West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1884-11-26

and Grandma Ashtonl" she ex-
claimed, show delightful and the
children shall all carry lovely pres
ents."
The train from the city reached
the village of Rushville at about
10 so A. NJ, and in another hour
double sleigh from the livery sta.
bic, with scarlet lined robes, and
drawn by horses proud of their
gingling bells, drew up at the old
leaning gate at Grandpa Ashton's.
Grandma heard the bells and was
looking out Of the window. She
had just put the one chicken nice
ly stuffed in the oven to roast, and
potatoes, cabbage and squash were
on the table dressed for cooking.
"Why, fetherl" she exclaimed,
"there's big sleigh stopped here,
and the folks are getting out.
Who can they be?"
Grandpa hurried out to see, but
before they had reached the door
Grandma recognized her son. After
the first salutations were over, and
the two older children, almost
young ladies, critically examined
through spectacles to see Whom
they "fevored," poor Grandma
could conceal her anxiety no long
er.
II do wish you'd written, Eliza.
l didn't expect anybody and we
haint got much of a Thanksgiving
dinner, l can get more vegetables
ready, to be sure, but guess one
chicken will seem rather small for
eight of us, but l haint time to-"
Never mind, mother" replied
Mrs. Ashton sweetly, knowing
more than she wanted to tell, eve
came, more to see you than TO eat a
fine dinner"
A loud laugh from the children
at the window and a clapping o.
hands
A lead from that way SEQ Anna
seew
Eyes, and see, one from that
way too; both got to the gate al
onceP
Grandma was bewildered as they
came trooping in, dressed in fur
and heavy cloaks, for aid ted taker
a long ride. Worse and worse
that poor chicken peacefully roast
ing la the oven Wouldn't furnish
a mouthful apiece. How coule
they be so thoughtlessg though
poor Grandma.
otis SURPRISE" shouted LITTLE
Mabel Ayres, rogue of ten sum
mers, land surprisers always brinl
baskets, and we've got four packed
full Of"
"There childW calculated Grand
ma, dropping into her chair with
sigh,o relief, that's the mos
comfortin' thing I've heard to-day
was afraid you'd most starve. Do
father, see if the other room ain
gittin warm; we shall swarm her
in mint"
Mrs. Ayres, an energetic, stir
ring, handsome matron of forty
took this helm of affairs ia hand a
once.
go right into the parlor, mothe,
and DON'T give another thought tt
dinner. what isn't here ALREADY
will be when Liddy gets here.
expect them here every moment
1 shall not describe that dinner
and l hope nobody will be disap
pointed thereby, only must say
that it is doubtful if such roas,
turkeys, Or chicken pies or plu 10
buildings were seen on many tables
that day. 4 half hour in a good
hot oven made them forget their
late journey,,and they tickled the
palates OF the, ten elders and twelve
youngsters ia the most approved
fashion.
After the older people had eaten
dinner and returned to the little
parlor, Mrs. Agres tarried to super
Intend that Of the children.
"Now," said she briskly to her
two blooming daughters of four
teen and sixteenl 81 leave things
in your hands. Don't get noisy
nor into the parlor; we don't want
to be disturbed" Then she went
TO her fathers side. and drawing