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

our Father is so near. The Lord Is
my shepherd, shall not want he was
repeating, when I went out to the
kitchen to make a fire for our. tea; and
there on the table stood this basket
full-a dinner fit for a king, and
enough to last us several days. OF
course, whoever brought it did not In
tend to be known in this act Of love,
and as you have so many calls, I
thought If l left this basket here
some one will recognize and claim it."
Eyes, I'm sure I'll find the owner"
returned Alvira, while flush glowed
on each cheek.
II have lain awake nights ever
since husband sprained his ankle,
trying to think how to invent some
way to make a living, but it is useless.
I cannot think Of anything I can do"
said Mrs. Barrows, rising to leave
'You have had demonstration Of
the deacon's faith; am sure you will
not be left comfortless," were Alvira's
encouraging words, as she babe her
visitor good-by.
This is Thursday" said Alvira,
taking up her work. "Well, the spirit
has spoken; will obey it's promptings.
Tomorrow will be the Fourth Of July,
and the big celebration. The village
will be full"
The following morning the citizens
read in the Daily News that Deacon
Barrows' wife would sell ice cream on
her lawn during the day.
The deacon had just read the sur
prising news to his wife, when Alvira
and John Gives appeared with a
wheelbarrow full Of small flags and
Japanese lanterns.
"Alvira, what does this mean?" ex-
claimed Mrs. Barrows. II have no
money to set up an Ice cream sale.
Who has dared to take this RESPONSE
bility without my permission?" she
emphasized.
II have dared to do all this and
more" laughed Alvira. Mrs. Bar
rows, you are going to have one Of the
happiest days you ever experienced"
"But who will pay for it?" interrupt
ed Mrs. Barrows, with an anxious ex-
preston on her face.
you and the deacon. After you
have realized your profits, you can re-
turn to me all that 1 have expended
for cream, milk, and other things"
Before nine o'clock, with John
Gives help the lawn was picture.
From every available tree and shrub
the stars and stripes fCated, under or
near the vari-colored Japanese Ian
terms. Small tables with dainty white
covers were arranged in every nook
and corner, under the shade Of tall
naples or in the bower-like climbing
rose bushes.
Bunting and flags draped the piazza,
and over the gate an evergreen arch
held white banner, on which the
words "Ice Cream for Sale" were
painted in conspicuous colors Of red,
white and blue.
Six young ladies in white gowns,
and sashes showing the national col
the shrubbery and around the tables,
waiting on the crowd who were eager
for the cool, refreshing dishes and &C
ceptable ice water.
Deacon Barrows forgot his painful
ankle while he industriously made the
change as he sat in his armchair on
the piazza, and noted how fast the
china bowl was filling with silver and
the leather wallet with bills.
1--WE will be obliged to keep it up
during the evening"" said Alvira to the
deacon, as she wiped her heated face.
Jim Porter has just told me that a
big crowd will be here right after the
fireworks, and John has gone to freeze
more cream"
Soon darkness fell upon the town
and transformed the pretty lawn to
fairy scene. The trees were in a glory
Of light from the CLEAN Of the Japan
csc lanterns which showed to advan-
tage the flags as they foated on the
evening breeze; also the dainty tables
adorned with cut glass, silver, and
vases Of beautiful bowers Above and
over all was the great capony Of star
lit heavens.
AS the town clock struck ten the
last group took their leave. and Alvira,
with Mr.. Hawks, counted the days
proceeds.
Zone hundred and FIVE" murmured
Mr.. Hawks. Deacon. how much have
you?" The deacon silently held out
the silver.
"Well, well! one hundred and thirty
five," exclaimed Mr.. Hawks.
Here are ten silver dollars" said
Alvira, (which counts up to one hun
dred and forty-fve dollars. God be
praised, Deacon; although you can't
make as much every day, you will do
we'll to continue this all summer, and
if Mrs. Barrows needs help, will come
to the rescue"
"Oh, Alvira, how did you come to
think of this, and what put it in your
mind" exclaimed Mrs. Barrows, with
moistened eyes.