GRANDMOTHER'S VISIT.



GRANDMA has come! O mamma, grandma has come!" cried Gracie, joyfully, as she skipped to the door. Dick ran after her, shouting, "Good, now we'll have a merry time."

Little Neddie had forgotten all about the dear old grandma, so he stood very still and looked at her soberly, as she entered the room.

"Has Neddie forgotten grandma?" was her question as she took the little fellow in her arms, and covered his face with kisses. 

"I forgetted once, but I shan't never again," answered Neddie, as he slipped from her arms, and shyly watched her as she tried to unfasten her bonnet.

"Let me help you, grandma," said Gracie; and her nimble fingers soon untied the strings.

"Thank you, dear. My old fingers are cold and stiff. Yours are better. By-and-by they may open my basket." She did not see roguish Dick peep into it.

"Yes, grandma, but I'll carry your things away first;" and her willing feet tripped away with the wrappings. When the last thing was put away, grandma said, "Now open my basket, Gracie."

"Oh, what a nice dolly!" cried Gracie, as soon as she saw the pretty thing, folded so nicely in its dainty white blanket.

"I knew 't was there before you saw it," said Dick. " But dolls ain't much. What have you got for me, grandma?"

"Dick," said his mother, be patient. I think Neddie will have his present first, today."

"O Neddie, see this nice horse on wheels!" exclaimed Gracie. She was almost as much delighted as Neddie with the pretty toy. His sparkling eyes showed his delight, although he said nothing then.

"Here, my boy," said grandma at last; "here is yours at the very bottom of the basket," and she handed Dick a handsome white-handled knife.

"Thank you; it's just what I wanted. You are the best grandmother alive."

"Is it worth waiting for?" asked grandma, with a quiet smile.

"I guess it is. I'll remember to be patient next time, I'm sure I will. The bestoften comes last." After the presents had been sufficiently examined and praised, and grandma had eaten a good warm dinner prepared by her kind daughter, papa came home from his work, and the entire family gathered around the large, old-fashioned fire-place for an evening's visit. Grandma then told them all about her home in New York, and about her long and tiresome journey. 

How that in one place they were delayed several days on account of heavy snows, and were finally pulled through by eight iron horses.

Thus the evening passed very pleasantly away, and all felt that the presence of grandmother had brought additional sunshine and happiness to the household. 

Blessed be the children who have an oldfashioned grandmother. As they hope for length of days, let them love and honor her, for we can tell them they will never find another.





HOMAGE TO OLD AGE.




DEAR children, wheresoe'r you are,

Remember you must pay 

Due reverence unto every one 

Whose locks with age are gray.

Ah if you as yet have never known

The many cares and fears, 

The many griefs, that often come

To those advanced in years.

Our God who is the God of love, 

Whose words and ways are truth,

Who watches with unceasing care 

The steps of age and youth,

Hath bid the young to pay respect

Unto the hoary head; 

And he will bless all those who do

As he hath willed and said.





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