Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-04-16

kisses to the Growing child IN the
doorway. The picture of that fair
young face, framed by the summer
foliage, was indelibly impressed on
Grandma Falton's memory: for, alas
she never looked upon it again. The
merry party arrived at Silver Pond
and, after the tempting lunch was
satisfactorily disposed of, somebody
proposed sail. Polly sat in the
stern of the boat, trailing her fingers
in the water and humming gay
snatch of song. A pond-lily rocked
and swayed just beyond her reach
and, as she endeavored to grasp it, the
boat gave sudden lurch, and she fell
overheard. Charlie sprang after in
stantly I; but, although he was an ex.
pert swimmer, Polly's arms, clutching
in desperation, held him down and
when, at length, they were found by
their frantic companions, life was ex-
tinct in both. Grandma bravely
smothered her own grief, to minister
to the orphan baby. After few
plaintive calls for papa" and mamma,
little Barbara settled down contented.
ly to her life at the farmhouse, and
grew from merry childhood to win
some girlhood. Then, indeed, grand
ma anxiety begun for Barbara
was bit of coquette, and dispensed
her smiles freely among the village.
swains. When at length she chose
John Dewey, neighbours son-steady
thrifty, and in every way desirable
grandma felt that her last earthly
wish was gratified.
The cottage just over the brow of
the hill was nearly completed, the
simple outfit prepared, and two month
hence there would be quiet wedding
under the old home-roof
Barbara sauntered down the orch
ard-path, across the bridge, and over
hill, now and then idly plucking a
daisy and pulling the petals. Just
here the cottage came in view, a
quaint Queen. Anne, with balcony and
bay-window; for John was well-to-do,
and spared neither time nor expense
to make the new home-nest coy and
attractive.
"Oh. there's nothing half so sweet
in life as loves young dream" Justify
sang unconscious John, emphasizing
the last three syllables with vigor-
Gus "thud, thud, thud" of his hammer !;
then, turning to select a nail of the
proper size, he suddenly became aware
of the dainty little figure in the door,
way.
Think of angels and you'll see
their wings throwing down his ham,
mer and greeting Barbara as fondly
as though he had not chatted with
her but an hour before, at the farm.
house-gate. "Here I've been longing
to show you all my new improvements,
throwing open door and window with
pardonable pride.
"Why, its perfect, john" cried
Barbara, clasping her hands ecstatic-
ally.
81 think that cupboard rather a
neat thing, myself" folding his arms
and surveying it critically. at was
a particular job to fit in those shelves,
but it will be capital place for some.
body's china" with a sidelong glance
at Barbara. "Why don't it please
you?" as a cloud fitted over the bright
face.
mo, it dosen't suit me, John
Don't you see it ought to be in the
other corner? 1t is too far off alto.
gether there, and dosen't look well,
besides"
well, but-let me show you, dear
the hall.door would interfere with il
there" suiting the action to the word
No it wouldn't; anyway, / like il
better, and that's reason enough" re-
torted Barbara, with decided pout OF
her rcd lips.
John gave low whistle as he pick
ed up his hammer.
But Barbara, cant tear it away
now without injuring the wall"
81 cant help it; won't have it in
that corner, so there % with stamp
Of her little slipper.
john looked in amazement. His
anger, slow to rise, was at white heat
now.
"You are very unreasonable. That
cupboard will stay just where it is"
in tones deliberate from their very in
tensity.
Every well--so it may, John Dewey;
but no china Of mine will ever 60 in.
to it," and there was fash from a