The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1867-11-28
Written fer the News.
A Thanksgiving Story.
BY vILETTB vILLARs,

John Haywood took his cigar between
the second and third fingers of his left
hand, and held it so that the ashes fell
from it, slowly and noipslessIy. Thus he
sat in his hotel room, seeming to gaze upon
the aforesaid cigar, but as really blind to
surroundings. as if Morpheus had sent his
mind rowing over the wonderful territory
he owns, STYLED in common pariance,-
"dream-land."
He had gone back some ten years in his
life journey, and paused at a spot that to-
day had an irresistible charm for him. An
orphan boy, left with the heritage Of a
good name and common education, adrift
in the world; he turned to that stepping
stone from which many youth goes on to
great renown. In due time he was in
stalled teacher in a country school house,
on gently sloping hill side. Wholly
taken up with his duties, weeks glided by
before he found that little Miriam CLYDE
was bringing new sunshine into his life by
her winning ways and gentle voice, as she
tripped along to school before him, with
her dinner basket on her arm, singing
songs, or listening to the birds, but ever
unobtrusiVe.
So the winter passed, and when the
school closed, Miriam looked up at him
through her tears, and said:
"I wish you could always stay. Come
next year and board with US again
Mustn't he, Grandma?"
And old Mrs. Clyde, thus appealed to, re-
piled:
"Indeed we would love to have it so. If
nothing better presents itself, come down
and teach for us again"
He thanked the motherly old lady, kiss
ed the child, and went to a far-ofF city to
exchange his winters earnings for classic
lore.
Brown October found him again occupy
ing the post of instructor, with expanded
intellect and higher aims, and the sun
shone down upon no fairer maiden than
Miriam Clyde, aged fifteen, suddenly
grown from childhood to womanhood.-|
What strange emotions filled his dreams,
and what thrill ran through his breast
when first their import was realized!
There was vacation at school; morning
service in the village church, two miles
distant; the meeting closed, and groups
stood without the doors, apparently 10th
to leave the temple.
Grandma Clyde smiled through her spec
tacles benignantly, and welcomed her
married children and their families who
were to accompany her home.
"WeIl, let US break up the conference
here Father was too feeble TO come out
to-day, and he win be anxious to see us.
Where is Miriam ?''
She turned to find her by her side, with
a half concealed smile.
81 came to tell you that Willie Harhlin !
wishes me to go in his buggy"
every well, we will try to do without
you," and the young people did not wait
10 hear the conclusion, for as they went
away with light hearts, Mrs. Clyde took
Mr.. Haywood's gaIlantly offered arm, and
added:
81 am glad Willie will be with US. I |
hink Miriam is always sadder when the |
'anily gathers at home. She has no
brothers or sisters, and contrasts her lone |
iness with hef Cousins happiness, I fear"
Thanksgiving" in those days, was not
, cold form of saying in measured tones,
I'VE thank Thee, o Lord - but it was fer
vent in prayer, complete in rejoicing,
No happier group assembled than that
lround the Widespread board at Grandma
Jlyde's. The odor of the dinner seemed |
till borne upon the air. The pumpkin
oies shOne with golden luster, and all
vas in the highest degree of perfection.
After dinner the piano was opened, and
.ach tried their skill, receiving commen-
lations from better or worse performers.
we must hear you too, Miriam," said
AUNT Mary. "Father tells'me that Mr..
has taught you several new
Dieces."
"But I do not play them well. If he
will give an accompaniment, will sing"
He took his seat at the instrument
What shall it be ? 'Gipsey's Warming or
he asked.
"Oh, neither, please. Let me sing Ton
Ioore.'"
He played the prelude, astonished at her
vident embarrassment. But in her selec-
ion she had shown taste and modesty, ,
nd when her rich voice greeted his ear, !
Ie forgot all but the words that came i'm