Morris tribune., 1882-11-16
that the child was In an ecstacy of de-

light.
But Aunt Susan quickly discovered
the straitened circumstances of the fam
lily, and noted the efforts made to con-
ceal lack of money, and the anxiety
about the future.
One afternoon she and Bessie strolled
out into the fields together. They were
gone hours, and Bessie never told even
her mother what they talked about all
that time. To be sure there was sus-
picious redness about Bessie's eyes when
she returned which would have made
one think she had been crying, only she
wise that nobody ever thought of look
ing into her eyes to hunt for tears.
There was great lamentation VIII Ell
the short visit came to an end. for it was
very short The good aunt had no
she babe her sister good-by, she slipped
something into her hand, saying I'm
case any OF you are sick, Mary" and
she whispered to Bessie: Keep up
good courage; shall not forget you"
One evening the news reached the
little farm house Of tho day
appointed for Thanksgiving. In
years past this announcement always
brought visions ofturkey, plum-pUdding,
pies and a host of good things. But now
the children seemed to think Thanks
giving would not amount to much.
Cant see as we've much to be thank
full for" exclaimed impulsive Bert; "ack-
ct and trousers patched all over, flour
gone, no turkeys, and we haven't a
chicken to spare, and-Garfield's dead
What can we do Thanksgiving day?'
We've got the cows" said Edwin
gravely; ''some people haven't cows"
And hay for Them" said Amy.
And we have our new house," added
Edwin,
And pussy" said little Willie, not
knowing exactly what they were talking
about, but thinking he must say some
thing.
This made them all laugh.
'sWe have each other, dear children"
said Mrs. Lane, who had overheard the
conversations; have you thought ofthat?"
And Aunt Susan, put in Bessie; "Pm
sure we are thankful for her VISIT
There came no more complaints, vet
the days dragged heavily along, and the
Everything looked very dark, but the
mother did not lose her trust in God,
She believed that in some way He would
take care of them.
One cold November evening a couple
of days before thanksgiving, the little
household was startled by a laundering
knock at the door. There was sudden
hush among the little ones, who were
having their last trolic before going to
bed. Mr.. Lane opened the door
If your names Lane, guess I've got
something for vou," said a rough-lookine
man. LEND hand, will your"
And presently, with much rolling and
tipping, a big barrel was landed on the
kitchen floor, amid the astonished stares
of dozen eyes.
1T come by express" said the burly
teamster. 'but maybe you'd a had to
wait for it awhile, only for Farmer Ray,
Pm 'twork at Farmer Rays" And
warding OF, the hearty thanks that fol-
lowed by repeating, Farmer Ray sent
it along; I'm 'twork for Farmer Ray"
he departed.
Bert gave wild shout. All the chill
dren crowded around the barrel.
"WhO sent lt??'
"What's in it,"
"Where's the hammer"
ooh! do open it,"
But the confusion of tongues ceased as
Mr.. Lane brought hammer and Ratchet,
dIlu lllSy NdlCLGu Will DIGdG1lGSS luGST-
est the unloading of the barrel.
ooh" "Ahr' "Let me see!' burst
forth as the contents began to appear.
u, Hush, children" said Mr.. Lanea
heres letter for mother. Be quiet
while she reads it. Here, Mary"
But the letter was only this:
"A Thanksgiving remembrance from
Susan and FL en-"
I c.,
san," exclaimed Bessie.
"Aunt Ellen's rich. isn't she. mother"
asked Amy.
"Oh, do let's unpack it," said Bert,
eagerly. May l help, father?'
What a wonderful barrel that was. 1t
seemed to the children us if one of the
stories Of the arabian Nights had
come true. AS the packages were then
rolled one after another. the contents
we're greeted with shouts ofdelight. All.
Thanksgiving had begun already!
There was soft WOODEN cloth for dress
es, an overcoat for father, warm flannel
under-garments, jackets and trousers
not all new ones, but good, and ready to
put on, boots, chow ever did Aunt Susan
know the right sizes) shawl for moth
er, Il cloak for Bessie. WOODEN sacoues for
Amy and Sue, books and newspapers,
package of tea, and
''See here" exclaimed Bert, as he
drew out large pasteboard box; "'For
Bessie it says on it."
Bessie couldn't say word, but took
the box and silently united it.
Worsteds-red, white, blue, black,
every color; knitting-slk, needles, can
vas, and a book of printed directions
how to make any quantity offancy things
And little note from Aunt Susan, tell
ing her that there was to be Fair in
their church reXt March, and that she
and Aunt Ellen would buy all the pretty
things she could make before that time.
so mother" said Bessie, softly, while
her eyes filled with tears, "this is Just
what wanted. Now | can earn some
thing to help us through the winter"
In the very bottom of the box there
was another note.-from Aunt Ellen
It enclosed little Thanksgiving gift,
which Bessie was to expend as the
Thought best"
A tumultuous time followed, and Bert,
standing with arms akimbo, gazing with
satisfaction on the Uttered floor, ex-
pressed the feeling of every one when
he impulsively exclaimed;
"That blessed old barrel! Well, I'll
never think even way down in my
heart that we've nothing to be thankful
for, so long as we have dear Aunt
SUSAN"
--&-W
ANXIETY and Care