The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-02-18
" Is it showing, S. ?"

blinds, and tell Melindy want the
lamp"
Now Melinda was as sharp and angu-
lar as Mrs. Ketcham was stout and fat.
AS she brought in the lamp and placed
it on the table, she turned and con-
fronted her mistress.
"Wall, Mrs. Ketcham, here it be
Christmas eve. Air you going to have
a chicken or suthin' extra tomorrow p"
mot l." said Mrs. Ketcham, tartly
You know there hain't going to be
any company to set out for. 1 suppose
you recollect that 1 mailed that letter
to New York ?''
Yes. UNI, L recollect."
If did marry Deacon Ketcham, it
stands to reason L hain't got to open
house, my own private property, to
take in his daughter-in-law and grand
child They hain't no kin of mine
that see !"
p" Wall, twas jest for Christmas. 1
kinder wanted to see that child of Char
lies" said Melinda.
You won't though. 1 made up my
mind I'd best set my foot right down
on this visiting, first as last. Charles
Ketcham had no business to up and die
as he did," responded Mrs. K.
Melinda started for an instant to
leave the room, but pausing and wait
ing moment spoke intently: Dying
is a sort of ketching thing in this
world" and away she went to the
kitchen.
Click, click, click, went Mrs. Ketch-
ANS steel knitting needles. The sharp
clatter was so incessant that she didn't
hear the gate open. A sudden rap at
the door startled her, and at once neigh
Dor Brown called out: "Come, hurry
up, there I've fetched your folks from
the station, Mrs. Ketcham."
That lady stood transfxed with as
constituent, as small child entered,
followed by the aforementioned ''Sa-
rah." Neighbor Brown soon said, Good
night, ALL" and hurriedly departed.
Ibid you get my letter ?'' said Mrs
Ketcham.
mo, mother" was the younger
woman's reply.
Don't see why" was then uttered.
"Did you write us not 20 come p
and faint flush overspread Mrs. Charles
Ketcham's pale face as she sank into a
chair. 81 only wanted to stay until
day after tomorrow, mother. 1 have a
place in New York offered me, where l
can earn enough for me and my child,
if can only find home for herr
Well, Cake off your things. Here,
Melinda, come in, as you were wishing
to see the child. Take it's wraps off.
Now you're here, 1 s'pose you're well
come, Sarah"
The child, relieved of her thick wrap
pings gazed at her grandmother curl
ously. Both eyes, of each were brown,
but the childish ones were soft and
gentle.
''Well, you can stare at your hearts
content" said the grandmother. The
steady glance made her uneasy.
Grammer," said the child, walking
straight up to her, Pm hungry as any
thing"
HUSH" said the mother, " You
mustn't do such things away from home.
She doesn't often, mother"
" Well, 1 reckon young one has a
right to say she's hungry without being
hushed for it," said the grandmother.
and rising she took the child by the
hand and said to it: "Come along with
me, I'll give you piece. Melindy, you
can hurry and have supper right away"
Melinda smiled and commenced to
stir about with her whole heart touched
with joy. The sight of that grandma
tying towel around the child's neck
and brushing back the golden curls, was
too much for the good-hearted hand
maiden. She went into the pantry as
her eyes moistened with tears.
After supper they all sat down in
front of the sitting room fire. Mrs.
Ketcham quietly chatting, Melinda
knitting, and the young mother listen
ing, while the child crept close to
grandma.
" This is big chimbly, amt it,mam-
ma ?" said the little girl. "Isn't it
most time to hang up my stocking ?"
Mrs. Charles Ketcham's face flushed
again, and she said, Gin mammals
bedroom when we go to bed"
"NO, by the chimbly, or Sandy Claus
can't find it, Can't L hang it there,
grammer ?" Aud she crept up into
grandma's lap, and put her soft arms
around her neck. Can't 1, grammer2"
Grandma pressed her lips together,
for her heart was touched anew, and
she drew the child into her arms and
pillOwed its head upon her bosom.
eco get her stocking, Sarah - she
spoke with trembling voice. And as
Melinda watched, tears came and in
consequence she dropped many stitch.
All was still save the clicking Of the
old clock. The ehild's head with all