Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-11-26
How Thanksgiving Dinner Came.

1t was the nlPht before thanksgiving.
Esther Dunn sat in a low rocker by the crate.
Harry's torn apron was in one hand and the
needle had fallen from the limp fingers Of
the other. Baby Bell was on the carpetless
floor playing with her blocks, while Kitty,
the eldest of the group, little girl Of ten,
was seated at the open window with her
book. To Mrs. Dunn it had never been as
dark before. A month since her husband
them provided the shops did not open
Outside venders were crying out their wares,
and bows were shouting, Thanksgiving r.
It was too dark to read and possibly Kitty
longed to get away from the window One
man was carrying home a turkey, and
another had basket loaded with parcels.
Young as Kitty was she was old enough to
know that without work was TO be without
money. Only that morning she had seen
tears roll down her fathers face as he went
out on his hopeless errand to find employ
ment. She cannot comprehend why it must
be so. She has read in the Bible that God
withholds no good thing from those who
fear him and again, her Sabbath-school
teacher has told her that for every need she
must ask. Why not ask for turkey To
the child it was not irreverent. She had
from her babyhood asked God to keep papa
and mamma and Harry and baby Bell, and
give them sleep. Once her shoes came near
giving out, aud she questioned the propriety
Of going to God for a new pair, but her
papa had work then, and a new pair was
given her without any special asking. Creep
| ing up to her mothers chair she began to
smooth the long brads, showing here and
there white thread Quiet as the action
it brought tears to the mothers eyes. Baby
Bell, tired of her play, had crept up into
the loving arms, and moment after Harry
came stamping over the Threshold.
al say, mamma, where's our turkey
Bob's mother has turkey and cranberrie'
and lots of stuff for tomorrow"
Hush, Harry you shouldn't say such
things" exclaimed Kitty.
"Why shouldn't though ?"
"You know papa hasn't any work, mildly
expostulated Kitty.
Bob's father hasn't work either, bu
they've got turkey"
Mrs. Dunn endeavored to speak calmly
hard as she had felt, she could bear to hav,
her children think there was any injustice.
alt will be Thanksgiving all the same i
we do not have turkey"
"Nor cranberries, nor nothing ?" ques
toned Harry.
"If God wants us to have turkey he cal
give us one" spoke up Kitty. "I'm goinl
10 ask him."
at might do some good if we could Sc
him; don't know about it now," returne'
Harry.
With the fire burning low Kitty slid t
her knees and bowed her head over he
clasped hands:
"Dear God, be pleased TO remember tina
| -, H. o,.I
has no work, and mamma hasn't turkey t
be thankful with. If the dear Jesus will
send US one, and give papa some work, s
mamma won't feel bad any more. Pleas
God, amen"
"If he does though, I'll think he's a rea
good God" said Harry, with emphasis.
Baby Bell was asleep; Mrs. Dunn carrie
her to the crib and tucked her in nicely
then she set about preparing the evenin
meal. She did not attempt to analyze he
feelings. Kitty's asking had touched lac
heart. Why should she douot. The prom
ises were hers. God was not alone God
forgive sin and to cleanse the soul from a
unrighteousness, but he would supply all he
need according to his riches in glory.
The half loaf of bread was put on the tabl
with the teapot simmerng at the fire; te
was luxury but father will be cold whe
he comes besides she did not feel to doub
kitty's trust brought back the old faith /
, her heart, and once more it went ringin
through her brain: " Be careful for nothing
but in everything by prayer and supplies
tion with thanksgiving let your requests
made known unto God"
A step was on the pavement, and the ne1
moment Kitty and Harry held their faths
in warm embrace.
al don't see it," cried Harry, after th
first greeting.
"Don't see what ?" asked Mr.. Dunn.
eth be Thanksgiving tomorrow, and "
asked God-Kitty and me-"
Mr.. Dunn hung his head. He saw ths
the children evidently expected he woul
bring them something"
"Supper is ready" Mrs. Dunn called ou
It was surprising to see how quickly tn
, woman had come to herself To see ht
husbands haggard face forced her to spea
cheerfully. She did not say that the los
was the last. And the tea was hot and r.
} freshing. .-e,l g. l.t tiE..
After supper, with Harry half asleep
his arms, Mr.. Dunn told his wife of his a
tempt TO get work and his failure A clio
of the gate and steps started Harry out {
his half sleep. I... .I .i.n.
Maybe lts God nifty asked hlm,
the latter opened the door.
"Just as ! expected" Kitty said, as 81
dropped note into her fathers hand. TT
!, man said never mind the basket, it was a
old one." ..I., .i. .f-....
1t was some time before Kitty and Harr
could unload the basket, bringing one artic
and then another to their parents.
, al didn't think he would, but he has,
cried Harry, while Kitty cried and laughe
at the idea Of turkey for Thanksgiving.
Mr.. Dunn's note was to say that the shol
would open Monday, and the dinner W,
: from one who had known what it was to
penniless. r.l ...
After the children were asleep Mrs. Dun
; said, at does not seem that shall ever
, sad aud distrustful," ,rt
"If so, let us remember how God sent OF
Thanksgiving dinner" replied Mr.. Dunn
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