The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1893-11-23

little feet twisted out of all shape, and
crooked spincs, and painful dcformities
of which the dear s6hl had n"ver
dreamed. But the pale faces were
bright and cheerful, their clothes clean,
though patched and mendrd oddly
enough, as If they had done the work
themselves, mostly.
Soon they were seated about the long
table. A revcrcnt blessing was in
vokcd, and thCn-vhat sight for
hungry boys 1icfore zach was a gem
crous bowl of rich, creamy milk; great
plates of white bread and brutst bread.
hcaped dishes of delicious baked sweet
apples and cookies. 1t was a supper
the like of which they had never seen.
simple, abundant, wholesome.
While they ate Father Gray toli them
about the little pigs. and the new calf
and all the other creatures of the great
barnyard, which they should see the
next morning. And oh, the delights'o 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
time since they had been laid away,
with heart-aches and tears. so long ago.
And Mrs. Gray told them about her
dear Nat, how sweet and patient he
was through all his sutferings: how he
loved Jesus and was glad to go to Him
at the last. After short Psalm and
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 all were comfortable
for the night. With 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
'milked, and to explore the wonders OF
the barnyard, and the great barns, and
came in to breakfast with glowing
checks, and high spirits, and such ap.
pctitcs. and such a breakfast to match.
Potatoes bursting their jackets open in
mealy whiteness, heaped up platters of
sausage, puffy biscuits, great twisted
doughnuts, with pitchers of new milk
or hot coffee IL they wished it--can you
imagine the comfort that pervaded
every little half-starved stomach, when
well filled with such breakfast as
that?
Then came family worship, and as il
was Thanksgiving day, and their
guests not dressed for appearance in
church, they had little service of their
own in which Father Gray rcckoned up
quite long list of mercies for even the
most afflicted ones to be thankful for.
and then poured out of IA full heart a
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 n
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 { II for awhile; so tumble
| in and we'll have ride" They did
tumble in," and, well wrapped in fur
robes ard blankets, away they flew
over the icy road AS soon as they We're
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 solemnly
ushered into the dining-room For a
moment they stood dazed Mt the sight;
for the feast that was so daintiy
snread would have gladdened the heart
Of an rpicure. The prettiest china, the
finest ,iapery, the choicest and best Ol
every table pdorpgnenL had pseu