Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-11-24
A Tale of Two Aunties.
Observation-Disclosures


out of bed. Patiently she laid through
the long, weary hours, hoping for re-
lief, until towards noon her cheerful
courage wavered. Pears lax every
body's forget ole auntie to-day. Pears
lax even the good Lord hasn't taken no
tice of His chile. If l had bite of
sunpin' warm, I'd feel better. but l
can't make my po' ole knees carry me,
an, to tell the truth, they's moughty
little TO git if L was able Lord, please
send ravens or somebody to hep me out
o dis trouble. Put it into somebody's
mind to hep me tell I'm able to work. -
The path of sunlight that sifted
through the little square window moved
farther and farther east. Old auntle
watched 1t, waiting, shivering, for the
help she had prayed for.
La the pleasant home half way be-
tween the two aunties Mamma Towne
was spreading her best tray with an
array that would have gladdened your
eyes to behold. First an embroidered
tray-cloth, then a china plate holding
half a young chicken, broiled A little
covered dish was filed with cream
toast, another held two poached
eggs with some crisp sailed waters
beside them. A glass Of current
jelly and a cup Of custard com
pleted the array oh, no, 1t
didn't; for there was a wee pot of fra
grant tea with cut loaf sugar and
whipped cream, and a pale pink rose
with long stem and a spray of glossy
leaves. 1T seems ridiculous to send
so much, but 1 don't suppose Weaver
VIII eat a morsel away from her, and
she can divide with him, which will do
them both good. Such children as they
are, bless their hearts,
Rob came at her call, breathless and
painting, from a most exciting game of
football. 81 want you to take this tray
to auntie, Rob-"
"Oh, mamma, must II" he asked, rue
fully.
''Yes, dear, you must. have no one
else to send, and auntie is not we'll, and
needs this at once Hurry to get there
while the things are hot, and be very
careful not to stumble. Go as fast as
you safely can" Rob choked back a
sudden lump that hurt his throat, as
he heard the shouts outside. "All right,
I'll hurry" he said, bravely, as he
started out
"Come on, Rob-" yelled the boys.
''I'll be back in a minute" he called.
"Wait, fellows, I'll hurry"
Five minutes after the two big tears
had huddIed out Of sight in the pillow
there came a tap ut old auntie's door.
Come in" she said, and looked up ex-
pectantly, as Rob stepped carefully in
with the tray. Il knew It'll knew It
Bless the good Lord, who don't fergit
his ungrateful chillen. Thank you kind
ly, honey, an yo ma, too"
Rob set his burden on a chair and
lifted the covers, while OLD auntie pain
fully drew herself to a sitting posture.
why, it's cold In here" exclaimed
the boy. why, you haven't got any
firew
"Sho, 'nough, l isn't honey. Ole
auntie's been too stiff to walk to-day"
And haven't you had any breakfast
or anythlng?"
mo, honey, 1 isn't, but Use got 1t
now. Des bes' breakfus' any ole WON
an ever had. 1 sho' wasn't 'spectin' all
dis. De good Lord always mo- better
to us dan we deserves"
The shouts of the football players
came family to Rob's ears. His pre-
cious holiday seemed so short, he hes
itated, but only for an instant. He tore
down the street and yelled, II can't
come now. Let Tom Hale In on the
team" then back to the cabin, where
a good fire was soon roaring up the
rickety stovepipe, Its grateful warmth
reaching the pain-racked old auntie
with relieving comfort, as she ate her
satisfying meal, reverently eyed her ex-
quisite flower, and sang in her humble
heart an anthem Of thanksgiving.
Then Rob went home to pour pitiful
tale OF colo and poverty and illness
into mammals bewildered ears. In the
midst OF 1t the telephone bell rang
sharply, and mamma answered It A
moment later she turned to Rob. is