The House of Joshua: The Beginning

By Mary Kathryn Donachy

This captivating book introduces you to a loving, fascinating family and a special way of life. You will laugh and cry as you experience life with the family and friends of Joshua McCracken. You will find that it will leave you with a hunger for more. Mary Kathryn Donachy will capture your interest as well as your heart and leave you anxiously awaiting the unfolding saga of The House of Joshua.Paula J. Reichert Raising teenagers has never been easy, even in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. But this family relies on their faith, determination, and dreams of the future to survive the physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles they face. This is a saga of the McCracken family, led by Joshua and Mary Kathryn, who lead their children with love and dependence on their own individual faith and personal convictions. On their journey, they meet new friends and new opportunities. There are the crises of young love, dealing with scars of the past, as well as a perilous blizzard. We meet Indians and runaway slaves and learn about tanning and ice harvesting. This is a great page-turner. I couldnt wait to see what happened next.Daniel C. Brown

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 20, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450082334

Mary Kathryn Donachy

Mary Kathryn Donachy was born a coal miner’s daughter in West Virginia. Her unshakeable faith in God has seen her through unbelievable adversity throughout her life, and she continues to make every moment count. She has spent most of her life in Christian service. Her many efforts have always been directed toward others, sacrificing whatever need be to bring peace, happiness, and comfort to those around her. She has served as a Christian education director and Christian counselor, held seminars and clinics for her ministry in five states, and has appeared on television talk show at least three times. She completed her seminary training with honors. She has gone from the religious field to the political in an effort to resolve issues revolving around the lives of the widows and children of deceased coal miners. She worked as a writer/editor for the National Institutes of Health and the Exponent Telegram newspaper’s society column. She has fostered and ministered to the youth and became involved in street ministry in Washington DC. Her remarkable poetry has been in print in various magazines and newspapers. She is a certified member of “Who’s Who” in the renowned International Society of Poets and has received several awards for her poems. She authored a novel in 1963 and continues to reach out to the world through her writing. Mary Kathryn, a gifted writer, is a cancer survivor, a widow, and a mother of three children. She currently resides in Tennessee.

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Copyright © 2010 by Mary Kathryn Donachy.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Dedication

I dedicate this book to my father, Clifford B. Donachy, and to all those whose lives he touched in one way or another. He was the most amazing person I have ever known. He had a set of values and principles that he projected daily by his lifestyle and that he passed on to his children. He was a missionary in his own right, a positive influence to so many, and his unforgettable spirit and inspiration will live on and on through the generations to follow.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Acknowledgments

T hroughout my life it has been my good fortune to be surrounded by good and special people. I was indeed born with the golden spoon of love and tenderness, as I was born to a saintly father who taught me the kind of values that have created in me a kinship with the human race. As he taught love and equality, I grow more and more to see the truth in drawing toward myself people of all races, creeds, and cultures. My thanks to Daddy. Without this background, I would have missed so much that life has to offer.

I owe gratitude to David Goff, pastor, counselor, and educator. He is the author of A Brief Memoir of Elizabeth Fry (1781-1845) . He is currently teaching at Austin-East High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. I am so thankful for his leadership and devotion to me and to this work. He has spent much of his valuable time trying to make my Quaker terminology and culture as correct for that time period as possible. Any errors that might have occurred in that regard would be due to my overlooking his corrections. As many changes have developed over time, this was a real challenge for me.

I want to thank Paula Reichert for her constant support. She has read this book with passion and commitment, editing, making suggestions, and searching the archives for facts that I may have overlooked. She has been behind me every step of the way.

My thanks go to Robin Dobbins who has seen the characters in this book as visibly in her mind as if they were a vision, drawing them with her talent that I may see them as correctly as I describe them. I appreciate the hours she has spent with her drawing pad and pencil.

I thank Steven Donachy for the days he has spent caring for my autistic granddaughter, making it possible for me to work on my manuscript. He has taken upon himself some of my daily chores and has been constantly cheering me on toward success.

Daniel C. Brown, for his continual encouragement for me to use my writing skills. His confidence in my ability has been unshakable through the years. Most of all, I appreciate his historical interests and knowledge that have kept me on track. He is an avid reader, and his flexible attitude is what I needed to see me through.

Thank you, Betty Lawrence! Your friendship and uplifting attitude have cheered me on day by day. I appreciate your constant prayers and the fact that your confidence in me never wanes.

Professor William L. Blevins, licensed marriage/family therapist and professor of religion, has been such an inspiration to me. He was our family therapist for several years as I was trying to bring up two little grandchildren. Before starting this project, I randomly began to reread a complimentary copy of his book, Your Family Your Self . That book was all I needed to cause me to consider this journey toward The House of Joshua . I will always think of him as a dear friend and hero to my family and me.

My thank to Jeremy Lawson, my financial adviser and friend, for his expertise and lasting friendship.

I would be remiss if I failed to specifically mention another friend and mentor Dr. Mani Sivasubramanian, http://www.CHDinfo.com . He is a pediatric cardiac surgeon who specializes in working with children with genetic heart disease. He is a well-known philanthropist, and his successful online marketing has made it possible for so many underprivileged children to have a second chance at life. I am so grateful to him because he has taught me to tap into my hidden talents. More importantly, he has encouraged me to think and to write. His latest book 47 Hearts has really touched a tender spot in mine. I believe his goal has been to persuade me to search and discover skills and abilities I didn’t realize I had, as well as help me to develop the courage I needed to face the risk of failure.

I thank you for joining me in this venture. You will have an opportunity soon to voice your opinions and judgments regarding this book. I am grateful for every person that I haven’t mentioned who supported me with their prayers and words of encouragement. Most of all, I thank God for giving me this story and opportunity to know all the people mentioned above, including you , the reader.

Introduction

W elcome to the House of Joshua. I know you will find this place as intriguing as I have as you become acquainted with a family who I believe to be unique in character and interesting in their outlook in life. It has been a long journey as I have been searching for these people for at least half of my life. Once I finally arrived at this place, I was pleasantly surprised at what I found.

Why did I come here? What was I looking for? you may ask. I came to find my namesake, a person who I grew up hearing about. I wanted to know what made her stand out as the great matriarch since the mid-1800s and why I was the only one through the generations to be chosen to receive her name. It became my focus to find this grand lady in search of my own identity. This has been a long trip, but in seeking I have found much more than I ever dreamed possible. It has been so interesting to me that I wanted to share it with you.

Why am I so intent in sharing this with people I have never seen, people I may never have the opportunity to meet? I have come to realize that in one way or another, whether biologically, spiritually, or simply as a result of being created by the same infinite hand, we have a common bond in our search for peace. If we are to be globally united, we must know that what is important to one can be special to all. Because of my contact with people from various parts of the world, I have learned that this is really a small world after all. I am already blessed in knowing that there are those who plan to travel this journey with me as I keep searching for truth and right.

From the House of Joshua we open doors to situations some never have experienced and many have forgotten. These people want to be heard, and I hope we will listen. They speak to my heart and reveal a wisdom that changed their world and, in retrospect, has transformed mine. I don’t know if love makes the world go round; but I do know that love can travel from one end of the earth to the other, easing pain, suppressing anger, meeting needs long ignored, and causing those who learned to hate to ultimately respond to compassion. Never in the history of our world was love more required for peace of mind and unity. The attitude I see in The House of Joshua basically symbolizes love; equality; and genuine sacrifice for others regardless of race, creed, or culture.

You may note that they did not use the days of the week or the months of the year because they were named after pagan gods. They referred to these numerically; however, in some cases, that is no longer the general rule. You will also notice that their place of worship was called the meeting house. They believed, and still do, that the people are the church. The characters in this book do not say that they were going to church; rather, they were going to a meeting.

In the books to follow, you will see sacrifice and courage unlike anything I have ever experienced. I hope you will walk with me through the years that follow this: the beginning.

Choose you this day

Whom ye will serve . . .

But as for me and my house,

We will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24: 15

Chapter 1

The House of Joshua

I t was a typical autumn Second Day in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The cool breeze kept the sheets in motion, and the warm sun shining down on the clothesline made them look as white as freshly driven snow. What a perfect day for the weekly laundry. Mary Kathryn clipped a pillowcase more firmly to the clothesline and decided to leave the dry white bedclothes to hang in the sun for a while longer. The breeze would soften them, and the sun would continue to brighten her wash. She enjoyed being a wife, a mother, and a busy homemaker.

Her thoughts wandered back to her childhood in the Henry Mansion. What would her mother think if she were alive to see her hanging out a Second Day washing? Her parents never considered it necessary for their daughters to learn the ways of the common folk because they were raised with maids and governesses. Being aware of this before their marriage, her husband was completely surprised of her domestic interests and abilities.

As a young girl, she spent many hours with Colleen, a servant friend. Since she was forbidden to associate with the servants, she would wait until her mother was out on one of her shopping sprees to visit her friends in the servants’ quarters. It was there, under the supervision of Colleen’s mother, that she learned to cook, do laundry, sew, and keep a house in order. When asked why an aristocrat with money enough to last a lifetime would be interested in such menial chores, she would explain that her dream was to become the wife of a good, faithful husband and to raise a family. She didn’t want others caring for her husband and children. She felt she had never really gotten to know her parents on a personal level, and her lack of a rapport with her mother during those early years of her life inspired her to become the best wife and mother possible. There would be no servants. She would cook, clean, and do her own laundry, sparing her family of the cold environment that she believed might result by relieving herself of their care. Her children would attend school like the children around them however rich or poor, and she would be there to greet them with special little snacks when they came home each day.

After their second week of marriage, she persuaded Joshua to agree to purchase a house with money from her dowry. He was still a struggling young engineer, and she would consider this a wedding gift from her family. After several weeks of searching, they bought a nice, fertile piece of land amounting to about one hundred acres and decided to build their house to their own specifications. Mary Kathryn insisted on twelve bedrooms. Joshua would laugh when she explained her need for so many bedrooms. It’s for all ten of our children, a suite for us, and a guest room, she would say.

They lived with Joshua’s parents while the house was being built, and this gave her an opportunity to become closer to his family and to learn many things from his mother. When their moving day finally arrived, his mother cooked a special meal. She invited everyone in Joshua’s family and Sarah, Mary Kathryn’s twin sister. It was quite a celebration.

That night, as Joshua carried his lovely bride over the threshold, she said, This is the answer to my prayer, Joshua.

And what did you ask God for? he said as her stood her on her feet, looking directly into her dark brown eyes. Did you ask Him for a beautiful big house like this one?

Oh no, she answered seriously. I ask Him for a husband who would be a devout, loving Christian, one who would be handsome, charming, strong, and romantic enough to carry me over the threshold.

Joshua took her in his arms and said, If my carrying you over the threshold is an example of my love for you, I will do so every day of our lives.

Mary Kathryn laughed. That is until you are too old and brittle to pick me up.

Then she took on an expression of joy and spoke from her heart. She spread her hands across the room and said, This is the House of Joshua, a house where God will reign supreme.

Then it will always be a house of love, Joshua said. He took her hand and guided her to kneel with him. Let’s stop right now and ask His blessing upon our new home and our future. They remained in silent prayer for several minutes, and then Joshua prayed a short prayer aloud. Her heart was touched by his devotion and commitment to his Lord.

From that day forth, she relied totally on her husband for support, creating in him the desire to be all he could be for his wife and children; now he was an image of success in the manufacturing of iron. Once the children came along, Joshua suggested that they hire a maid to do the chores. This could give her more time with the children. I will let you know if I ever need help, darling. I’m doing just fine with things as they are, she said.

Her thoughts suddenly returned to her work as their collie slipped his head under her hand. She stroked his head and went into the house through the back door with him at her heels. She stopped to check on the woodstove and added a few small pieces of wood to the fire before proceeding to finish cleaning her washing machine. It consisted of a cage with wooden rods and a handle for turning. It was a hand-operated machine that used paddles to toss the clothes about. Joshua had been looking into buying a new washing machine he had heard about. It came with a revolving drum with reversing action. It was already in the process of development, and he was determined that he would buy one for her as soon as the first one became available to the public.

Her daughters had taken the clothing from the line earlier; and those she had starched were sprinkled, soaked, and ready to be ironed. By now the stove had heated sufficiently, so she put her irons to heat. Since one iron was heating while the other was being used, she always had at least two of them available. The weight of the irons, about ten pounds each, made ironing for long periods of time a very tiring task.

Once her irons were hot, she tested one by wetting her finger on her tongue as the servant lady had taught her. She needed to be certain not to scorch the clothing. She remembered how difficult it was when the children were babies and she had to heat her irons on the hearth. Now the convenience of heating them on the cookstove made the task much easier and safer. She no longer had to worry about ashes and soot collecting on the iron and getting on the clothing.

As she finished ironing the last item of clothing, she could hear her three daughters laughing from the front lawn. They had finished their chores and appeared to be enjoying one another’s company. She smiled as she thought of the rapport that always existed among the girls from the time they were babies. There had never been sibling rivalry among them, but she couldn’t say the same about Daniel, her son and the youngest of the four children. Daniel went to great strides to annoy the girls at every opportunity. He was young, full of vigor, a practical joker, and always ready to tease his sisters. Mary Kathryn thought of it as a temporary issue. After all, he must have felt that being the only boy in the family and the baby so to speak, gave him special privileges. Although lectures from the parents were often the after-dinner issue, Daniel continued with the project he enjoyed most, and that was to frustrate his sisters.

Mary Kathryn hung the perfectly ironed clothes in their proper places, and as she walked through the parlor, she looked out at her lovely daughters. Elizabeth Ann, now eighteen, married and a mother of two, was sitting on the big swing, pointing her index finger at Susannah with a broad smile on her face. Elizabeth Ann was their firstborn, always acting as the little mother to her sisters and brother. She was protective, and at times she needed to be reminded not to meddle too much in the affairs of the younger ones. Elizabeth Ann had red hair and prominent green eyes. Her lips were full, and when she smiled, her perfect white teeth accented the deep dimple in her chin. When she was born, her father looked at her and laughed out loud. Now ain’t that the luck o’ the Irish? A real Irish lassie we have here, he said.

Elizabeth Ann surely is the luck o’ the Irish and quite the lady, Mary Kathryn thought as she watched her from the window.

Then there was Mary Ellen, her sixteen-year-old, sitting on the ground with her feet flat behind her, her hand over her mouth as if in a look of surprise. Mary Ellen’s strawberry blond hair was tied behind her head with a piece of yarn. She was wearing her father’s shirt and a pair of his long work pants. They were rolled up several cuffs and tied around her chubby waist. Mary Ellen was the one with the hearty appetite in the family, and although she was not too far out of proportion, Daniel was sometimes reprimanded for calling her chunky.

I must do something about that girl, Mary Kathryn thought. She’s such a tomboy. She is so pretty but so careless about her appearance. It was not usual for a girl of her day to wear pants.

When Mary Kathryn would approach her about it, Mary Ellen would always say, But did you ever try to ride a horse in a fancy dress, Mother?

Yes, she answered. I do it all the time.

Well, it’s a nuisance for me. I wear dresses to Meeting, don’t I? I hate wearing long dresses at home. After all, don’t I help Papa and Daniel with the chores? Doing farmwork in a long dress is ridiculous, if I do say so. I do the kind of work boys do, and I enjoy it.

Do you realize how you look in your father’s work clothes, Mary Ellen?

They’re all I have. Can’t you buy me some that fit? she pleaded.

They don’t make pants for girls. I’m sure you realize that, her mother answered. And doesn’t the Bible say something about women not dressing like men and men not dressing like women?

I don’t know, her daughter answered. I just know that being in the pigpen in a dress is a mess to contend with. You’re a seamstress, Mother. Maybe you can make me some work clothes.

Mary Kathryn couldn’t help seeing the reasoning behind Mary Ellen’s dilemma. Each child was different, and she knew that she needed to accept each individual personality in love. It was their character that really mattered.

I will discuss it with your father. He may agree in order to get his clothing back, she said with a smile.

Joshua did agree to allow Mary Ellen to do her work in more suitable clothing. He decided that having her own would be better than trying to fit into his, so new work clothes for their active farm girl were in the making.

As she watched through the parlor window, she realized that the focus of conversation seemed to be directed at Susannah, her youngest daughter, now fifteen and considered by many to be the most beautiful girl in all the counties around. She had striking brown eyes and dark curly hair that fell in ringlets past her perfectly proportioned waistline. Her skin was a warm olive color, highlighting her oval face and perfect jawline. It was as though God took all His best and made an excellent example of beauty. She’s gonna be a heartbreaker, Joshua, her father, would often say. Sure glad she’s smart with a good head on those lovely shoulders of hers. She already turns the heads of every boy around.

Mary Kathryn’s curiosity was getting the best of her. Now what was the big issue revolving around Susannah? She wanted to be part of it all. She walked quickly to the big double doors and opened them slowly and quietly, hoping to hear at least a part of the conversation. Just as suddenly as she appeared, Elizabeth Ann got up from her swing, Mary Ellen rolled over in the grass and stood up, and Susannah turned toward her mother and began moving toward the house.

Did I interrupt something? their mother asked. She placed her thumb against her chin, her index finger on her cheek, curling the other three fingers below her lower lip. The girls called that the caught by Mother expression. Joshua always called it the curious-cat look. Daniel just identified it as Mother is thinking, and I hope it isn’t about me.

No, Mother, Elizabeth Ann replied, we were just kidding about some things.

Regarding Susannah? Mary Kathryn couldn’t resist asking.

Susannah’s getting silly, that’s all. Mary Ellen smirked.

How’s that? the inquisitive mother asked.

Oh, never mind, Mother, Elizabeth Ann said, punching Mary Ellen with her elbow. It’s Mary Ellen that’s being silly. We were just having a fun conversation, and Mary Ellen is just too set in her ways to enjoy it.

With that, the girls went into the house to help their mother with the supper. Papa would be home soon, and there was much to do. Their mother was still curious but resolute. She decided to wait for further information regarding the unusual encounter with her daughters. Something was going on, and it would all come to the surface sooner or later, and it didn’t matter now which. As of now, preparing supper was the priority. Joshua would be coming home soon.

Joshua was a hardworking stoutly built large man with a gentle heart. His life revolved around his wife and children, and he provided well for them. His respect and appreciation for women were unusual for his day, but being a Quaker, he learned early on that the world would be a sad scene without the ideas and teachings of good Christian women.

Joshua had a proud heritage and always gave thanks for his ancestral background. His great-grandfather, James McCracken, was born on a ship that was transporting people from Ireland to America. James’s parents were two of those chosen from the Dublin meeting to be immigrants to escape the persecution in Ireland at the time. James had never ceased to be grateful for the opportunity to establish residence in the new country and to be a part of the ongoing Quaker movement. He knew that his children would have opportunities here that wouldn’t have been available to them in Ireland.

Joshua went to work at an iron plant when he was seventeen as a day laborer. Being a conscientious and ambitious young man, he was admired and impressive. Within the first eight months, he was promoted to chief engineer. The salary was scant, but it was the beginning of a profitable career. It had taken many long weary hours of work and study, but his determination to make every day count reaped its rewards. As he accumulated enough means to do so, he assembled a laboratory of his own in the basement of their large house and studied metallurgy during his off-duty hours. He managed to improve quality control and streamline production techniques. He even created plans for better labor management. Joshua—as a result of his good looks, charm, intelligence, creativity, and purposeful effort—acquired more wealth than he had ever dreamed of. As a result, he invested everything possible in land. His father had always said, Your grandfather taught us that all that is permanent on this earth until the end of time is the earth itself, so make an effort to acquire a bit of it for yourself and your family.

Joshua began purchasing property in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, donating large portions of it for Quaker Meeting Houses. He even donated a property to the Methodist Church in Clearfield County. By the time the last child was born, he owned much of the county.

He was only eighteen when he asked Mary Kathryn for her hand in marriage. He met her at Meeting, and they courted for four months. She was first impressed by his appearance. He was indeed the most handsome young man she had ever met with his red hair, fair complexion, and bright green eyes. Soon after, however, she realized that there was much more to attract her than what her eyes could see. It was the soul of the man that surpassed all else. After their four-month courtship, they both realized that they had met the one God had intended. After counseling with their clearness committee, they went before their Society of Friends and declared their love, spoke their vows in a Meeting for Worship, and began their future as husband and wife. It was a simple but joyful occasion with everyone present signing their names, indicating their love and support for the couple and their future family.

Now, looking across the dinner table at his loyal wife, his lovely daughters, and his mischievous son, Joshua bowed his head to begin the supper prayer. All hands were folded in reverence, all eyes closed, and all hearts blended together as they listened to Papa’s prayer. It was never the same, always including issues to be thankful for that day and blessings for those in need whether far or near, relative or stranger. His prayer each day at the supper table was an inspiration, even for Daniel.

He lifted his head and looked at Daniel with a slight grin. And what has made your day special, Daniel? Every day he would ask the question to at least one member of the family. Joshua believed that at least one special thing should brighten each day for everyone. Daniel knew that and tried to give an appropriate answer. Suddenly he stood up, his tall lanky body leaning backward. He clapped his hands together and said, I found the most beautiful lizard today, Papa. And it looked me straight in the eyes.

Oh? Mary Kathryn said. She was not at all surprised. Daniel was always collecting frogs, lizards, and other crawling things. That’s nice, Daniel. Just leave the snakes alone. No more garden snakes!

Perhaps you’ll show it to us after supper, son. We’d like to see your lizard, Joshua commented, trying to show interest in Daniel’s special event.

Not me! Elizabeth Ann said. I’m not interested in seeing any more of your critters, Daniel. Don’t you have something better to do than crawl around on the ground, looking for creepy things?

It wasn’t on the ground. It was on the porch, Daniel said, with his fists on his hips.

I’ll look at it, Mary Ellen said, not really caring but trying to cooperate.

Well, said Joshua, if it is special to Daniel, it should be special to us all. You can get it after supper, Daniel. Where is it now?

Daniel’s lips tightened, and a look of mischief crossed his face. Mary Kathryn knew her son. and she understood the expression in those sparkling hazel eyes.

Daniel, where is the lizard! she demanded an answer.

In Mary Ellen’s dresser drawer, Mother, he answered.

Daniel! his mother exclaimed. You are thirteen years old. When are you going to start showing a bit of manhood and practice good manners? More importantly, when are you going to learn to be more considerate of other people’s rights and feelings?

Joshua fought back the need to chuckle. How well he remembered his own boyhood days and the pranks that he and his brother would play on their sisters. He glanced around the table, and it was a sight to see. There was the mother, angry and frustrated at her son. She had that Mother’s thinking, and I hope it isn’t about me expression that Daniel always dreaded. Mary Ellen was standing now, shouting at her brother as if he were a mile away. Elizabeth Ann had thrown her napkin in her plate, shaking her head back and forth like a yo-yo. And then, there was Daniel, back in his chair, looking like someone had caught him with his hand in the cookie jar.

Daniel looked at Mary Ellen, hoping to get some help. You said you would look at it, Mary Ellen. You aren’t afraid of lizards.

I said I would look at it. I didn’t say I wanted to touch it, she said even louder. And I don’t want it on my clothes in my dresser drawer. You’re lucky I didn’t reach in there to get out my nightclothes. She hesitated, and Daniel hoped she was having second thoughts. You’re really lucky, she repeated.

Joshua, now composed, decided he’d better take the issue at hand. Daniel, you may leave the table, go get your lizard, and put it outside where it belongs.

But, Papa, it will run away! I wanted to keep it, Daniel said pleadingly. Please, may I keep it? It’s a very unusual lizard. You should see the markings on it.

It’s probably poisonous, Elizabeth Ann interrupted.

No, Daniel, you don’t deserve to keep it. What you did was unfair and unkind. You must let it go. Now if you move promptly, you may come back and have supper with us. If you insist on continuing with this discussion, you will go to bed without your supper.

Daniel looked at the serious expression on his father’s face and rushed to do his bidding.

Are we going to have another after-supper lecture tonight, Papa? Elizabeth Ann asked. I promised I’d be home right after supper. It was so nice having supper with you this evening, but I should have known Daniel would be up to something. I’m sure glad he was the one you asked about having a special day.

You’re glad! Mary Ellen exclaimed. I’m the one who would have had the lizard crawling all over me at bedtime.

Mary Kathryn began to laugh then. The image of Mary Ellen fighting the creepy crawling lizard was too much. Joshua joined in her laughter, and the girls followed. When Daniel returned, he stood staring at the table. He just couldn’t imagine how the problem scene he had left could have changed to something as happy as this. What could he have missed?

Sit down, Daniel, and enjoy your supper before it’s ruined, Joshua ordered.

Does that mean I’m forgiven? he asked sheepishly.

Everyone began to laugh again, and the issue would soon be forgotten.

Mary Kathryn noticed the whispering of Mary Ellen and Susannah as they put the kitchen back in order. She knew they were continuing the discussion that had begun on the front lawn earlier in the day. She walked into the kitchen as if to look for something in a cupboard, and silence again took over. Her first thought was to say, Hey, girls! Now what’s the secret here? but she knew that would be invading their privacy as