University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1913-03-21

made up their minds to 60 back t,
the country. 1t was done all in ;
hurry. Looking over some Of her oil
letters and keep-sakes that morning
Grandma had come across a litti,
brown book with the corners worn on
The pages were yellow and the writ
ing in it had faded. But Grandma re
membered it as the book in which sht
had kept accounts with her setting
hens years ago when she was on the
farm. The dusty little book stirred uI
thoughts and desires.
When Grandma once made up her
mind, there was nothing to be said
Even the daughter, with whom she and
Grandpa had made their home in the
city since giving over the farm fifteen
years before to their son, was helpless.
John had always wanted them to visit
him. They would pack up and go
back to spend the rest of their days
in the good old country style. Thus
Grandma thought it out in her own
mind, and Grandma's thoughts were
always Grandpa's thoughts, too.
A telegram to John that night and
the next day found them on their
journey.
Il hope John meets us in the spring
wagon" Grandma said to the quiet
happy-faced old man beside her as she
peered from the car window at every
passing object cause you know /
feel little rheumatic since l started
and l don't believe could stand the
big wagon. The roads here look to be
awfully rough and muddy"
Grandpa didn't say anything until
Grandma started the conversation
again.
Abraham, don't you remember the
big sorrel team you used to have
old Dolly and Dan? 1 hope the team
John drives will be just as gentle and
safe. Abraham, how long has it been
since you sold Dolly and Dan?
well, now, mother, let's see. 1t
was before We built that cowshed, be-
cause ="
Where Was the SOrrel Team2
But he never finished Just then the
conductor cried "Winkle Crossing"
and they knew that was their place
to get Off Grandma hurriedly took a
last look through the window for John |
and the sorrel team. She had de-
finitely decided that he would drive a |
sorrel team.
John was there all right, but not |
with a sorrel team or in a spring wag-
on. He kissed Grandma heartily and
smiled his pleasure just as plainly
when he grasped Grandpa's hand, then
hurried them to the automobile, whose
engine was throbbing and sputtering
in its eagerness to start.
Was the ride in the motor pleasing
to the old couple? The road was as
smooth as a pavement and they made
the trip in a sixth the time old Dolly
and Dan could have made it. But |
Grandpa and Grandma Wrinkle had
gone to the country to live over again |
heir old farm days and here was the
first break in the program.
Poor old couple! Lost in their past,
hey had expected to find the old farm
house just as they had left it fifteen
years before. John had written them
and told them about changes from
time to time, but the mental picture
Of the old farm as it was when they
we're there blotted out all the little
pictures that John had made. The
sight of large, handsome white house
where the small squa>e frame once
stood, therefore, was another great
Johns explanation
hat the old house was still there but
had only been added to and then
painted over didn't help the feeling
,ery much, either.
Grandma didn't get to sit that night
n her old oak rocker in the light of