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

ye, Barbary," quoth neighbor who
had run in for a "rising" of Grandma
Felton's famous yeast. "John Dewey
has gone to Californy-for good an
all, they do say. Miss Dewey, she's
in terrible stew about it-her only
boy, ye know. There's plenty, plen-
ty," as Barbara, striving in vain to
control her shaking fingers, filled the
bowl to overlooking. swell | must
run right along" And, with an in
quisitive glance, the neighbor depart
ed, well satisfied with her mission.
Barbara had scrupulously returned
all of Johns gifts save one the du-
plicate key to the cottage-door, which
he had given her that she might 60 in
and out at her own convenience. She
had placed it in the package with the
other presents, but her heart failed
her at the last moment, and she re-
tanned it, hoping it would not be MISS
ed. Every week, as the winter slow
ly dragged itself along, Barbara fol-
lowed the hill-path, and, with an ap.
prehensive glance up and down the
road, to make sure she was unobserved,
locked herself into the deserted house.
She found certain comfort in caring
for the silent rooms, removing every
speck of dust or swaying cobweb.
Winter melted into spring, summer
advanced, and again the June roses
glowed by the farmer-house gate.
Barbara was up in the south cham
Der of the cottage, carefully repacking
the great roll of carpet, which still
lay in the corner. Suddenly she was
startled by the creaking of the outer
door, and there was certainly someone
crossing the hall below. Could she
have forgotten the key? No it was
safe in her pocket. Visions of pos.
sible tramps fitted before her, as she
strove in vain to still the rapid beat
ing of her heart and gazed wildly
around the chamber; but there was
no exit save by descending the stairs
and facing the intruder. Crack !
crack came the sound of splintering
and falling boards. Could she steal
down, cross the hall, and gain the door
unobserved ? She would try. Trem-
bling from head to foot, she tiptoed
softly down the stairs. Yes, through
the half-open kitchen.door, she could
plainly discern the figure of man,
demolishing with a few well-directed
blows-the corner cupboard
Could she believe her eyesf Beard
ed, broader, browner, yet it was un-
doubtedly John. With an inarticulate
cry, Barbara sprang forward, and it
was now Johns turn to be terrified,
as what seemed to be bundle of
crisp pink muslin sank at his feet.
Fortunately the cottage-pump was
still in good working ORDER, and a lib
eral dash Of water upon Barbara's
forehead soon restored her to consci.
business. The last rays of the setting
sun danced across the wall, as if glad
to revisit the cozy kitchen, ere the
long explanations were ended.
Barbara said John, rising at last,
81 have come back to what | should
have done year ago bless your little
heart, you shall have the cupboard in
the middle of the room, if you want
it, raising his hammer to knock away
the remaining shelf.
ooh, don't" exclaimed Barbara en-
treatingly, grasping his uplifted
arm. "Please put it back as it was
before indeed, | do not want it chang
ed"
John looked down into the pleading
face of this most inconsistent young
woman with puzzled eyes, but obedi-
emily commenced reftting the scatter
ed pieces.
The June roses had not faded ere
there was II wedding in the parlor of
the old homestead.
"The Lord be praised that | have
lived to see this day." calculated
Grandma FELTON,, wiping her eyes, as
she stood in the doorway, watching
the young couple descending the or
chard. path, hand in hand, on their
way home.
Years afterward, when the china
was removed for the annual spring
clearing, little fingers traced the many
cracks and seams in the shelves, and
prattling voices questioned wondering
ly. Mother Barbara smiled quietly
to herself, but she never told them
the history of the corner-cupboard.
Gen. Early's Faithful Servant.