The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1908-12-24
Their
as
TurkeY.
By MILDRED BENT.


turkey at the Thanksgiving feast had
been followed by fasting, repentance
and the adoption of the vegetarian
cult. Steaks gave place to salads and
lamb to lentils, wherefore the spare
pennies of the Framely youngsters
were invested in ham sandwiches and
smoked beef instead of cake and
candy.
1t had been bad enough when Frame !
~ had adopted the thorough mastica-
ton fad and the entire family had SOL
EMMY chewed its food to the loud
click of the metrOnome. 1t had been
worse when all hands slept in a tent in
the back yard because Framely had a
cold and feared consumption, but even
With an approved vegetarian kitchen
within half a mile it was difficult to
give variety to the menu with only
vegetables as a foundation.
The younger Framelys refused to re-
gard nut ragouts as fit substitutes for
their mothers savory stews, and the
hospitable soul of Mrs. Framely was
tried by the evasive excuses of those
who were invited to dinner. The poor
little woman considered it necessary to
explain that they were now vegeta-
rians, and so anticipatory smiles faded
from expectant faces as the owners
thereof mentioned transparent previ-
Gus engagements suddenly recalled.
Finally she pleaded with her hus-
band for turkey for Christmas, to his
great horror.
"Just for one day?" he repeated aft
err her. my dear, would you plead
with me to feed my innocent children
on a diet of poisons for just one day?'
No. 1 have ordered a beautiful mock
turkey from the vegetarian kitchen.
They assure me that it tastes exactly
like the bird, and it is nodded into the
same shape. The children will not
know the difference If they shut their
eyes"
But they can't eat their dinner with
their eyes shut" protested Mrs. Frame
~ feebly. Her husband regarded her
with mild sorrow
eff only they might eat with their
eyes truly open," he lamented, ''Open
to the danger that turks within the
dead flesh they would stuff their stom
achs with. Some day they will thank
me for saving them from the evils and
miseries of the flesh eaters"
Framely adroitly made his escape be-
fore his wife could find an answer to
this outbreak, and toward afternoon
the mock turkey made its appearance.
1t reSembled a gigantic candy favor i'll
shape and color. The tintinG of the
outside had been rudely done and by
no means suggested the cracking skin
Of the barnyard king bursting from the
pressure of the rich juices within. Sad
ly Mrs Framely shook her head as she
showed the bird into the iceboX along
with the rest of the packages which
the wagon had brought and busted her
self with converting some Ineatless
'mince meat into pies.
Chr stmas day dawned somberly
enou.'h in the Framely household.
Frank junior had thrown his carrot
outlet to the floor and had been sent
from the table in disgrace. ard Nellie
had invited u second outburst by tear
fully pleading permission TO 60 10 her
grandmothers where they would have
real Christmas dinner Grand
mother was on the maternal side, and
Mrs. ColfOrd'S intolerance of her SON
in-law's fads was an ever ready sub
ject for acrimonious discussion.
To cap the climax, The elder Mrs
Tramely arrived unannounced during
the forenoon.
g. hn lot,
she followed her daughter-in-law into
the parlor. 80 / just packed UP soE:e
mince pies and some jellies Ia made
and brought them along guess
Frank will like one of his mothers
pies for Christmas. though / will adj
init that you do beat me Oh your crusts,
my dear. Now give me an apron and
III help you with the turkey
Mrs. Framely the younger shrank
from an explanation and, with the
statement that things only needed to
be warmed up, thrust the matter aside
When her husband came in from
church with the children she slipped
out to put things on the table. When
the family came into the dining room
she supposed, OF course. that her hus-
band had explained and SO made no
comment when the old lady set aside
her thick yegetab BILE soup with the com
ment that she never did like those new
tangled soups.
But when the turkey was brought in
and set upon the table the old lady
frightened up.
Il don't see how you get your turkey
such an even brown all over" she said
approvingly. Mine always burns on
the top. You know / like the second
joint and some of the white meat.
Frank"