The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-01-06

0erSelI very eHlCleuJ nolp. Ono VI
Grandma Merivales married daughters,
who lived in an adjoining town, had
sent her to sew for the old lady, and
Mrs. Griswold and Lottie liked her so
well that they asked her to stay and
help them through the donation, which
she readily consented to do.
Mr.. Hunter had been called away,
almost Immediately after his arrival;
but he was coming back to "have
his visit out" he said, and Amy
thought he would come in time for the
pastoral visit, which was to come off the
week before Thanksgiving. Grandma
Merivale said "because it would give
'em something to be thankful for;" but
Deacon Morris reason was that there
would be moon for the young folks to
go home by.
When the appointed day arrived,
Grandma Merivale appeared early in
the morning.
GIVE come to stay to dinner" said
the old lady, "so's to be all rested up
for the visit this afternoon. l tell we
what, Charlotte Griswold, this is goin'
to be great time. | don't expect to
have many such chances to enjoy my
self"
She brought her own gift and put it
into Lotties hands, a pair of warm
wooden socks, which she had knitted
for Mrs. Browns oldest boy-queer,
misshapen things, but warm and dura-
BILE.
What are they for, grandma?"
asked Lottie, affecting to criticise their
odd shape.
90, 60 long, Charlotte Griswold!"
returned the old lady, much pleased;
" You know what they are jest as we'll
as | do. It's poor leg that won't
shape its own stockin'. I'll knit him
another pair, soon as / can"
The old lady was in excellent spirits.
She had heard that day of the birth of
a at-great-grandchild, and was Sc
cretly delighted, though she affected to
treat the news with great contempt.
"They make great fuss over baby
nowadays" she said. IF I'd made
such TODD over mine l never should
hev lived to bring up thirteen on 'em."
Amy Gushing came in soon after
dinner Her husband and Mr.. Hunter
were coming later. And see what
Hunter has given" she said, producing
a purse. g Fifty dollars in gold, to d.
vide as we think best among the poor
women"
Wagon after wagon drove up to Mrs.
Browns, Mrs. DORIS, or Mrs. Cuttings
doors, leaving potatoes and other veget-
ables by the bushel and pumpkins and
squashes by the score. Loads of wood
enough to keep them all warm, were
thrown off in the backyard, and but
ter, cheese, and maple sugar went in
. at the door. Fowls for the Thanksgiv-
ing dinner, with many promise of a
spare-rib or chine-piece when the
annual pig-killing should be accom-
!. plished, made the hearts of the three
poor women glad, and filled their lard
ers to overlooking.
The village people contributed gro
ceries, with some necessary articles of
clothing. So, with Mr.. Hunters gift,
comfort for many months was made
certain to these poor families. After
the people left their donations, they
drove on to the Griswold home
stead with warm glow at their hearts,
feeling that they had earned the right
to have good visit with their young
minister.
Mr.. Leonard moved about among
his guests, proud of their affection for
, him, with a pleasant word and smile
r for all. He had grown up among them
f and his people were very dear to him
: The old clergyman, Parson Wright
v was not well enough to be present. He
! was very feeble. All the pastoral work
fell upon his young colleague already
n and it was hardly probable that the ole
gentleman could live many months.
a John Cushing and his friend came il
OF hafnra raolu Frba 1of
. ter was a quiet man, shy and reticent
So many strange faces appalled, him
II, but Grandma Merivale took him under
: her protection, and talked so fast thai
{ he soon forgot to be frightened. Mrs
Hutchinson, who was helping in thu
e kitchen, came in to ask some questions
4 of Mrs. Griswold, and Lottie went on
4 with her.
i "Mis' Leonard, who is that MAJ
4 talkin' with Mis- Merivale?" she asked
a Lottie explained to her who he was
and why they were all so fond of him.
=. "But what's his name?'' she per
e sisted.
Hunter" said Lottie. "Why d,
t you ask?" But Mrs. Hutchinson mad
e no reply.
1t Supper was announced and they has
d tened TO ARRANGE the guests and assls
e in waiting upon them. Not half tn
e company could be seated at the tables
y which were spread in the great dining
room, so only the older ones were place.
Y there, and the others were made a
7, comfortable as might be in the differ
e ent rooms, and their supper wa
d "handed round" After a blessin
had been asked by the young pastor
e the distribution of the good things be
,r gan. Large as the company was, NOR
1t than enough for all had been provided
lie warm biscuits by the hundred and col
IF meat in the greatest profusion, wit
ir gingerbread and doughnuts, cake an
l. pies, custards, jellies, and preserve
lie without end.
ct What shall we do with what j
lie left?" asked Mrs. Griswold, in dismay
or "Oh, send it to Mrs. Brown" re
re piled Amy. st will not come amis
II in her family of little children"
lg But even the most plentiful repas
must come to an end, and althoug
~ plates were replenished and tea an
coffee-cups refilled, the time came at las
T." when no one could eat any more. Tn
he young minister returned thanks, an
Il IL. IL. II 4