Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-11-21

Thanksgiving I've nothing to be espe-
cially thankful for. Oh, dear! The baby
is crying" and leaving her breakfast,
Mrs. Matthews hurried away.
Poor little woman" thought her hus-
band. "She has to work too hard. l
wish l could afford to keep a girl for
her. But nothing TO be thankful for, that
doesn't sound like Edith"
When baby Faye had been hushed to
sleep it was time for Hiram to start for
the store He had lifted the twins from
their high chairs and united their bibs.
He had also thoughtfully put the coffee
pot on the stove and the steak in the oven
that Edith might not find her breakfast
cold when she had time to finish it.
"Good-by, little wife, he sadi, draw
ing her to him. III send up something
for Thanksgiving and see Mrs. Murphy
about coming TO help you tomorrow.
Don't do much extra work. for there will
be just ourselves. How | wish we could
have gone to the old home. Still l feel
like giving thanks, Edith, for my home,
my babies, and YOU
Words like these are usually sweet to
wife. But Edith had been kept awake
ing baby. so she replied YEARLY, Get
whatever you like. Perhaps l should feel
thankful if we were rich"
Il hope we may be some day." Hiram
began. but she interrupted him impa-
tiently.
"Some day! When l am old and gray.
1t is now | want the things money can
buy, luxuries for my babies, leisure for
you and me, time to develop my nature.
Well, I'll postpone my thanksgiving till
have something to give thanks for
In spite of her 1ippant words, Edith
chung for a moment to her husband. His
face was grave, but he whispered ten
derby, My darling" and gong out at
tempted to close the door softly behind
him.
l'ut the sharp November wind caught
1t from his hand and it slammed so
Io"dly that Faye started up with a fret
full CRY. At the same moment Maude
managed TO upset a glass of water for
which she had been reaching and added
her cries to Faye's.
Thankful, indeed" Edith said, as af-
ter few moments of alternate soothing
and scolding she succeeded in quieting
both children. She sat down at the sit
ting room window with Faye in her
arms and looking at the house across the
way.
1.-The nurse is dressing little Bernice
Ashley" she thought. II can see her.
And there is the cook at the door giving
the grocer boy his orders. Mrs. Ashley
was at ball last night. She is sleeping
this morning, undsturbed by work or
children. Plenty of money, three SER
wants, the entrance into cultivated so
ciety, yes, I'm sure Mrs Ashley can
truly observe Thanksgiving.
'Oh, ! fear I'm wicked" she went on
as Faye nestled her curly head on her
mothers shoulder. But Tn so tired of
being poor. OF course, l appreciate my
husband, my babies, and my cozy home
These are just common blessings though
every one has them and some so many
others"
The next day Edith was sitting by the
window waiting for her husbands COM
ing. Mrs. Murphy had just gone home,
ready for the oven, mince and pumpkin
pies, cranberry tarts, and dainty rose
cake.
The table was laid FOR tea in the din
ing room. When Hiram came there would
be only the oysters to cook. Little Faye
was asleep, while Maudie and Mabel were
building an imposing block house on the
rug in front of the open FIRE.
"How happy they are" the young