Middletown transcript., 1911-08-19
THE BARN RAISING

IOllOW out MS SuggeSIiOnS' ue
next morning he met her driving
her grandfather over the place.
Isn't it a dear old farm? she
cried.
Keene, said the old man de-
lightedly, she loves the fence.
Want it down echoed the girl,
looking at Keene. 1t is so pictur-
esque! And | like tie idea OF
fencing in your possessions. I'd
go farther if | had a home; Id
build a wall around it.
was afraid you'd think US old
fashioned, suggested her grand.
father. Maybe, now, you'd like
some new chairs and sofas.
Why, grandfather, you couldn't
buy such beautiful old things
anywhere. 1t would spoil the
place to put anything modern in
it, wouldn't it? appealing to
Keene.
Indeed it would, he replied,
his heart warming.
The next day he met Stephen
driving from town. There was a
slight flush in his dimmed eyes.
She's decided the farm back to
me, Keene, he said with a sob.
She said l had worked out my
life on it, and that it belonged to
me. Of course I shall will it to
her, but it is mine, now.
She has made him a man again
Keene told himself, his heart full
of q tender reverence for the
generous young grandchild.
Each day brought some new
evidence of her thoughtfulness
for the old maD's comfort and
happiness. Towards Keene,
himself, she ever showed o grac-
ious air of good fellowship.
Next Thursday, she heannounced
one day, is grandfather's birth.
day and l am going to give him
barn, a big red barn.
This had been q long-felt want
of the old mans, and he was
greatly excited over the pros
pect.
Wen have a barn raising, he
decided.
What is that ? asked Ruth won
deringly.
When the old man had explain
ed he added, with sigh, 1t amt
what it used to be. They have
new tangled machinery and just
few men who bring their own
dinner with them.
How was it in the olden time ?
1t was a great event. Men
came from miles around, 25 or 30
of them, with their families. We
set long tables and most always
killed a sheep. Your grand
mother made a few dozen pies,
and in the evening we had dane
ing and games.
Well have just such a one this
time, she cried ecstatically.
Forthwith they began to plan
accordingly. This renewal of an
old custom was looked forward
to in the whole district, and when
the eventful day arrived, Keene
was the first one on hand. He
caught the infection of the old
mans delight and helped TO make
the day a success, and The dinner
was one never to be forgotten.
What wonders she has worked
thought Keene, looking at the
happy young hostess. How glad
I am I gave her the keynote.
She is so good, she could not help
being generous to him, but she
might not have grasped the stu
alton so quickly if l had not
written to her. 1t is sweet in
her never to have alluded to it in
any way.
His courage was inspired to
the point he had been yearning
for since that first glimpse Of her
by the hreside. When, after the
departure of the guests, he was
left alone with her, he opened his
heart to her, and she shyly re.
sponded to his love.
Well live here in the dear
old home with grandfather,
she pleaded when he was saying
goodnight.
Tomorrow, he thought, as he
was walking home, | will speak
to her of the letter.
When he went into the house
he found missive from the dead
letter office. Opening it, he
found his letter which had been
misdirected. He watched it burn.
Twill never tell her, he con-
cluded.