
owner of that name was lying on the
lounge in the sitting-room, very much
interested in reading "Dotty Dimple."
II s'pose grandpa's lost his cane
most likely" she said to herself. ut
seems as if he is the most forgetfulcst
man ever saw. Imost believe he hides
his hat and cane when he comes in SOS
to have me hunt 'em up. May be he
don't. but it seems SOL ag, %.
Barbara called again grandps's
quiverlng voice.
I'm coming" said Barbara, just to
quiet her conscience, for she knew very
well grandpa could not hear her.
II just want to finish this chapter,
and besides. grandma thinks you 90
out too much" added the naughty
girl to herself.
Then she went on with her reading,
but she did not enjoy it any more, SO
she put it away. and went to see what
was wanted of her. 49,.
"Grandpa called you to 20 down to
the store with him." said grandma,
He wanted some pep'mint drops for
his cold, but he's so forgetful don't
like to trust him alone, and had to let
him take ten-dollar bill because there
wasn't any change. l do hope he
won't lose It! You didn't hear him
call, did you. Barbara" a.
40 grandma, just see that robin
in the plum tree! And here comes
grandpa all rigbtr' WIZ o.
"Idon'tknow," said Grandma Grey,
going to the door. He looks as if he
was in trouble. or something"
20 grandpa, faltered Barbara,
''what is the matterp" Hi .'a-e f.t
"You haven't lost the money, I
hope," added grandma, anxiously.
But the old man did not answer. He
dropped down on the nearest chair,
and began to turn his pockets inside
out nervously. '( don't know, moth
err" he said, with hopeless look.
I'm afraid can't seem to remem-
Der, but I'm pretty sure putt in my
pocket when paid for the things. Yes,
I'm pretty sure, but 'tisn't here"
"Well." said grandma, wiping her
eyes on her apron, you are too old to
90 to the store alone. l don't know
how we can spare the money. but there
will be some way. Don't feel bad,
father. We don't need many things"
and the dear old lady smiled through
her tears. and took up her knitting.
Poor Barbara! she felt as ii she
could never he happy again. For. not
withstanding her needless ways, she
had tender heart. and dearly loved
her grandparents. who had taken her,
a feeble baby, from her dying mothers
arms, and been to her all that father
and mother could be. How much she
owed them! She knew very we'll the
ten-dollar bill could not be spared
without sacrifice.
She slipped quietly out Of the house,
and went down the village street. look
ing carefully as she went; but she saw
nothing Of tie money, and her heart
grew heavier every moment, and the
hot tears dropped on the bright leaves
at her feet She reached the grocery
where grandpa went to trade, and
went in, asking, in a trembling tone:
%, Mr. Cummings did Grandpa
Grcy"-
Before she could finish her question
the grocer answered: Eyes, he left his
change on the counter, and he got out
Of sight before could call him. Here
it is, Barbara, but he is too old-your
grandpa is-to go about alone"
'Iknow 1t; it was all my fault" said
the little girl. '.l'll never let him 60
again. Thank you, dear Mr.. Cum
mings. for keeping the change" and
Barbara hurried home with the money
held firmly in her hand. and, wiping
the tears from her eyes, she cried:
'.Its all right. grandpa! I've got 1t
here in my hand-don't you see? l
heard you calling me all the time, too,
and pretended not to hear; but I'll
never in all my life be so naughty
again, if you'll only forgive me-"
"You are good little girl. Barbara"
said grandpa.
But Grandma Grey took off her spec.
tacles and wiped them carefully; then
she bent down and kissed the little
girls flushed, penitent face, and said:
II hope il will be q lesson to you. my
dear child. for grandpa and grandma
are growing old. and you will have to
take care of them now.-Juiid D. Peck,
! in E1uth's Companion.