The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-12-06

W WllAC. huu oO
got letter. I'd know how long ago 1
was she heard this, guess only a shor
time. But twas one nigh anyway, ant
she and her husband were talking abou
you and John. She said she though
that you were a regular schemer ant
only married him to get what monel
you could; but she had kept it from yol
so long and guessed she could for som,
time to come"
John could not hear what his wife
answer was. but he judged from the ton,
of voice it was considerably spiteful. Fl,
was aroused, too, and mentally vow eC
that il he knew that turkey caue from
Clifton he would as soon take poison a
eat it.
Let us make call at the Woodman'
in Clifton, and see how they are passing
this stormy evening.
Grandpa Raymond and his four-year'
old namesake, Sumner Woodman, ar,
in grandpa's room. sitting before {
bright open crate, the little fellow II
grandpa's lap listening eagerly to q
thrilling adventure of grandpa's youth
Leila Woodman and her husband are
in the library adjoining talking earnest
ly but in low tones.
"Do you suppose it has got there by
this time, Albert ?"
Certainly. The stage arrives al
Chester sometime the last of the after
noon"
"Oh, how l wish we could have sent
more, but feared they might surmise
from whence it came and send it back.
yes" interrupted Mr.. Woodman, las
they did that package you sent at the
time of your brothers sickness"
"Well, IL suppose we can't blame them,
they hear 30 many mi interpretations OF
US. II is strange how some people like
to help along a family quarrel. Now
when we were living on the old place,
neighbors would come TO father with
some hard word from John that would
exasperate father and we would say
something equally as bitter about John,
which would be carried straight to John
by the same party.
"We were naturally very angry be-
cause we were prejudiced against his
wife. We thought OF course she was
not much better than an adventures,
that she married him expecting he
would possess quite a property. When
learned how we were misjudging her,
| felt so condemned to think how l had
talked to father about her and had made
him all the more unforgiving, and now
they are having such struggle to live,
and with every comfort her words
were checked by tears.
Leila, don't take all the blame. You
have done your part. You have tried to
make ample restriction"
Yes, that is what makes Inc feel so
badly, we try to help them and can do
so little. Oh ! if only dared to talk
with father and tell him just how de-
serving they are, and how We have
wronged them; perhaps he would give
John the old place, then | should be
happy"
What is the exclamation in the next
roomf I'll do it; I'll do it,"
"Do what, grandpa ~ said the little
boy who had been fast asleep.
Put you to bed" was the answer.
III,
The Raymonds did not intend to leave
their beds very early on Thanksgiving
morning as Mr.. Raymond would not
have to go the mill; but about O'Clock
they were aroused by loud knocking
Oli bhU hOOis WI Nhl llOhu
dressed and fastened to the door to see
who was there at this early hour.
A span of horses attached to a two
seated sleigh stood in the road; a stran-
ger wrapped in furs at the door.
This is Mr.. Raymond, l presume.
You must pardon me for intruding at
unreasonable hour hour; but my busi-
ness is of such nature that could not
delay it, Thank you, as we may have
to converse nuita while.
my errand is this" said the stranger
taking the prOffered chair : "a family
who are to take possession of house in
RicbYille today need help. There is a
particular piece of carpentering to be
done for one thing, and it must be at
tended to Immediately. The carpenters
are all engaged about here, but some one
informed me you were good workman
and could probably go.
"Your wife's help will be needed, too,
80 l am prepared to take you all over.
There will be ample dinner for us all, so
whatever you have prepared can he
saved for tomorrow, and the pay will be
whatever you think right"
well" said John slowly, II shall
have to see my wife before deciding"
He soon returned. when should we
have to start y
I'VE ought to go by half past seven"
We'll, l think will CO."
81 shouldn't have returned without
you" was the laughing answer. II
couldn't get anyone who would do the
work 80 well, and besides it must be
done today. Well, will go down to|
the hotel now, and will call at just the
half-hour. Good morning."
As soon as he was gone Mrs. Raymond
and breakfast was served with
the livellest of despatch. They were
ready at the appointed time, and the
stranger was equally as prompt.
John" said Mary. as they left the
house, I've got little turkey in this
package for the Griggs's. You know
what a hard time they are having. and
we've been helped so much | thought
we could afford to help them"
"Did you take enough to amount TO
7"
"Oh, yes: plenty"
The sleighing was excellent and the
horses drew them along at a rapid pace.
N sleigh-ride was novelty for Robbie
and Nellie, and their exclamaiions of
delight made merriment for the rest of
the entire journey.
They are now nearing a spot very fa-
miliar to them--John's old home.
"What | do we stop here 7" circulated
John, as the horses were reined into the
lane-the house was in quite distance.
"Yes," answered the stranger, appar
emily not noticing the peculiar emphasis
with which the question was asked.
Rather substantial looking place isn't
it ?"
John did not answer. He could not.
HIS thoughts overpowered him. Could
he spend his holiday, could he eat din
ner on this day of thanksgiving in a
house 80 crowded with disturbing, cruel
memories
But the horses had stopped at the
door and it did not seem right for him
to refused his services now. Irresolute-
ly he stepped from the sleigh. assisted
Mary and the children to slight. He
made no answer to the cordial go right
in, you'll find warm fires"
But to his wife's sad question, John,
can you work here today p he huskily
answered, 81 don't see how can help
myself"
He opens the door and-suddenly
stops. What are his eyes playing tricks
upon him 2 Is this his father standing
by the fireplace
Yes; and steps forward and tries to
say briskly, John, doer, does a man
have to be invited to enter his own
house p
He can say no more for emotion. But
there was need Of no more words. The
look, the countenance, the tone of voice,