meanwhile poor grace had fared badly at thepoorhouse in crawford. it was a sad contrast to thegentle and kindly circle at mr. pomeroy's. whatmade it worse for grace was, that she could hearnothing of frank. she feared he was sick, or hadmet with some great misfortune, which preventedhis writing.
one day a handsome carriage drove up to the door.
from it descended our hero, elegantly attired. heknocked at the door.
mrs. chase, who was impressed by wealth, cameto the door in a flutter of respect, induced by thehandsome carriage.
``what do you wish, sir?'' she asked, not recognizingfrank.
``miss grace fowler!'' repeated mrs. chase,almost paralyzed at grace being called for by suchstylish acquaintances``yes, my sister grace.''
``what! are you frank fowler?''
``yes. i have come to take grace away.''
``i don't know as i have the right to let her go,''
said mrs. chase, cautiously, regretting that gracewas likely to escape her clutches.
``here is an order from deacon pinkerton, chairmanof the overseers of the poor.''
``that is sufficient. she can go. you look as ifyou had prospered in the city,'' she added, with curiosity.
``yes. i have found my grandfather, who is verywealthy.''
``you don't say!'' ejaculated mrs. chase. ``i'll tellgrace at once.''
grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of thearrival. what was her surprise when mrs. chase,entering the room, said, graciously:
``go up at once, grace, and change your clothes.
your brother has come for you. he is going to takeyou away.''
grace almost gasped for breath.
``is it true?''
``it is indeed. your brother looks remarkablywell. he is rich. he has found a rich grandfather,and has come for you in a carriage.''
in amazed bewilderment grace went upstairs andput on her best dress, poor enough in comparisonwith her brother's clothes, and was soon happy inhis embrace.
``i am glad to see you, my dear child,'' said mr.
wharton, who had accompanied frank. ``will youcome to the city and live with me and your brother?''
``oh, sir, i shall be glad to be wherever frank is.''
``good-bye, my dear child,'' sand mrs. chase, whosefeelings were very much changed, now that gracewas a rich young lady. ``come and see me sometime.''
``thank you, mrs. chase. good-bye!''
the carriage rolled on.
* * * * * * *a few words only remain. our hero was placedat a classical school, and in due time entered college,where he acquitted himself with distinction. he isnow making a tour of europe. grace was alsoplaced at an excellent school, and has developed intoa handsome and accomplished young lady. it isthought she will marry sam pomeroy, who obtaineda place in a counting-room through mr. wharton'sinfluence, and is now head clerk, with a prospect ofpartnership. his father received a gift of fivethousand dollars from mr. wharton as an acknowledgmentof his kindness to frank. tom pinkerton holdsa subordinate clerkship in the same house, and isobliged to look up to sam as his superior. it chafeshis pride, but his father has become a poor man, andtom is too prudent to run the risk of losing hissituation. john wade draws his income regularly, buthe is never seen at his uncle's house.
mr. wharton is very happy in his grandson, andmade happier by the intelligence just received fromeurope of frank's engagement to a brilliant youngnew york lady whom he met in his travels. hebids fair, though advanced in age, to live some yearsyet, to witness the happiness of his dear grandson,once a humble cash-boy.
