The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-12-16

she awoke, aud the sharp blowing wind
had brought thin, fine snow which
drifted In between the cracks of the
loose, shaky windows and lay In white
lines along the bare floor. A sudden re-
alization of their situation came over
her - horror of waking from sweet
sleep to its reality-a shrinking from
once more rousing herself to face the un-
equal struggle and deep groan burst In
voluntarily from her lips. This partial
ly aroused her husband and reminded
her of the necessity of selfcontrol. In
a few moments she resolved to get up
and have good fire at least, and set the
breakfast as cheerfully as possible so
that there was something different in
Thanksgiving day after all.
She rose and dressed, the cold air
penetrating to her very vitals She had
a mind to arouse Bobble, but he slept
so sweetly and soundly that she forebore.
The fire was soon kindled, and then
she stepped into the hall to sweep out
the snow that had blown in the cracks
around the door. AS she did 80 the first
thing that saw was the envelope. Her
name was on 1t and there could be no
mistake. When she opened It she stood
like one petrified. Who could have sent
it So far as she knew, no one knew of
their circumstances. Her irst impulse
was to inform her husband, but In mo-
ment better plans prevailed. This was
Thanksgiving; she would surprise them
all with good breakfast. An extra
amount of fuel was placed in the stove,
and then she went to the nearest meat
shop she bought two generous porter
house steaks; then on the way home she
bought bread and coffee, and at the door
of her house stopped the milk man and
got three quarts of milk, and then the
mother was ready to get breakfast.
In little while fragrant coffee was
steaming, potatoes were nearly baked in
the oven, the table was set, the bread
was cut, the milk was distributed to the
children's places in generous cupsful,
and then the steak was put on to broil.
She was now ready for her surprise.
" Bobbie, Bobbie, Dick, Mamie, chill
dren, wake up, wake up, it is Thanks
giving day. Wake up, and see if you
don't smell something good ~
" It's meat" said Bobbie and with one
bound he was out of bed and followed
by Dick and the rest, he ran down to
verify his guess. 1t was a picture wor-
thy of painters skill-that group of
eager, childish faces that looked with
such delight upon the juicy steak as it
cooked.
Perhaps in few homes of wealth and
comfort could there be found happier
group than that which surrounded that
breakfast-table. The husband supposed
his wife had really planned for a sur
prise, and the nutritious meat and rich
coffee had their immediate happy effect
in strengthening him and cheering him.
She, also, felt the reviving power of
good food and relieved heart, and it
seemed as though this must be the be-
ginning of new life for them.
While they fingered at the breakfast
table, the grocer's wagon appeared at
the door.
"There must be some mistake,' said
Mrs. Hall, as the driver came in carry
ing the turkey and the ham.
I" No mistake; these goods are to be
left here. Where shall I put this flour
and these potatoes ~
And then such another joyful run
ming to and fro as there was The ap-
pies came in and the squashes, and the
husband looked at his wife and said
"What does all this mean ?"
Z" know nothing about it," said the
wife. " 1t must in some way be special
providence" and then she told of the
twenty dollar bill found in the hall
The stores were scarcely all packed
away when ponderous load of hickory
wood arrived, and was without ado,
thrown into the yard.
''It's all right; the groceries and the
wood are paid for" said the grocer as he
left, "and there is no mistake about the
place, good morning."
"God only knows from where this
relief has come, darling," said the hus-
band, as he folded his wife in his arms,
while the happy tears rolled down his
cheeks.
"And now you can accomplish the
most necessary things for us, through
this timely aid"
Z" What is that ~