The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-11-27
VOL. TX.


observed by him, as it had been by his father
before him-and the gratitude which he ex-
pressed to his Creator for the mercies which
he had received, was not mere formula of
unmeaning words, but came directly from the
heart.
On this day his children were collected all
around him-and all anticipated joyous
Thanksgiving. Several of his distant rela-
tons who were not so well provided with the
good things of this life as the worthy Deacon,
also accepted an invitation to be present.
Among those who were sheltered by Lis hos
pitable roof on this occasion, the greatest ia
vOrite seemed to be Mary Wardsworth, a
blue-eyed damsel, whose lovely and express
i've face told more about sweetness and purity
than | could describe in folio volume. She
was an only daughter of the cousin of the
worthy DeacOn's, and at an early age was de-
prived of her parents by death. But Deacon
Willis had been to her a parent-his house
had been her home-his wife had treated her
with a mothers kncness-and his children
regarded her as sister and dear friend.
Mrs. Willis situation as a mistress Of the
family, was no sinecure on that day. Her
duties were various and important-for it was
the Netg England HOLiddy-and all her skill
as housewife-all her excellences as man
ager, was put TO the test ON Thanksgiving
! day. After the family returned from meeting,
! for they were of the old-fashioned sort, who
would almost as soon loose their Thanksgiv-
ing dinner, as be deprived of the Thanksgiv-
ing sermon, the table wss set in the large
front parlor, which was wont TO be done only
on extraordinary occasions, and serious pre-
! partitions for the festival commenced. A
/ good fire. made of walnut and yellow oak
wood. burned cheerfuliy in the large open
fireplace, and al the females belonging to the
house, were put in requisi;ion to bear the
abundance Of the good things from the kirch
en- to the parlor-and hch, when deposited
| in their respective places made the tables
groan again.
Atihe end of the table was placed portly
turkey, the choicest of large and pampered
iamily-at the former extremity, was deposit
ed 4 ham of 4 size and flavor TO make a
! Westphalian'S eyes sparkle with Joy. On the
centre WAS stationed, plGcked, roasted and
ready for the carving knife. one of those Gel
ebrated animals, which Whilom saved from
the ravages of the Gauls, the capitol of Rome,
and which, in vulgar parlauce, are ycleped
geese-while here and there, scattered round
the table, in apparent disorder-but with de-
liberate care and precision, were boiled fowls,
roasted fowls, jellies, knickknacks, and plates
! of vegetables of more varieties and excellence
/ than would willingly undertake 10 enumer-
J ate-wlIile on the kitchen table, arranged APP
! parentiy as a corps ne reserre, might be seen
stately plum pudding, supported by several
/ enormous Thanksgiving pumpkin pies, with
/ uince pies, apple pies, squash pies, and GUS
tard pies, with fruits of various kinds, not for
getting nuts ana apples, to bring up the rear.
, As bcrerage on this happy occasion, 'caier
was the only article provided-water brought
irosa clear and sparkling spring, which hub
biel up Il few rods from the house; for Far
MGR Willis contcnded that water was the
best drink. even on festive occasions-and
tina; hilarity and Joy should be promoted, not
by wine or strong drink of any kind, but by
social communion, by free interchange of
thoughts and ideas, ny generous feelings, born
and nurtured IN II noble bosom.
Ii was nearly two o'clock long after their
accustomed hours ofdinncr,b before the assem-
bled company were invited into the parlor
to partake Ofthe good cheer which had
been 50 bOunlifully provided. And s the
happy company stood around the table, wait
ing for their host to ask the Divine Blessing
upon the meal that was placed before them,
shade fitted across the good mans brow
] tDt ms ttutSl SUM- uoplc bbNY HdS dDSeul
Among the joyful faces which surrounded
him, Edwards was not seen. He had left
his home, before, to embrace a sea-faring life
and the wanderer had not returned. There
was good reason to believe that he was no
longer in the land of the living-and although
they still strove to cherish hopes in each 9TH
er's bosoms, many and bitter were the tears
of affection, which had embalmed his mem
DRY.
My poor, dear boy - exclaimed Mrs
Willis" AL | much fear we shall never see
his smiling face again"
Mary Wardsworth said nothing-but a
tear started into her eye-and any casual OBJ
server would have seen at once that Edward
Willis was dearer to her than a cousin or a
friend-and that she cherished his memory In
the very depth of her heart.
Just then old Bose, the house-dog, was
heard to make some angry remonstrances to
a passing traveller, which attracted attention,
inasmuch as it was by no means an ordinary
occurrence, for Bose, was a well nurtured
brute, and seldom accosted a well-dressed,
parsonage in rude and angry manner.but he
+, entertained no prejndices against the victims
of misfortune or intemperance, who wear the
garb of poverty, which is cherished by nobler
animals, who boast the attributes of reason,
In truth, Bose, although faithful dog, was
I real aristocrat in his principles The tray
eler, from his appearance, moved in the hum
,, best rank of life, and Bose evidently intend
: ed to give him reception corresponding with
shabby appearance, and was advancing to-
wards him in a surley manner, and with a
truculent look, when Deacon Willis, who
well knew the peculiarities of his dog, told
, his son James to 60 out and protect the stran-
ger from violence. ''He seems to be sailor
TOO" said he, land on day like this, We
should rot refuse the rites of hospitality IL
the humbiest being that passes along the
= road. On Thanksgiving day, no individual
: rich or poor, sailor or landsman, should wan
for plentiful meal. Ask him in my son
continued the noble hearted farmer, "anC
let the poor wayfarer take seat at oul
) board"
:, The stranger entered the parlor and room
I was made for him at the table, But his ap
u pesrance and manner were strange, and b,
seemed as if he was but il-disposed to requit,
{ his host for the hospitality he enjoyed. HI
did not even raise his dilapidated hat from
q I L he 81 !