The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-03-09

the Popish holiday, as they termed
it, was kept with unholy observ-
ances.
"Feasting and gluttony and gayety
of apparel is not what one would look
to see in the home of one whose god
illness is strong stay in our midst;
and yet such customs are said to rule
each year under your roof" said
Roger with a mingling of acerbity
and mildness.
"And we look to you to pluck out
heresies and make an example of evil
doors, even if the blow strikes one of
your own household" said Elder
Jonas, sharply.
DARK riddles have no meaning to
me-" said Master Frothinghame, look
ing puzzled and worried. ITO my
wife, Lois, | leave all family affairs
she being most capable; and, like a
good wife, willing to spare me to her
own cost. In the matter of observ-
ances her belief is one with mine
and l can stake my credit on her
practice"
"You are willing, then," said Jonas,
ito take us to your dwelling now with
no notice given, and let us see for our
selves this day, the 25th of December,
what manner of preparation it is that
watts rich odors of spice, in the
smoke of burning, to offend the noses
of believers?"
"Most willingly, truly" replied
Master Frothinghame, leading the
way to his house. Entering with his
guests into the large room, he found
his wife cooking dinner and listening
to her second son, who was reading
well in his pleasant boyish voice, from
a much -thumbed "Life of Colum
bus" The younger boys were attend
ing to the reading while they quietly
set the table for the midday meal,
and the little maid Margaret, the one
daughter born since their life in the
new country began, sat in her Oldest
brothers lap, quiet as mouse, listen
ing to the reading, and keeping
bright eyes on her mothers move
ments.
The house mistress gave cordial,
if somewhat stately, greeting to her
husbands friends, who seemed to feel
their errand awkward till Master
Frothinghame, in few words, ex-
planned their purpose to his wife.
"Some light bread, tqFnips boiled
and sauced with cream, as my lads
like them, and fish caught by Johnny,
the lame Indian, who takes his fare
for his fee, is the feast which l give
my good lord and his children to-day
and if it please him to ask his friends
to share it; there is enough for all"
Good Roger bowed in courteous
appreciation, but his elder, not so
easily placated, turned pryiDg nose
toward the fire, saying:
"There is a savory smell from yon-
der pot, good dame, that minds me of
the snares by which Satan pampers
the lusts of the body in the countries
where this day is made season of
sinful idolatry. What boileth in
that great pot of thine'"
"a quick poultice for an aching
breast" was the answer.
"And what aches it, and who is it
feels the hurt 9"-this with an ugly
sheer, quite unworthy the sanity
character of an elder.
"It is mine own heart that aches
with pity for those who let evil spite
poison them against the neighbor
whom they should love with all ten
derness, as children of one Father"
Voice and tone were moderate, but
there was flash in the dark eyes
which made the mothers children
look at her curiously, and Oliver, the
eldest boy, drawn by that and by the
hateful look in the elders face, put
down the little maid and came to her
side, standing there straight and tall
as herself with an air which showed
he would defend her if need came.
But no more words were said then,
and the dinner being served, the
master signed to the visitors to take
their places at his table, and after
the boys had gathered thereat, the
long fervent blessing was solemnly
asked by Roger at the hosts request,
and they all quietly took their seats.
The master tried to maintain some
conversation as he filed the plates
handed him in silence by his wife,
but there was great constraint, and
all subjects fell to the ground after a
brief trial.
1t was considered a privilege to
eat of viands cooked by Mistress
Frothinghame, SO greatly was her
culinary skill esteemed, but today
none had appetite, except the boys.
Their stomachs, unlike their elders,