Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1892-01-13
HOW DICK CURED HIS FAULT.

HOW DICK CURED HIS FAULT.
It was bright, beautiful morning
late in June. The sky was most
cbarmingly blue, and the air Just warm
sDonch 10 be pleasant Still there had
been guite as lovely days before.
Whg, then, was il that Dick Langley,
sitting astride the limb ofan old apple
tree in the orchard. decided that never
since the world began could there have
been another such dav? 1t was the
first day Of vacation; quite sufficient
reason for large measure of happiness
on the part Of Dick.
Bnt even this was not all. The
evening before he had had his hair cut.
Not that cut which is just short enough
10 brush and comb nicely, making n
pretty white parting. All, no. There
was 10 chance for parting here, and
no brush or comb WAS required.
"Ah, there's motherw he excl aimed,
ss be caught II glimpse of white dress
in the garden; and down dropped
Dick to the ground and was over the
fence in "a moment. al say, mamma"
he called ont, lit is prime having my
hair cut off again. You would not be-
heye what moment it took me to dress
this morning"
Dick WAS his mothers only child.
His father had died when he was a very
little boy and left them alone. They
we're great friends, and Dick had
wonderful plans for taking care OF his
mother when he grew up. He was, al
general thing, very good boy; but
like all boys he had his faults. and it
is about one of these faults that L aIn
going TO tell you.
"Good-bye, dear" his mother said
this morning at the gate after break
fast; land, Dickie, be sure that you
are at home ten minutes after twelve.
Iou will hear the bells distinctly at
Hsrry's, rnd ten minutes is more than
is necessary for you to reach home.
Don't forget, dear
"All rlgnt, little mother, 1 won't for
get; and waving his hat, Dick dashed
down the road.
"My dear little Dick, I hope that he
will not forget" said his mother to
herself, "ind | do not think that he
will, he is trying so hard"
Yes, that was Dicks great fault,
careless heedlessness, which he called
"fOr0etting." 1t troubled his mother
exceedingly; il it were not overcome
it would he a sad drawback to his
future life, for fault not cured
strengthens with time.
Poor Dickl Though so confident,
it was not "all right" This first
morning Of vacation was to be devoted
to tennis at Harry's. Harry was Dicks
chum and lifelong friend. Their
fathers had been friends before them,
and so Mr.. Stanton felt deep interest
in both Dick and his mother, looking
after Mrs. Iangley's business for her,
and as Dick expressed it, taking his
place till he had time to attend to
things himself"
The tennis was very exciting, but II
WAS finished at last, and by eleven the
boys we're lying in the cool shade rest
ing, with whole hour before them to
plan for the picnic which was to take
place the next week.
Lets get our part all arranged and
then We Will be ready for the girls to-
morrow" said Harry.
There were Just few more points to
be settled when Dick heard the church
clock strike twelve. at won't take
me but moment to finish up" he said
To himself, "and then I'll run to make
up the time, aud straightway returned
10 the engrossing subject.
On and on, seeming to come no nearer
the end, they went, till the sound of
the bell made Harry jump to his feet,
eIclaiming, "Hhere is luncheOnl am
glsdl Come along, Dick"
"Whatw cried poor Dick, aghast.
81 promised mamma to be home by
twelve, or ten minutes after"
''Iwelye why, it's fully one now,
said Harry, looking at his watch
why did you not tell meP | would
have helped you remember, old fellow.
But had you not better stay with us
now2"
"No," said Dick, 'T must go.
Good-bye, Hail." and he turned home
ward. but not with the joyous speed OF
the morning, for poor Dick had fallen
before his temptation anG had ''forgot-
Ten. He felt thoroughly ashamed
and disgusted tn himself.
AS he ran up the avenue he looked
around for his mother in the garden
or at one Of the windows, but she was
hoThere to bs seen. "Janet," he
said to the maid, edo you know where
my mother is2"
''Oh, Mas er Dick" cried the girl,
WIN tears III her eyes, 'she was lust
ABOUT Wild having to go without seeing
you 81 q has gone to your grand
iAther's, Master Dick. He is very ill,
and they fear he will not live. He
worried so for your mother that they
~fe obliged to send for her. The
telegram came about half past eeveI
ana she had 10 leave mt half-past twelve
catch the train. I'm that sorry you
oouii not get home, | conld cry for
you both, and Janet wiped her eyes. I
". Gould not get homer" All, poud
'cS indeed! He had no need to dread
s,S mothers ince; hls grandfather lived
i've nun red miles away he turne
"nhout word to 60 to his room.
me hrst thing that Dick saw or
entering was little note lying on hi
t tesA' 20 In all her haste she haC
nAen men the time to write to him. "Oh
ice ICE 1t began, 81 fear you have for
sotIen again. 1t breaks my heart t.
sowl'hont seeing You, but the onl,
ba Today leavr in less than half al
t"' anu ! must take II. / am writing
nj IN "hile Janet finishes my trunk, an,
WV. hnn my b'nnet on Go to Mr.. Stan
TS on II yon wish, or have Harry here
Will send ynu yv.,.J +I,, ,,.,,,,., : ,t,a