The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1893-11-25

himself into a high state of irritability
trying to frame the he should
make for going, as he owned to himself
he had no good reason for doing SO
With one exception it was 4 happy
lot of people who sat down tn dinner
that Thanksgiving day. Mrs. Wilmot
had indeed surpassed herself, and there
was a feast in waiting to satisfy the
appetite of a gourmand. Mother vii.
mot looked her happiness, and it was
with no little feeling of pride that
Father Wilmot took up the big carving
knife and attacked the two great tur-
keys before him. Mandy was blushing
in her i~ovelincss, and for all the world
could not help appearing 4 trifie con,
sciOus Sister Matte had n roguiSh
twinkle in her eyes and her chances.
cast from Mandy to Judson and back
again, added in no small measure TO
The formers rcstlcssness. Papa and
Mamma Morton did their best to seem
at ease, but it was plain that they were
also in a semi-quiycr of happiness.
Judson alone was moody and silent.
lie had all day done his best to appear
cheerful and pleasant, and in the gen
eral atmosphere of joy his strained eff
fort was not perceived. His sister
Matte was the first to remark it
Il wonder is it the weight of years
pressing upon Judson that makes him
SO serious-or is it-say. Mandy, do
You know what it is?" said the lively
sister.
Mandy blushed a deeper red than
ever. and Judson, with an ill-concealed
frown. said: Never you mind about
my looks, Mat. / have trouble enough
on my mind"
Everyone looked their surprise at
Judson's remark, and all stared at him
for a moment in blank wonder. Then
Father Wilmot broke out into Il hearty
laugh.
''Troublc..' he exclaimed. Trouble
on your mind! Well, my son, if you
are worrying about how you and Man
dy are to get 4 living you can feel as
happy as you like, for | have had the
papers all fixed to give You that west
eighty acres, and the money tn build n
good house is already in the bank for
you" and the good old farmer chuckled
rs he passed Mrs. Morton a plate
heaped with turkey dressing and sweet
potato. Mother Wilmot looked at her
son, as she paused with the coffee pot
in her hand. to see his sober face
wreath itself in smiles To her surprise
it grew gloomier than before, and at a
remark from Matte it flushed with an
ger, and a hot retort broke from his
lips.
We'll, | declare, / would go and have
my face changed if I were you, judi"
was Mattie's laughing speech; "A farm,
a new home and twenty-one years of
age all at once ought to be enough,
even without the prospect of a pretty
wife"
Il shall be Obliged to you, Matte, if
you will mind your own business"
said Judson. GROSSLY, and then o n
tinued. addressing his father: Father,
| am much obliged to you, but l shall
have to wait awhile before | take your
offer; ! want to GO away and see some
thing of the world before ! settle down.
! am tired of farming; let things rest
as they are until | come hack"
This was like Il clap of thunder in a
clear sky. What does this mean. sir?"
exclaimed the farmer; do you intend
to insult our guests who were asked
here to dine for a special reason to-day,
to say nothing OF your mother and my
self? What dOes it mean. sir?"- and
the squire dropped his knife and fork
and locked tiercely at his Sol
Father" said Judson, mother. all
of you, | beg for pardon for this IN
timely announcement. ! had no idea
of making n scene at our Thanksgiving
dinner, but, SIR" and here Judsol
rose to his feet and addressed his
father: Il can only say, sir. that | have
resolved to go away for Il time, and
matters must remain as they are for
the present; | feel that | must go; | am
far from contented now"
You feel hat you must go, do you?
Then &c, sir. | feel that you have
outraged and disgraced us in the eyes
of our friends, and the quicker You go
the better. CO." and the wrathful ia
ther pointed straight to the outer door.
Father, don't don't speak like
that" cried the mother, her voice chok-
ing with tears; but Judson had sprung
away from the table and left the room.
lie was heard upstairs for 4 moment,
and throwing open the dining-room
said: Mandy, may l speak to you
for a moment"
Then up rose Mr.. Morton, and, turn
ing to Judson, said, with much dignity:
''Sir, it is my wish that my daughter
has nothing whatever to say to you
now or ever; Mandy, remain in your
Judson's mother would not let him
go without a word, and she followed
him into the hall. She was too late,
however, for the front door closed with
L bang. and Judson Wilmot had gone
from under his fathers roof in an.