pretty soon.




CHAPTER X.

GRANDMA'S OLD TIMES.


Grandma Read was in her own room, sitting before a bright "clean" fire.
She did not like coal; she said it made too much dust; so she always used
wood. She sat with her knitting in her hands, clicking the needles
merrily while she looked into the coals.

People can see a great many things in coals. Just now she saw the face of
her dear husband, who had long ago been buried out of her sight. He had a
broad-brimmed hat on his head, and there was a twinkle in his eye, for he
had been a funny man, and very fond of a joke. Grandma smiled as if she
could almost hear him tell one of his droll stories.

Presently there was a little tap at the door. Grandma roused herself, and
looked up to see who was coming.

"Walk in," said she; "walk in, my dear."

"Yes'm, we came a-purpose to walk in," replied a cheery voice; and
Prudy and Dotty danced into the room, with their arms about each
other's waists.