The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-11-23

| young people. who came early; but
| often found himself in the way OF Mrs.
/ Willard, who made great many trips
| across the back porch that morning.
Grandfather moved in a tinid. apollo
| getic manner, but each time he was di-
| rectly in her path. She looked cross,
and once or twice gave vent to her an
noyance- She had just come out for
the purpose of telling him that he was
not expected to appear at the table
| with the guests, when the minister and
| his wife drove up to the gate.
| They We're at once ushered in by Ma
| tilda, and introduced to the country
ranged in chairs stiffiy around the
room. The couple shook hands with
| them ALL then the minister's wife.
whose sweet face and gentle manners
| pleasantly: And where is your
grandfather, my dear?"
Greatly surprised, Matilda's rosy face
took on deeper hue as she answered:
"Grandpal OH Why he is out on
the back porch, I believe Won't you
have seats?" indicating the two best
rockers. respondent with pink and
| white tides.
Not until we have paid our respects
to him, thank YOU" replied the min
ister- Wen just make ourselves at
nome, Miss Matte, and go find him.
They turned and passed out the door,
followed by Matte, and came upon Mrs.
Willard, nervously pinning on white
apron preparatory to receiving her
guests.
''Why, howdy do. Brother Stevens2''
she said, cordially; chow are you an
Sister Stevens? Matildy, couldn't you
find enough chairs in the front room?
Jest walk in an be seated, an Matildy,
take Sister Stevens things"
I'VE are looking for Brother Willard
said the minister, smiling as he shook
hands ''Oh, yes in answer to her look
OF surprise, 1--WE met your husband at
the gate; but we are looking for Brother
Willard, Senior. in whose honor we were
invited today
And before Mrs. Willard had recover
ed from her establishment to make ex-
PLANTATION, he had exclaimed:
Here he is, I am sure
Grandfather looked up, mildly per-
picked, and his son, who had come in
the back way. said loudly:
This is our new minister, father, and
his wife,
The old man held out his hand in a
tremulous, pleased manner.
I'm glad to make your acquaintance,
Brother Willard said the minister sit
does my heart good to meet old people.
God bless them, what would this world
be without them?'
AS he said this he turned to his host
and hostess, whose faces betrayed con-
siderable embarrassment. His wife had
taken grandfat theirs hand between her
soft gloved palms, and was saying:
I'VE were so glad when your daugh-
ter-in-law invited us especially in your
honor Then seeing his puzzled eX-
preston, she exclaimed: s'Why, / do
not believe he knows anything about it.
1t was to be a surprise, of counsel You
see. Brother Willard, your son and
daughter planned to make it all the more
enjoyable by surprising you with your
guests"
Grandfather shook her hand while the
tears rolled down his cheeks. Then the
dinner had been given in his honor, and
they were his guests. To think he had
imagined himself forgotten, and all the
while they We're planning for his hap
piness! How could he have been so
thoughtless as to believe they could
neglect him on Thanksgiving. He was
completely overcome with mingled joy
and remorse.
Pm glad to see We BOTH" he at
length found words to say, and his
voice quavered and shook AN an
I thank you, son, an you daughter fer
bein' so kind to a useless old man"
Matilda brought chairs out the
guests, while the minister and his wife
sat Down and ,,,I had beautiful talk itn
at the beginning of their married life.and
est in their affairs Of Which few Would
have imagined him capable. He seemed
a 9 a1 rv With them apd they
wife told several amusing little anecdotes
grandfather laughed e heartily. n He o' was
overfowing with happiness and addressed
tenderness which had been timidiy with
held so long; It was something new for
he bore it well and was quite cheerful,
and said a great many pleasant things.
When dinner was announced Mrs. Ste
vens took his arm and they went ito the
dining room and took seats side by side.
off the embarrassment of the young peo-
pie. well as that of her host and host
perhaps which Caused e MI Wiard to sa
at the close of the minister's blessing:.
father aua!ered out the he old d. familiar iiia
when ali We're assembled in the front
eps favorite hymns seo and b efere they left
every voice, even that of the old man,
M Praise enc God, from whom eu ali Blessngs
Flow The minister and his wife stayed
dusk and grandfathe turned to enter his
little room. Mrs. Willard said with a new
Grandpa, it's gettin' chilly these nights
an tomorrow I'm goin' to fix you up
ire to to set set by. ~ % oD can I'D d
.,Tha .96,sy e a;, dasughter" said the old
the fire; but / don't want to be sech
APshaw. father said Mr. Willard, IT
reckon we can go to little trouble fer
9u when done so mneh for US in
how. we used to be at home with you an
mother ever Thanksgivin, an how hap
py we was"
An so have t. said his wife, with
tears in her eyes
The old man laid his hand on his sons
shoulder and said TREMENDOUSLY:
Yes. my son, an have l. She has
been mighty near today-so near it
seemed like 1 could almost hear her voice.
An I've been a-thinkin' too, about it
bein' your birthday, an I could jest see
hangin' on to mothers dress and foller-
in me about the place l didn't know I
could be so happy in this world as I've
been today nor that 1 had so much to be
thankful for
He opened the door, hesitated. then said
rnirrlnt ftcar 1xrli han