Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-05-10

ANfNA hNtdf NY IL"
piled John, aware that the noise pro-
ceeded from the sllmbering Mr.. Nc
Ostrich TITS just a noise"
Its awful like big grumphy,
paw"
Ssh! You're not to speak now"
IF | had big grumphy-"
What's the laddie sayin'?" inquired
Mrs. Bowley, smiling 50 kindly that
Macgregor accepted her as a friend
there and then.
It's a grumphy. he explained, con
fidentially do yon not hear it?"
Mrs. Bowley laughed and patted his
head. We mustn't speak about grumph-
les now, dearie,' she whispered
Here's a bit O. sweetie for ye."
Maogregor put the dainty in his
mouth, and drew the hassock a trifie
nearer to Mrs. Bowley. "Ye're awful
kind" he said in hoarse undertone,
and he and the good lady entertained
each other for quite q long time, much
to Johns relief.
About half-past nine the company
drew as near to the oval table as
their numbers permitted, and did jus
tice to the light refreshments which
the hostess had provided Macgregor,
ignoring his mothers glances, and evil
IDENTIFY forgetting there was such
fluid in the world as castor-oil, pun
ished the pastry with the utmost Sc
verify, and consumed two whole bot
ties Of lemonade
It's an awful nice party paw" he
whispered, when the chairs had been
put back to the walls Are We goin
home now?"
Before John could reply. Mrs. Nc
Ostrich requested the attention Of the
company to a song by Mr.. Pun
pherston. All eyes we're turned on a
large, middle-aged man in one cor
ner Of the room, who wiped his brow
repeatedly, and appeared very UNI
easy.
Come away, Mr. Pumpherston," said
Mrs McOsuich, eneouragingly. Just
ony song ye like. We needn't be feart.
We're none o. us musical crickets."
cay, come away, Mr. Pumpherston,"
murmured several Of the guests, clap
ping their hands.
rs he a comic, paw" inquired Mac
greg0r.
"Whishti" said Lizzie, sighting
danger ahead, and giving John, be-
side whom she was now sitting, a
I nudge with her elbow.
Mr.. Pumpherston shuffied his chair
an inch forward, fixed his eyes on the
ceiling. and hummed. DO, me, so, do,
sob, me, do"
"Ay. he's a comic!" said Maegregor,
in a delighted whisper
Some one staggered, and John
gently but firmly put his hand over his
sons mouth.
AT last Mr.. Pumpherston started "fe
I Banks and Braes,' but when half
through the first verse was compelled
to stop and make search for a lower
key
aIts always the way with him" ex-
planned his wife. But when once he
gets the right key be sings II well
enough. II he doesn't forget the words.
Have ye got the right key now,
Geordie?"
Il was near It; hut we've put me
off il. But I'll get It yet" quoth Mr.
Pumpherston, determinedly And ne
did get il eventually and RECALLED the
company in a voice surprisingly small
for such a large man.
Lizzie and John were congratulating
themselves upon their sons good be-
havior during the evening, and Mrs.
Bowley and another lady had Just nm
ished telling them what brave lad
die" they were so fortunate as 10
possass. when Macgregor aWoke
rubbed his eyes. and stared about him.
poor little fellow, he's just dead
with sleep, remarked kindly Mrs
Bowley
Gle Is that" assented the other
lady. Are We tired, dearieg
"There's not many children would
behave themselves like him" observed
Mrs. McOstrich.
MIRA Pumpherston said nothing, but
smiled sourly Probably the young
ster's opinion that her husband was
a "comic" still ranked.
IT'S time We was home, Maegree-
gor. said Lizzie, rising
But Macgregor heard none OF the
foregoing observations. With a dreamy
look in his eyes he was listening in
tently. Il heard it, ! heard It, ne
muttered
Hes not half awake yet said
Mrs. McOstrich.
who do We hear, darlin'?' inquired
Mrs. BOwley
Macgregor rubbed mis- eyes again. i
hear III It's IN the house!
It's IN the housel Paw, the Dig
grumphy!"
For a moment there was dead ST.
lence but laughter was inevitable.
poor Mrs. Meostrich, her face crimson,
had TO join in, but. as Mrs. BoWiey
HmWu hI