The Newtown bee., 1898-01-07
The Home Circle.
Grandfather Howe's Dictionary
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE EIGHT
would come IN this way to save the
dictionary? 1t doesn't seem but yester-
day since we had spelling schools and
lyceums here. There are the very letters
where Jim Healey carved his name and
mine on the night they had the big de-
bate about the Missouri compromise"
Eyes, yes, Jane but we've no time to
reminisce now. You hold the desk
while / climb upon it and look in the
cupboard. O1e of it's legs is wigglety."
Jane steadied the desk and Caroline
climed nimbly upon it. She held the
lantern high above her head as she
balarced herself upon her swaying
foundation. Her sharp little face was
aglow with eagerness as she rummaged
among the dusty papers. A gust OF
wind made the light shoot up spasmodi-
cally and an ejaculation from Jane
caused her to look around. There, in the
window opposite, strangely pale in the
dim light, stared two old familiar faces
"Who are your" she shrieked.
II am Tom Healey,'' said a soft, must,
cal voice.
"And l am Miranda Healey," said an.
other voice, still more musical.
Down went the dictionary upon James
head and over went the desk. Caroline
took flying leap for the door. Her
sister, who was shaking with terror,
clutched frantlcally after her fleeing
figure.
''For massey sakes! Lego by skirts
Jane! Those HeaIeys can't be quoted
even in their graves :" she screamed as
she rushed for the entry door. There
was quick motion in the dark entry
Her pr, gress was barred by a pair OF
strong arms.
"Who's this trespassing?' demanded a
loud, stern voice.
But Caroline dived under the arms
with shrek and sped away, Jane was
left to face her perils alone. Before hel
stood her old lover, and the ghosts were
looking In at the window. She was
brought to bay and desperate. AS he
picked up the lantern and peered in
to her fsce, she showed, for the frs
time in her life, some of her sister,
amin sity.
"Yo may prosecute US, Jim Healey
If you like, for coming here to steal tn
dictionary. But it belonged to tn
Howes more than it did to the Healeys
I'll always say so, if whole church
yard o. Healeys come to claim it,
James Healey looked at the ghosts il
the window and his face relaxed.
why Jane, those are Toms children
DON'T they look just like the old Tor
and Miranda? You are little Jane,
suppose?
And you are Jim,'' she answered
Her animosity left her and she had los
her interest in the ghosts at the window
The ghost of her former lover stood be
fore her, vested with the dignity of
successful manhood. She wondered
he thought her old and faded, and sh
furtively smoothed her back hair whic
had been disarranged by the fallir
dictionary. He bent over and picked u
. the book from the floor.
ibid you really care so much for tn
old trash, Jane?" His voice was kindl,
The book had formerly been covere
with cloth. The fastenings had been d.
cayed and when he lifted the book, tk
cloth began to slough off. A sheet {
paper fell to the floor. He picked it I
and examined it.
3 "a love letter." said he, SIT begir
Dear Jane Perhaps it is yours"
She seized it and read it slowly. III
flush Of bye-gone roses was on b
cheek when she looked at him again.
"Why, JIM" said she, II never sa
!, this before. It's from you.'
o He took 1t from her.
g HMy handwriting is changed. 1 didr
e recognize it" said ne. He read it seve
n al times and he stroked his beard as
& he were thinking deeply. She watch
/; him curiousIy. Why was it that IL
!. sheet of paper that would have made b
J, life so different had been hidden awi
all these years In that old dictionary
ssSit down, Jane, and we'll talk ii
over" said he. She sat down best
him. The ghosts were still looking 0
but the man and woman had forgot
10 them.
Z "Do you remember, Jane, about |
ct handing you letter when went out
y recite, one examination day at school
ID "Yes,'' she answered. 81 alwa
D. wondered what you meant by. giving
somebody's spelling exercises 10