St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-11-28

ought to have asked Miranda if could
bring him along, just till after Thanks
giving, anyway; or ii you could, maybe
you'd keep him till he dies. He's the best
old mOuser you ever saw, and hes no
more trouble around the house than
stick of wood or stone"
"Oh, cat?" said Mr.. Granger cheer
fully; "all right. Bring him along; we
haven't any cat, and he'll just come in
handy"
Aunt Pollys face Frightened. At least
she would have her old pet with her
little while longer.
1T seemed so cruel to leave him there
all alone" she said to Mrs. Granger, as
she lifted the big, docile fellow out of the
basket; II said to myself, the Lords put
it into Miranda's heart to do me this
nice Thanksgiving kindness, and maybe
she won't think I'm imposing on her if l
take Jonah along. II you don't want to
keep him when | go away, why l have
faith to believe that the Lord will pro-
vide for him someway."
1t lacked but three days Of Thanks
giving and those three days were filled
with the widest dissipation for Aunt
Polly Cramer, according to the Granger
and Cramer standard or idea ofthe term.
The three children who were old enough
popped corn for her by the quart, regard
less OF the fact that she could not eat it.
They laid offe !ings of apples and nuts be-
tore her in great protusion, not seeming
to realize that they ate them all them
selves. She was so merry and enthuSl-
astic over everything they did for her
that they did not detect the fact that in
their loving attention to her, lay all the
pleasure she derived from their offerings.
Thanksgiving morning Aunt Polly
came down to breakfast with a pink
flush on her cheeks and light in her eyes
that was glorious. By her side strutted
Jonah, arching his beautiful striped back
and purring so that the sound had been
quite audible in the room before the door
was opened to admit him.
oh" cried Aunt Polly in a clear
strong voice. "Such blessed dream as
have had dreamed that Abner came
back and he said to me, 'Oh, mother
am so glad that l am in time. Such. dis
grace never yet beel the Cramers, and
hope it never will. Then | awoke and
| IuS sun w cio SLllIuS III ldSSs
ut was good dream, and it makes
you look as young and happy as girl,
said Mrs. Granger. "But please tell MT
who is Abner?"
"Abner is my son." replied the ole
lady. You never knew him, dear.
was years before knew you that he lei
US. He was a wild boy, poor Abner; h
ran away when he was only 10 year
old, and | have never heard from hin
since" Her manner was saddened
But | always had faith that the LORI
would send him back to me-" she added
ut looks little dark just now, but
, but can't believe the Lord would tan
talize me with such dream for nothing
J Then she frightened up again an
played and laughed with the childre1
during the rest OF the meal, after whic
. she took Jonah on her lap and sat dow
by the window that overlooked the roa
that led to the village.
She often lifted her head and gaze
wistfully down this road, then turne
again to attend to the loving efforts c
the children to entertain her.
By and by there came stealing throug
tuC klICuSu uOOl a SdNOlJ OdOA lhh
heralded the approach of the dinner houl
: The children shifted delightedly and chat
tered away faster than ever.
Smell it smell it :! Aunty," cried littl
Joe; Its turkey"
YES" cried another little tot, IAN
] onions, and squash, and taters-"
j POTATOES, corrected Joe.
, "And pie and everything" finished til
e tot, disdaining the correction:
y eyes, dears," SAID Aunt Polly, but he
attention was soon turned down tn
y road again.
By and by she gave a little scream tha
brought Mrs. Granger into the room
e alarm.
ooh, Lordy Oh, my dear Lordy!" 81
r cried. standing up with her hands clinl
t ing to the window ledge. He's come
d he's come! didn't l know the Lor
Il wouldn't forsake me He's raised me u
v good kind friends, and now Abnel
r Abner!"
S Mrs. Granger FASTENED to see VIII
e could be there, or, ii anyone was Their
e for she feared the old lady had gor
demented. But no; Aunt Polly VIZ
ii sane enough. There stood a tall ma
It with a heavy black beard, looking
l. upon the scene inside with eager y
: Insulating manner.
II But he did not hesitate long. That CT
of Abner Abner!" brought him hasti
e inside the door and in moment h
o arms were around his mother and h
II weary old head had found restir
IL place at last.
lie Poor mother ~ he said, 81 wish l ha
n come before; but at least | am in time
1t save you from further suffering and dl
&C grace
There has been no disgrace, my DO
n paid every cent and / am visiting now
It she said, proudly. MAYBE they to
" you at the village that | was going
1T the-poorhouse. was golng-b
now"
IF Words failed her. She sank into
chair by her sons side and tried to reall
ID what great blessings had come to her.
ID That was feast indeed which t
in Grangers and their guests enjoyed tn
le day.
I'd The presence Of a stranger put
IS restraint upon even the children, he W
so genial and jolly.
Ut II knew him because he is the image
ID his father at his age; and then, y,
N know, l saw him in my dream la
Is night" said Aunt Polly, and then S
1t had to relate her dream. 1.-The Lo
at sent that so that the whole day Shot
"a be happy" she added in simple faith.
Id The mother and son stayed on wi