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

preserves. jelly, pumpkin pie that made ones mouth water, a mould or English plum pudding covered over with a blanket of hard sauce
 Such a goodly spread It would have pleased Tom beyond expression could he but have taken peep after grandma was through
 ''Oh, where is the angel cake and Ice cream?" asked Anna May excitedly, fearing that part of the menu had been
 'rhe cake is here all right" answered grandma. taking it at that very minute out of another basket, The ice cream is to be delivered by the dealer al nalI- past 12. sharp.
 Then grandma ordered her assistants to take up their empty baskets and start fer home, while she took general survey of the table and sideboard Ca small table having been brought rom the kitchen to answer the place Of a sideboard) to be sure everything was In order.
 Listen" said Gertrude. there's the twelve O clock bell wen have to hurry or we'll be caught in the very act" And she hurrledly picked up the empty boxes to start. Yes said grandma, your mamma said she'd re- turn with them about noon. and warned me to vacate by then"
 Just at the moment a loud peal sound ed at the hall-door bell.
 Mercy on us!' exclaimed Grandma. Gan it be" and she paused to listen.
 T wonder if we can't slip out the back
 
 But they had no time for conjecture: The front door opened and they heard heavy footsteps come along the hall. pause at the empty sittiing-room d,Iin d99r, %hs knob turned, the door opened and tall, bearded man of foreign appearance stepped into the apartment. On seeing the occupants of the room he stepped back as if to depart, saying in .disap- pointed tone: q beg pardon, madam; thought my family lived in this house. But maybe you can
 whats the name of your family?" asked Grandma, interrupting.
 Groves" answered the stranger.
 They do live here" said Grandma. hef bene Iegpnd pfod tha the poor invalid would no longer sit by the window and watch in vain for the return of an ab- sent loved one They sy,aI are out ,rnns for "a a a little Thanksgiving surprise for them in their absence. But if l am not mis- taken you have brought the happiest surprise in yourself. You are MT.
 Yes, and thank God I am granted the happiness of being once more at they well? I almost fear to ask''
 "All alive and together, and your children are well. yes-but-your vile IS not very strong; still. the malady can be cured by a surgical operation" While she gave this information Grandma took the strangers hands in her own. thus tnlDartlnR her SXInpdtlly.
 sfShe shall have every attention now. I've returned to my dear ones rich man. and every comfort shall crown their long years of hardship and anx- iety."
 His voice was drowned by a dash of carriage wheels. then medley or voices all talking at once, at the nall door. 'sWe'Il not come in," Mrs. Perrin was saving as Tom and George helped Mrs. Groves up the steps. (The boys had returned Simultaneously with the car riage crowd.) But we wish you a happy Thanksgiving Day. Come. Tom. you may drive me home.
 While Mrs. Groves and her daughters were expressing their thanks to Mrs. Perrin for the enjoyable drive, Grand ma. Anna May and Gertrude beat a nasty retreat by way of the back door. finding their way to the street down the alley, The newcomer, when he over heard the voices in the hall, did not notice the unceremonious departure of the strange company he had found in- stalled in his house, but hastened to the door to greet his loved ones.
 But we must not try to describe that happy reunion of husband and wife, father and children, nor tell how they sat down to the bountifully spread ta- ble, seemingly prepared by fairy hands. nor try to express the deep thankfulness felt by each for the many blessings be- slowed upon them that Thanksgiving Day-the happiest day in all their lives.