The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-12-04
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER II.
Margaret did not go for her money in the
morning till her father had left the house,
thinking it better that in case the doctor
called early, the two should not meet; but
she left Tommy IN charge, with strict in
functions neither TO leave nor to waken his
sister. Tommy obeyed TO the letter, though,
its being the very day before Thanksgiving,
the attractions of the streets were more man
fold than usual. And though he did not
waken Bessie, the door bell did, with quick,
loud ring, and before its vibrations had
ceased, the ringer was there in the room.
Ppm so glad TO see you, DR.. Sterling I've
thought of nothing but your coming since
sister told me she met you"
"And where may that sister be nowp' he
asked, with a rapid glance about the room:
then, noting Bessies widened gaze, he took
her hand pleasantly, and made the requisite
inquiries as to her health.
"What do you eat?" he asked, after
while.
She replied evsslvely something to the
effect that she had little appetite; but she
frightened even as she talked to him; there
was something so helpful and comforting In
his very presence
"My prescription is not for medicine this
time" he said Beef tea-made strong
and little wine three times day. 1 think
you will improve upon that diet, and hope
you will be particular to ask your sister to
see that the tea is strong and nourishing"
Then, without once gancing at Bessie's
astonished face, the doctor turned to talk
to Tommy, Bessie watching him with an
expression of pathos he knew he should
not be able to encounter and maintain his
purpose.
He lengthed out his visit full 10 minutes
in hopes Margaret would return, then re
luctantIy took leave. Tommy went with
him TO the door, where he fingered to talk
with group of boys that had collected about
the steps. Upon his going up stairs again,
Bessie noticed his face was very dOwncaSt-
Tommy" she said, you feel badly about
something. Tell sister what it Is"
The boy struggled with his tears for
moment, then sobbed out:
'AlI the boys but me haYe got a mar, and
good things for Thanksgiving.
Bessie caressed him mutely for few
moments then rousing herself said II know
it is hard for you, poor boy; it is hard for us
ALL but we have our mother still, Tommy,
up in heaven, and about Thanksgiving, L
will tell you secret We are to have a
chicken, and Margaret will bring it when
she comes. Now don't let papa nor sister
see you are feeling badly, will your
At this instant Margaret entered, went
straight TO the sofa, and kneeling down,
clasped both brother and sister in her arms.
They had never seen her look like this be-
fore-never so stonily calm.
LIQUID not get-the money" she said
slowly.
What does it mean, Msrgie?' questioned
Bessie, striving, by her caresses, to bring
back her sisters wonted looks.
They had gone away; the house was shut
up"
"Ain't we going to have any chicken after
all?' asked the little boy, all his new pleas
ure suddenly dashed from him at one blow.
''Don't-don't, please-don't, dear; L had
counted so upon it!' and here all Margarets
forced composure broke down, and she sob
bed herself like any child.
Thanksgiving morning was bright, crisp
and cold; carts ratified merrily through the
streets; stores and markets, at this early
hour, were crowded with customers, and
everything denoted busy preparation. Tom
my, gazing dolefully into the street, refused
to go down, lest he should encounter other
boys, who would boast of their coming din
ner. He was stoutly holding back his tears.
when a cart came rapidly up the street and
stopped at the door. A man jumped briskly
down, lifted out a basket and came up to
the house.
Miss Margaret Leslie?" he asked, refer.
ring TO a card fastened to the basket handle,
as Tommy, his eyes widening upon the care
fully covered burden, stood speechless in the
doorway.
Miss Margaret Leslie?'' repeated the man.
He was briskly put aside, and depositipg
his load in the entry way, the bearer was
back in his cart and out OF sight before the
child could draw breath.
Margaret's father came to her assistance in
the opening of the mysterious god send. His
fingers IL is true, were somewhat reluctant,
and his face was grave but the three younger
faces were eager and flush with anticipa-
ton. First came the great bird, roasted and
ready for the table-"sallery" as Tommy
called it, cutting caper of delight, vegeta-
bles. fruit, coffee, sugar and last, but not
least, Bessie's prescribed cherry wine.
When the entire contents OF the basket
were deposited upon the table, making most
goodly show, Margaret and Tommy stood
puzzled and spell bound, but in Bessie's eyes
had come CLEAN of intelligence. Suddenly
Tommy's citation got the better of him, and
burst forth in ordinations of delight. But
somehow the others did not seem TO share
his joy. Bessie was silently crying Mr..
Leslie had turned hurriedly away, and Mar
garet, upon whom sudden light mad
dawned, felt lump in her throat which de-
prived her of uttersncs.
But something must be done. this daugh-
ter felt, TO bring about a different atmos-
phsre and make the day what il might now
become to ala day of thankfulness and
JOY.
Come, father DEAR" she said, "some good
friend has looked out for us; now let US
prove that we can appreciate. Tommy and
l are going to get dinner; that is, if hunger
will permit"
al H.