The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-12-04
Margaret Lsslis's Thanksgiving.
CHAPTER /.

CHAPTER L.
Dark, lowering clouds were overhead, and
under foot just snow enough to make the
pavement slippery with slush, rendering the
efforts of pedestrians to keep on their feet
more or less difficult, according to their skill
in maintaining an equilibrium. The early
close of short November day was rapidly
mingling darkness with the daylight, envel-
opiDg the great metropolis IN gloom, as
DR.. Sterling, who had been summoned to
the sick bed of one of his patients and who
had more compassion upon his horse than
upon himself, was vending his way on foot,
as fast as his two hundred pounds weight
and the slippery condition of the streets
would allow.
'What weather this is for females to be
out in" he said mentally, as he met or
passed the thinly-clad sewing girls, hurrying
10 their homes; and this robust man, well
protected as he was from the chill, damp air,
buttoned his oyercOat still more closely
about him and fastened on. But now he
stops suddenly, encountering a familiar face.
Good evening, Miss Margaret How are
you, and how are your father and sister"
Papa is feeling somewhat better, thank
YOU" answered a quick, pleasant voice.
He was out yesterday" She did not add
and to-day-feeliug certain the doctor would
disapprove, ana unwilling to make known
the necessity. 81 fear Bessie is not any bet
ter" she added, reluctantly, as she started TO
move on.
'l will come around in the morning and
see her." said the doctor, and you must hur-
~ home: this air is not fit for you to
breathe"
Thank you. Pm very glad you will
come, !" she returned, replying to the first
part of his speech and not noticing that
which had reference to herself.
But, what made the tired head and feet so
rested now, and the remainder OF the way
so short? She was not even cold. Her
cheeks were flushed and there was stir OF
pleasurable excitement at her heart. She
could rot explain this sudden transforma-
ton. But then, she always felt better after
seeing this good doctor, who had been so
kind TO them during their mothers last
sickness, and who was now so friendly in his
care of her father and sister, without thought
of remuneration.
81 believe that girl grows thinner and paler
every day" mentally soliloquized the doc.
tor, striking along with increased speed.
What should take her out in such weather
as this? | was on the point OF asking, but
that wouldn't do, of course. / think Leslie
must be hard up, even more so than he adj
mitted at the time of his wife's death. Pref.
" time of year to be out OF employment
That firm ought to have got him a better sit
uation. They certainly don't look as though
they had sufficient to eat. Thanksgiving
close at hand, tool I wonder what people
# seems to me- if | had the ordering of
things, I'd make different distribution of
the good gifts of life. Here, | have all |
want, but don't think / experience any nm
common emotions of thankfulness. / sup
pose, though, many happy man with a
family, would think bachelor of forty, with
no prospect of domestic bliss, had little cause
for gratitude in his turn. Umph! How
that girls face haunts me! / wonder If 1t
would do for me to send them a turkey for
Thanksgiving dinner? they're so sensitive.
That girls face interests me strangely. You
can't ignore the fact, Sterling; it's OF no
use. Well, I'll see the sister tomorrow and
send the turkey. They needn't know where
it comes FROM" With this benevolent dis
posal of the case came 6rmer. ring of the
doctors cane upon the pavement, and he
presently accended q flight of marble steps
10 attend case of somewhat different char
acter and scarcely so absorbing.
Margaret Leslie reached home out of
breath; she had walked so fast 70 tell Bessie
the good news that the doctor would see her
on the morrow.
Pm so glad" said the invalid from her
lounge u feel better for days after he has
been here. know ne not make me
well, but his visits always do me good "
"YOu must-yOu shall get we'll Bessie
dear cried Margaret, STOPPING to kiss her
sisters pale forehead. feel confident you
can be helped. You must not become de-
spending. have left you alone too long.
Mrs. Grey didn't have the money. She
wanted me TO wait till her husband came in.
did wait awhile, then il grew dark 80 fast
dared stay no longer. did want the mon
ey so, Bessie, to get you an orange aud para
some coffee for his supper. Yes, you've
been left alone TOO long, though almost ran
all the way home. after meeting DIR. Sterling.
It, somehow, seems wrong for me to be out.
Now / will make you some toast and get tea
ready. Where can Tommy be, not to have
come with the breadi'
sits too bad, Margaret, you couldn't gel
your pay, after sitting up nalf the night to
finish the WORK, said Bessie, tears starting
into her eyes in spite Of all her efforts 10 re-
press them
Never mind. dear; shall be sure to get
il in the morning" returned Margaret,
cheerfully II will go for it before papa
goes out, so that you need not be left alone
again." and she hurried TO the cupboard; but
so empty and bare were it shelves that she
could not have told her object in going
there unless ii was to hide the fast dropping
tears.
But now the door opened, and Tommy
made his appearance with the bread.
How could you stay away 80 long. Tom
my7" asked Margaret, land leave poor SIS.
ter alone. Iexpected you to hurry right
back, and not stop to play with the boys
81 didn't stop TO play. Me and Jonny
Harland's been looking In the baker shop
windows and the stores. ! tell you, II there