Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1905-11-25

IL gu as mao as a-a-' There goes
eleven o'clock, and l haven't started
dinner" said Mrs. Ritter, hurryina
through the narrow gate to her own
grounds.
It's raining, and I'm glad of it,
exclaimed Alvira, returning to the
kitchen. "Now then, must hustle and
get ready before anyone else comes"
she murmured, as she took from a cup
board a market basket, and, having
lined 1t with fresh towel, she pro-
ceeded to bring forth the appetizing
dinner. The chicken fricassee was
steaming in covered dish, and ar
ranged beside it companions Of vegeta-
bles. A can Of soup in one corner was
held securely by loaf of fresh bread.
The apple pie was partly hidden by a
dish Of Strawberries from Alvira' IS
garden, and a dozen fresh eggs were
tucked promiscuously in corners, over
and under dishes wherever there was
vacancy. Having filed the basket,
she covered it with a dainty towel.
Enveloping herself in a long water
proof cloak with the hood drawn close
over her head, she was beyond recog-
milton as she went forth with the
basket concealed under her cloak to
protect it from the driving rain and
her dripping umbrella.
"This rain is certainly providential,
for I'll not meet a person. If 1 can
only get into their house without being
seen will be very thankful. I'll go
through the big lane and come out by
the barn and slip into the back door,"
was the decision Of her busy brain.
While she hurried her steps, unmind-
full Of the numerous puddles Of water,
she reached the back steps leading up
to Mrs. Barrows' summer kitchen,
and, softly approaching the table, she
left her basket and hurried away.
well, l never would have thought
a little thing like this would make me
feel as if I had found a gold mine,'
she said to her cloak, as she shook and
spread 1t over chair to dry.
A long, rainy day followed, and
while Alvira kept busy with her sew
ing and homework, she could not for
get the deacon's prayer, and decided
that they must have immediate help.
"Ill think it out" she said to- her
workbasket as she hunted for her scis-
sors. "The spirit Of truth will unfold
something whereby I can help them,'
she murmured, as she cut and fash
toned her work.
1T beats all crea tion how thankful
we were for the rain yesterday, and
now we are just as glad to see the
sun again." observed Mrs. Ritter, as
she leaned on the fence and watched
Alvira work in her bed Of nasturtiums.
Eyes, indeed" responded Alvira, 1--WE
are daily filled with a spirit of thank
fulness, Cor it Is blessings that are up
permost IL we would only"
IF there amt Mrs. Barrowsv ex-
claimed Mrs Ritter. "She is comm
with basket; I shouldn't wonder if
she's comm to borrow somethin', AL
viry. There she comes in your front
gatew
"Good-morning, Mrs Barrows; come
right in and take this rocker by the
window" was Alvira's CHEEKY greet
ing. Haven't we had a fine rain?"
she went on. ut was timely, for the
drouth was killing many of the veg
etables and plants"
ITS lucky for us that we have no
garden" returned Mrs Barrows. my
husband has sprained ankle" she
went on, 'and couldn't care for it. no
matter what the conditions WERE"
Eyes, heard Of the accident; is it
serious sprain?" Alvira inquired.
Eyes, indeed it Is. 1 am on my way
to the doctors. for l am afraid that
it is fracture and If it is. I don't
know what we will do" Mrs. Barrows
covered her face with her hands, and
sobbed as she rocked back and forth.
"Why, Mrs. Barrows, is it so bad?"
exclaimed Alvira. do tell me, I beg
Of you, why are you so troubled? What
can do TO help your
II don't think you can help me-"
said Mrs. Barrows, wiping her eyes.
1--WE are in very reduced circum-
stances, made so by our son-in-law
OF course, you have heard Of his dis
grace. When my husband sprained his
ankle we had barely money enough to
pay months rent; and two loaves Of
bread with very little tea was all
our larder afforded. Monday, we were
reduced to half loaf of bread and a
drawing Of tea. When dinner time
came, husband said: Laura, hadn't
you better make a cup of tea, and cut
the bread? l begin to feel the need
of some food"
ooh, Alyira, I just felt cross and
abused and l said: You'll feel the need
Of, food as the days go on. You must
bear in mind this is the last crumb.
7 ~