News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-11-30

and noted the efforts made to conceal lacl
of money, and the anxiety about the
future.
One afternoon she and Bessie strollec
out into the fields together. They were
gone hours, and Bessie never told ever
her mother what they talked about al
that time. To be sure there was {
suspicious redness about Bessie's eyes
when she returned which would have
made one think she had been crying,
only she seemed so cheerful and happy
otherwise that nobody ever thought Of
looking into her eyes to hunt for tears.
There was great lamentation when the
short visit came to an end, for it was
very short. The good aunt had no great
supply of money herself, but as she babe
her sister good-by, she slipped something
into her hand, saying, In case any of
you are sick, Mary" and she whispered
to Bessie: Keep up good courage; L
shall not forget you"
One evening the news reached the little
farmhouse, of the day appointed for
thanksgiving. In years past this an
nouncement always brought visions of
turkey, plum-pudding, pies, and a host
of good things. But now the children
seemed to think Thanksgiving would not
amount to much.
''Can't see as aOe'Ue much to be thank
full for" exclaimed impulsive Bert;
'jacket and trousers patched all over,
four's gone, no turkeys, and we have't a
chicken to spare, and Garfeld's dead
What can zoe do Thanksgiving
''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.
''We have each other, dear children .
said Mrs. Lane, who had overheard the
conversation; ''have you thought of that?"
''And Aunt Susan, put in Bessie; 'Im
sure we are thankful for her visit"
There came no more complaints, yet
the days dragged heavily along, and the
strictest economy became imperative.
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 laundering
knock at the door. There was sudden
hush among the little ones, who
were having their last froic before
going to bed. Mr.. Lane opened the
door.
eff your names Lane, guess I've got
something for you,' said rough looking
man. LEND a hand, will you
And presently, with much rolling and
tipping, big barrel was landed on the
kitchen floor, amid the astonished stares
of dozen eyes.
cit came by express" said the burly
teamster, ''but may be you'd had to
wait for it while, only for Farmer Ray
I'm 'twork at Farmer Rays" And
warding off 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. ALI the chill
dren crowded around the barrel.
''Who sent it?"
''What's in it?''
''Where's the hammer ?"
''Oh do open it."
But the confusion of tongues ceased as
Mr.. Lane brought hammer and Ratchet, |
and they watched with breathless interest
the unloading of the barrel.
"Oh p "Ah % 'Let me see p burst |
forth as the contents began to ap-
pear.
'Hush, children p said Mr.. Lane
'here's a letter for mother. Be quiet |
while she reads it. Here, Mary"
The letter was only this
'A Thanksgiving remembrance from
Susan and Ellen.
''There 1 knew it was from Aunt |
Susan" exclaimed Bessie.
''Aunt Ellen's rich, isn't she, mother?"
asked Amy.
"Oh, do let's unpack it, said Bert,
eagerly. 'May I help, father ?"
What a wonderful barrel that was. It |
seemed to the children as if one of the |
stories of the arabian Nights" had come |
true. As the packages were unrolled one
after another, the contents were greeted |
with shouts of delight. All ! Thanksgiv-
ing had begun already
There was soft wooden cloth for dresses,
an overcoat for father, warm flannel I'M |
der-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 p, a shawl for mother, a
cloak for Bessie, wooden sacques for Amy
and Sue, books and newspapers, pack
age of tea, and
''See here" exclaimed Bert, as he drew
out a large pasteboard box; "'For
Bessie, it says on it"
Bessie couldn't say a word, but took
he box and silently united it.
Worsteds - red, white, blue, black,
Every color knitting needles, canvas
md a book of printed directions how to
make any quantity of fancy things. And
! little note from Aunt Susan, telling her
hat there was to be a Fair at their church
lext March, and that she and Aunt Ellen
would buy all the pretty things she could
make before that time.
''Oh mother p said Bessie, softly, while
Ter eyes filed with tears, ''this is just
What I wanted. Now 1 can earn some
hing to help us through the winter" (
In the very bottom of the box there was
mother note-from Aunt Ellen. It en-
losed little Thanksgiving gift, " which
Bessie was to expend as she Thought
,est. :" I
A tumultuous time followed, and Bert, :