Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1889-10-05
Dicks Grandmother.

40 Dick what can we do ?" Ruth
Leland asked the question in a low
anxious tone, and there was a troubled
look in her brown eyes.
The boy answered in a quick, i'm.
| petuous way.
"Starve-most likely We've done
all we can. / don't know what else
there is for us. If ever there was q
saint on earth, grandma is one, and
she's always trusted in the Lord and
all that, but if He cares anything
about us | shouldn't think He'd let us
have such dreadful times, when there
are plenty of people about here who
have more money than they know
what to do with. There's no Justice in
itp
"Oh, hush you ought not to talk so,
Dick !" Ruth said quickly. We are
better off than good many poor peo-
pie, for grandma owns this cottage
and then we have the pension money.
| thought with what we could earn we
could live comfortably, but there's the
coal, and the medicine for grandna's
cough, and the liniment for her rleu-
maiism, and l haven't cent left.
Then Mrs. Finch has gone on visit
and cannot give me sewing for week.
If you could only get steady work.
"I'Ye tried till I'm tired Of it," laid
the boy. "No one will hire me be-
cause I'm small. They won't believe
that I'm fifteen and as strong az a
bear"
Just hear grandma sing" said
Ruth.
Through the halfopened bedroom
door, in sweet, tremulous voice, she
was singing:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him. all creatures here below"
"rhat's the way grandma always
feels, Dick, and 1 almost know Ht'll
find some way for us. He always has
so far. Don't you remember wh,n
grandma was sick, low Mr.. Crane
sent us big basket of groceries, aid
a turkey, Thanksgiving. And go,d
Dr. Barrows wouldn't take cent i,r
his visits. Besides that. Mrs. Stearis
sent her ever so many nice custar{s
and jellies. | do believe it was IN
answer to grandma's prayers.
"Well," said Dick. Il wish sle
would pray that we might have good
square neal occasionally, and plentt
of coal, and some warmer clothes. Shs
just asks for enough to keep US aliv,
from day to day"
'But we only have to live day al
time,' answered Ruth, land, besides
she always asks for what is best for
us. She says that trials are blessings
in disguise. | don't mind it so much
for myself it won't hurt US to live on
mush, but don't see how we can koer
it from grandma any longer, or get
nonrishing things for her ts.aaf, unless
we can get something more to do
Pm ready and willing to do any
thing" sait Dick. Anything but sell
rum, and grandma would starve rather
than me to do that. Old Hally offered
me ten dollars "a month, the other day
to work in his saloon, but | told him
didn't like the business.
perhaps Mr.. Crane ". uld give you
something to do, if you would ask
him." suggested Ruth. you know
Uncle james went to war as his sub
stitute, and he got the pension for
grandma, and has always seemed
kind"
But. he's so rich and dignified, I'm
afraid Of him." Dick answt red, "But
maybe l can get up my courage"
At that moment grandman called,
and Dick huir into the little bed
room. 1t was always pleasure to do
anything for h,r.
IF you'll tuck the blanket around
me, deaIy, she said, Il think will be
drawn into the kitchen, where | can
hear you children talk"
us your rheumatism better? 7" asked
Ruth, as she stirred the fire into a
bright blaze.
eyes, dear, I've bad such a nice
nap" the old lady answered, land |
don't know when | have felt so com
Portable | have great many more
blessings than | deserve. thank the
Lord great many times every day
that ] have such dear thoughtful
grandchildren TO take care of me. My
cup runs over
81 wish we could do q great deal
more for you" Ruth said with a qui-
yer in her voice.
"Well. dear child, you may get me
my dinner-if you will, just a little
toast and some tea"
Ruth turned her face away from her
grandma, and said, brokenly "There
isn't any bread, grandman, and l used
the last of the tea this morning."
Never mind" said the old lady
brightly. "Give me a couple of crack.
ers and an egg. That will do nicely"