Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1893-11-30

that a formal engagement would be
made and announced on Thanksgiving
dav, and the Morton family were there
fore 10 be the honored guests of the &C.
casiou.
The day before Thanksgiving had
been particularly unpleasant for JUDI
son Wilmot Everything seemed to 20
wrong. and the desire Ia cut away from
II all reached a climax: he determined
he would 70 at any cost of feeling.
either ID parents Or Others At home
In the evening he was sober and quiet;
his mother, who naturally noticed il.
attributed his manner tn a far different
reason than the truth He went 70 the
store for the mail and il was there he
relieved himself BY his talk with Ike
Staples. As he rode home he worked
himself into a high state Of ~irritability
tEying to frame the excuse he should
make for going. rs he owned To himself
he had no good reason for doing 81.
With a exception il was a happy
lot of people who sat down to dinner
that Thanksgiving day Mrs vIlrno,
had indeed surpassed herself. and there
was a feast IN waiting to satisfy the
appetite of a gOurmand- Mother Will
mot looked her happiness and il was
with no little feeling vt pride that
Father Wilmot took up the big carving
knife and attacked the two great tur.
keys before him. Mandy was hIushing
IA her lovrliness. and for all the world
could not help appearing a trife con
scious Sister Matte had a ruguish
twinkle IN her eyes and her chances.
cast from Mandy To Judsou and back
again. added in no small measure 70
the formers restlessuesS. Papa and
Mamma Morton did their best 10 seem
at ease. but IT was plain that thsy were
also IN a semi-quiver of happiness
Judsou alone was moody and silent
He had all day done his best To appear
cheerful ami pleasant. and in the gen.
erzl 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
50 sertous-or is it-say. Mandy. Dc
you know what it iss' said the lively
sister.
Mandy blushed n deeper red thar
ever, and Juds0n. with an il~l-coucealesi
froxu- said. Never you mind about
my looks. MAJ have trouble enough
IN my mind
Everyone looked their surprise A,
Judson's remark, and al stared az him
for a in blank worder. Then
Father Wilmot broke out into a hearty
laugh
TROUBLE" he exclaimed. Trouble
on your mind. Well. my son. il YOU
are worrying about how you and Man.
dy are 10 get a living you can feel as
happy as y0u Ike. for I have had ths
papers all sized 10 give you that Yves,
eighty acres. and the money 70 build a
good house Is already in the bank FOR
you. and the good old farmer chuekIed
As ne passed. Mrs Morton a plate
heaped with turkey dressing and sxr-,
potato. Mother wilmot looked At he,
son. as she paused with IN. coffee Do,
IN ner hand. 70 see his sober face
wreath Itself in smiles To her surprise
II grew gloomier than before. and at a
remark from Matte il flushed with an,
ger, and a hot retort broke from hi.
lips
Well | declare. I would 20 and hav.
my lace changed il I were you. Jud. 8
was Mattie's laughing speech. "A farm,
a new home and twenty-one years OF
age al at nee ought TO be enough,
even without the prospect Of n pretty
WIFE
Il shall be obliged IA you. Matte, il
you will mind your own business"
said Judson. Grossly. and then con
tinued. addressing his father. Father,
! am much obliged % you. but l shall
have to wait awhile before 7 take your
OFFER 1 want to 20 away and see some
thing OF the world before I settle down.
| am tired of farming. let things rest
as they are until I come back
This was like a clap OF thunder in .
clear sky What does this mean. sir7r
exclaimed the farmer; do you intend
to insult our guests who were asked
here to dine for a special reason TODAY.
to say nothing OF your mother and my
self What does it mean. sirF' and
the squire dropped his knife and fork
and looked iercely at his son
Father" said Judson, mother. al
OF you. l beg for pardon for this IN.
timely announcement ! had no id~s
o. making . seens a. eur Tk-sakszsssaz