The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1900-01-23

BOiuS VII.
1t was not until after supper that
Mr.. Hudson found time to read his
letter. To be sure, he had gazed at
1T all the way home, studied the post
mark, and wondered if it was Eyes"
or mo-" but he would not open it till
he had plenty of time. Then he read
it several times before he mastered the
whole.
81 guess we'll get up early in the
morning." he said to Lefty, as she
came out to empty the dish water.
"Why, grandpa?" she ed, in
surprise. "Is there any .pccial
tomorrow"
"Wc're going to have company, &"
The old man answered, complacently.
mCompany?' the girl echoed.
"Why, who?"
81 could tell, lie answered, "but
you'd rather be surprised, would you
not?"
COZ course, if you'd like it that way,
grandfather only should like to know
how many are coming, and just when,
Lefty answered, pleasantly. She
knew his weakness for. surprises.
zone, with an appetite for two.
about six o'clock tomorrow evening. ."
Mr.. Hudson went to shut the gate
without offering any farther explana-
ton.
At the appointed time the next even
ing the kitchen fire was burning
brightly, and the kettle was sending
uU n cloud of steam. The room was
filed with the odor of frying chicken.
The biscuit were in the edge of the
oven, covered with white cloth, and
Lefty was so busy Dreaming the pota-
toes that she forgot to wonder who,
after all, was coming, when the door
opened and her grandfather and
Uncle George walked in.
az told you she'd be surprisedr" the
old man said to his son, misinterpro-
ting the look of establishment on the
girls face.
81 hope Lefty enjoyed her stay in
the city" George Hudson remarked
to his father, as he sat on the porch
after supper, while Lefty did up the
dishes.
Yes, she had good time, - the old
man answered, "but guess she must
have got rather confused with the
noise and everything, for she clean
forgot all about a new dress she had
been planning all summer to buy.
She picked berries to get the money.
You see, Hal Markham's sister going
to he married pretty soon-I guess
Hal likes Lefty pretty WELL" he
added, with a sly wink-"and Lefty
was 20 stand mp with her, but she for
got all about the dress" He laughed
heartily at his granddaughter lapse
of memory. Funny how forgetful
some people are!" he resumed after n
while. "Why---" The old man
stopped suddenly and stared at his
son I'm amazement
What is it, father?" the son asked.
with anxiety.
81 declareW he exclaimed "Talk-
ing about lorgetfulness made me re.
member Why, George, / forgot to
thank Won for my PRESENT. Here I've
boon using it every day, and haven't
said word to you about it, OF
course, when Lefty went away" he
continued, while the look Of perplexity
ou the sons face deepened, ~ didn't
know what you'd send me, but knew
% would be something nice.
81 said GO Lefty, Lefty, what do
you think George will send meY
She couldn't guess, and neither could
], but [ said / hoped it would be
Bible with nice large print. md when
she got home this is what she brought
mo, Why, where is it?' he exclaimed.
with concern. 81 always keep it
right here Lefty must have put it
away and me started in quest Of the
missing book
But, father, 7 don't understand.
What is This about my giving You q
Bible"
Tho old man stopped for moment,
aazed o' his SON with auizzical look,
and laughed loud aud long. lyon
. thought Lefty wouldn't toll who sent
IT, didu you? oh, you like secrets
as wclla your fnthcrl' Still chuckling.
me went into the house.
One look at her uucIes face as he
hurried into the kitchen, and Lefty
knew that Inc had found out.
'I know I'm wicked f. deceive him
80, sho stammcrcd. whil0 tho tears
began To- gather, but, Uncle George.
i couldn't help IT, re wanted the
Bible so much, and counted ON your
sending him one. had 20 got itl i
couldn't disappoint himr'
Why didn'tyou tell me?" no asked.