River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1901-11-21
low said. decidedly, though her eyes

/ had frightened at the prospect.
.'Why not ~ asked Letitia, anxiously.
at win do you both world of good,
and you haven't seen Cousin Mary
since she was so sick Don't you
think you ought to go?" The willy
girl knew how to pull the strings.
But she wants us to stay two
weeks" her mother objected, with
signs of wavering. "That brings it
right up to Thanksgivin' 1t is
THROWN too much work upon You
"Oh, III get Sarah Duncan to cczse
in fer help and company" Letitia
said, easily. I'D just love to have
my own way for awhile" And, event.
ually, the girl had her way, start
ing her travellers on their journey
with a relief that could hardly be
masked. ut leaves so little time"
she sighed; "but, with help, it shall
be DONE"
Not until Thanksgiving day did
Cousin Mary relax her hold upon her
guests, her hospitable intentions be-
ing made more effective by notes
from Letitia urging them not to
hurry home. 1t was near noon when
Letitia drove to meet her parents,
Der cheeks aglow in the frosty air.
that had left it's rime upon the fields
and hedgerows. She eagerly scanned
the long train, as it rolled into the
station laden with home-seeking trav-
elers, a little frown of anxiety puck
ering her brow.
Suddenly she rose in che carriage,
unable TO believe her eyes. Who was
the tall man assisting his mother to
alight? 1t couldn't be-
"Why, john" she cried, springing
out and leaving Jack to his own de-
vices as she ran across the platform.
at is too good to be true!"
$50 l thought when l found father
and mother on the train," he said,
as he kissed her heartily. 81 hope
YOU have provided enough dinner, for
I have an old-fashioned appetite.
Been travelling night and day to get
here Didn't know l could get off UNI
til two hours before | started.
Thought I'd take you by surprise"
with a quizzical look at the wonder
ing. joyful face.
"All aboard for Turkey!" she cried,
gayly. Dear people, it seems an age
since I saw you." giving her mother
an affectionate squeeze as she climbed
to her side in the carriage, yielding
the reins to her father. So gayly did
she chatter that they had reached the
new house before her questions had
all been answered. Just as her ia
ther turned Jacks head toward the
drive, she laid restraining hand
upon his arm.
IF you don't mind"-her voicu
trembled little-'let's drive down
to the other house first. John will
like to see it." A shadow crossed her
fathers face and her mother started
to speak, but thought better of it.
Letitia should not dream what it cost
them to see the deserted house on
Thanksgiving day. Would it-could it
seem like Thanksgiving in the new
house?
On. past the orchard, they ratified,
Letitia's tongue running more gayly
than ever, though the rest were silent.
Thus far her father and mother had
not ventured a look at the dear old
place. lest its solitude reproach them;
but, as they drew up before the gate,
the green door flew open and Sarah
Duncan, smiling and hearty, beckoned
them in.
ITS pretty frosty yet" she urged.
"Come right in where it's warm"
"Warm!" quavered Mrs. Harlow,
not Offering to move. Her husbands
gaze was fixed upon the shining win
dows by which the old house well
coined him, as if with friendly eyes.
Warm? Yes, dearest" And,
springing to the ground, Letitia ten
derby extended her arms. Come,
mother" she said, unsteadily, though
her face was alight with happiness,
"for this is home
The dear old things had once more
settled back into their accustomed
places. If here and there a new pos
session had found place, it was care
full not to infringe upon the sweet
familiarity
In tie living room long table was
already covered with Mrs. Harlow's
favorite snowdrop cloth and set with
gold china and quaint old
silver as on former Thanksgiving
days. With pretty air of impor-
lance Letitia hurried between kitchen
and living room, now with glasses of
ruby cranberry and again with tow
ering plumes of celery. A composite
odor of good things entered with her,
Turing John to the kitchen in her
wake.
II haven't had chance to tell you
something important" he said in an
undertone, drawing her to the win
dow. Il had an hour between trains,
so | ran down to see the real estate
man in whose charge you have put
the new house, What do you suppose
he told me? Nothing less than that
he has found a purchaser already!
There's a hustler for you. Such speed
is positively unheard Of"
a+itia crew a Eftla male and her