The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-23

night The other sister Bertha. worn out from the hard day behind the bar gain counter. would lie resting on couch in the same room with her mother and the boys, too tired to read or even converse.
 an momsey," explained Tom after his first evening in the Groves home; They're plain, sensible folks, and feel very sorry for them. The girls work so hard I'd hate like the mischief to ever see Anna May and Gertrude have to do such drudgery for their living. But George says as soon as he has finished high school that he means to get job and take the heavy part of the load from his sisters shoulders: And he'll do 1t, too, see if he don't" And Tom shook his head confidently.
 Have you asked them to receive me?" asked Mrs. Perrin.
 'Yes. I told Mrs Groves that you wished to call some evening and bring her something to read. She seemed pleased at the prospect of meeting you; said she knew she would like you very much. I told her she would do more than like you, that she would be like everybody else who knew ,you-she d turned his mothers caress with a great cub-bear hug that did a good deal of damage to his mothers hair collar, but did not In the least ruffie her temper.
 The following evening Mrs. Perrin accompanied Tom to the home of the Groves, carrying in a pretty little bas- ket A bowl of Grandmas spiced pickles a glass of grape jelly and several late magazines to the invalid It'll be feeier," laughed Tom. "If they take the stuff tonight all right, we needn't be afraid of carrying out our dinner
 That's what I thought" answered
 To say that Mrs. Groves and her chil.. dren were pleased with the contents or the basket brought to them by Mrs. Perrin. would be to state it mildly. and Mrs Groves voice shook with emotion when she thanked their caller TOT tak- ing so much interest In them. mere strangers to her.
 Before taking their leave Mrs. Perrin, to Toms delight. arranged to take tne invalid and the girls out for a drlVe Thanksgiving morning.
 Now for some plan by which Grand ma. Anna May and Gertrude may get into the house while they are out with me" said Mrs. Perrin, as she linked arms with Tom and nd star5en ir5e eTciaied Tom. DO they know of our little scheme? And what can they want to get into the house for?" , , ''They are as deep in the mire as we are in the mud Why, your grandma does nothing al. day but plan things for .,s roms sufppise fpar she 1li'nef wil rob our own guests in her de- sire to supply the Groves table with daintfes And Anna May ana CfertfQQe are planning on giving their assistance in laying the spread They have or dered flowers to decorate the table
 Good enoughr' joyously exclaimed Tom. I'm glad they're all helping; and if grandma goes into 1t it means a lot of goodies. sure. But what about papa doesn't he get his nose counted?'
 ''Certainly, dear, l wouldn't consider doing anything till had talked it over with papa. And he heartily approves your plan-says it shows you are made of worthy metal. He even suggested bringing the family to our house for dim ner, but our dining-room would not &C., commodate so many, besides I thought they would be happier at their own home than among so many strangers. Papa says to present the bills to him, as that shall be his part to perform in the matter"
 ..Papa's all right!" laughed Tom. '0h. by the way, hope you'll have ice cream ordered" Tom judged others appetites by his own, which was pretty big for that especial dish.
 ''Everything that should go to make LID an appetizing Thanksgiving dinner shall be provided" assured Mrs. Perrin as they turned in toward their own home steps.
 Thanksgiving morning dawned clear and warm, and Tom was out of bed an hour earlier than was his custom He had made an engagement with George to go for walk. then to Thanksgiving