The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-07-12

quiet but far from unhappy round OF
existence.
When Grace had been in her new
home for over six months, a letter
came addressed to Mrs. Mary Scran
ton, and was handed by the postmas
ter to Mercy Schuyler. Great was her
surprise on reading it to Grace to find
that the letter was from Mrs. Scran'
tons brother, informing her of his ar.
rival in the United States, and that
he should come at once TO his sister
/ $50 look for me just as soon as you
receive this. | have lots of good news
to tell you. Your long lost, but found
forever and ever, brother, Joseph" the
epistle concluded and Grace cried as
Mercy read the name.
why, it must be uncle Joe, who
was drowned in a shipwreck more
than a year ago!"
Mercy smiled feebly. 1T looks as
If uncle Joe were not drowned after
all" she said without much enthus-
iasm. Her face grew grave as she
asked, What shall l do IL your uncle
wants to take you away from me?"
"Oh, | just wouldn't CO." answered
her small adorer, twining both arms
about Mercy's neck. you are the
one | love-
Mercy felt the JOY of that childish
caress, but a fear began to shape It.
self in her thought. What right had
she to refuse him, If this new found
uncle should claim his little niece?
The morning after the letter there
came sharp knock at Mercy Schuy-
ler's door, and she opened 1t well know
ing who 1t must be. A tall, fine look
ing much-bronzed man stood before
her.
is this Miss Mercy Schuyler" And,
upon being assured that it was, he con-
tinued 81 am told that you have by
little niece staying with you-can
see herr"
Following Mercy into the house he
spied Grace standing near the window.
He at once caught her up in his arms.
you poor baby" he said in brok-
en- voice. ITO think you are all that
Is left to me on earth-but how glad
/ am that there is you," and he kissed
her so lovingly that small Grace could
not help giving him small hug in re-
turn.
Then there followed the whole tale
of his having been cast away on an
uninhabited island with the half dozen
others who were saved from the wreck
ed ship, as helpless prisoners, until
their rescue only few weeks back.
All his ventures had proved success
full, and Joseph Granville had been
Fastening home to gladden. his sisters
heart with the news that she should
live with him in ease and comfort.
Later the subject which Mary
Schuyler dreaded was preached.
Grace will have to take her mothers
place now, in caring for her lonely
uncle. And believe me, Miss Mercy,
you have my life long gratitude that
you have so kindly cared for the
baby" His sincerity was evident, but
Mercy's face showed only sorrow,
while Grace began to cry and cling
close TO her beloved guardian.
Il don't want to leave Miss Mercy"
she sobbed.
Mercy asked: What shall l do with
out my little girl?"
At first Joseph Granville looked
nonplussed, then he took heart and
said:
ut would not be showing much
gratitude TO rob you of the young
ster If you want her; so perhaps it
will be best for her to stay with you
at present, and / will see if / can't
win some of her affection for my
SELF"
Mercy thanked him. 81 should be
simply desolate without Grace" she
concluded.
Uncle Joe settled down as a board
er In a comfortable farm house near
by, and spent most of his waking
hours in the company Of Mercy Schuy-
Ter and Grace.
Late one afternoon as they were re-
turning from a walk, Grace running
on ahead, Joseph Granville said to
Mercy: II have thought out q perfect
plan to make Grace and myself happy,
If only you will consent to it."
Tell me what 1t is" commanded
Mercy in quick alarm, and Joseph an
swered:
Grace is beginning to like me, but
she would never be content away from
you; and l have followed Gracie's ex-
ample and fallen in love with her
guardian. Won't you take us both
for life? You are the dearest and
best woman on EARTH" he ended fer
vently.
For little space there was silence,
then, Il think your plan is good
one" said Mercy at last, giving him a
shy smile. And / am willing to try
Ill L