The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1893-11-23

little feet twisted out of all shape, aud
crooked spincs, and painful dcformitics
of which the dear soul had never
dreamed But the pale faces were
bright and cheerful, their clothes clean,
though patched and mcnded oddly
enough, as If they had done the work
themselves, mostly
Soon they were seated about the long
table. A reverent blessing was in
voked, and thcn--whnt a sight for
hungry boys. Before each was gen
crous bowl of rich, creamy milk; great
plates of white bread and brown bread,
hcaped dishes of delicious baked sweet
apples and cookies. 1t was supper
the like of which they had never seen,
simple, abundant, wholesome.
While they ate Father Gray told them
about the little pigs, and the new calf,
and all the other creatures Of the great
barnyard, which they should sec the
next morning. And oh, the delights of
that hour after supper, around the
great open fire with stories and games,
and curious toys, and picture books;
for all of Mats precious treasures were
brought out that night for the first
time since they had been laid away,
with hcart-aches and tears, olong ago.
And Mrs Gray told them about her
dear Nat. how sweet and patient he
was through all his suffcrings; how he
loved Jesus and was glad to go to Him
at the last After Il short Psalm and
a tender little prayer. the boys were
put to bed. Such beds! Clean, soft,
with warm blankets that Mrs. Gray
tucked in snugly when she went the
rounds to see that NIL were comfortable
for the night. With u .motherly kiss,
and God bless you, DEAR" for each,
they were left to blissful dreams.
by daylight the next morning they
were up, and out to see the cows
MIXED, and to explore the wonders Of
the barnyard, and the great barns, and
came in to breakfast with glowing
cheeks. and high spirits and such APP
pctites. and such breakfast to match.
Potatoes bursting their jackets open in
mealy Wilderness, heaped up platters of
sausage, puffy biscuits, great twisted
doughnuts, with pitchers of new milk,
or hot coffee if they wished it-can you
imagine the comfort that pervaded
every little half-starved stomach, when
we'll filled with such a breakfast as
that:
Then came family worship, and as it
was Thanksgiving day, and their
guests not dressed for appearance in
church, they had little service Of their
own in which Father Gray reckoned up
quite long list of mercies for even the
most afflicted ones to be thankful for.
and then poured out OF Il full heart 4
wonderful prayer of praise and thanks
giving to God in such simple language
that every one could feel and under
stand it, Soon after, the jingle of
merry sleighbells was heard. and a
shout went up when they saw the
prancing horses and the long barge
at the door
Come on, boys. Mother wants to
get rid of us all for awhile; SO tumble
in and we'll have ride" They did
tumble in" and, we'll wrapped in fur
robes and blankets. away they few
over the icy road. AS soon rs they were
well out in the woods, he let them
whoop and hurrah, and shout and sing
to their hearts content. Just at the
right moment he brought them back,
and after being washed and brushed,
warmed and made ready for the great
event Of the day, they were solclnnly
ushered into the dining-room. For u
moment they stood dazed at the sight;
for the feast that was so daintily
spread would have glatldened the heart
of an cpicurc. The pretticst china the
finest napery, the choicest and best of
every table adornment had been
brought on to grace this feast. as il
spread for the dear Lord Himself; for
were not these guests Ills little ones?
OF Himself he would say: 'lnasmuch
MS We tio it unto these. my poor unfor
tunate ones, ye do it unto me-!
A lnurmur Of surprise and delight
Oiled the room. Surely this was fairy
land and fairy feast But when
shroueh glitter Of sparkling 1lass and