Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1911-11-25
TILL THEN BE THANKFUL

!, the years went on, found herself de-
pending more and moce upon her one
daughter for companionship and sym
pathy.
The boys are everything delightful"
CHE would say. but Rebecca and L are
very much to each other. and I had
looked forward to having her home
for a few days"
Thanksgiving day daWned bright
and clear, and mild for the season.
Rebecca did not dine at her usual
boarding place, however, for one of
her pupils, learning she was to re-
main in the city, invited her to spend
the day with her. and after the feast
was over a long ride in their automo-
bile gave her a rare pleasure and small
chance had she to be homesick on that
cay.
On the next day she determined to
treat herself to a view of some paint
ings on exhibition in one of the pic
tGre galleries to which she seldom
found access for lack of time. While,
lost to all else, she was absorbed in a
landscape which particularly pleased
her. a gay voice rang in her ears.
Well. well! II this isn't Rebecca
Fielding, I'll lose my guess, and though
= am not a Yankee / am a good guess
or. What are you doing outside of
New England at this timer?
Rebscca turned to be confronted by
one of her former college mates and
warm greetings were exchanged.
Her friend, Grace Harding, was a
southern girl, and since her college
days had spent the time mostly in
foreign travel, so the two were now
meeting for the first time since their
graduation. Grace insisted on taking
Rebecca with her to her hotel for the
day. but Rebccca es.pfained that she
must attend lectures first
You have the same New England
conscience as of DID," exclaimed Grace.
but you must come to me for the rest
OF the day anyway" and. obtaining the
promise, she left Rebecca to hurry off
10 the lecture she desired
Keeping the appointment later In
the day. Rebecca and Grace spent a
happy time chatting over old days and
ecalling one after another of the girls
of their class.
You and I are the only spinsters
left, Rebecca, and If all goes we'll be-
fore New Year comes you will be the
only one. Don't get ahead of me ]
implore you, for I want you for my
maid of honor. Now don't object. I
know very we'll what that quicker in
FOUR forehead means I know it of
old It's the New England conscience
2rousing within you. But TIL not take
anv refusal. remember for must have
you, and il shall not cost you a cent.
either Oh, here comes papa to help
plead my cause"
Judge Harding. who entered at the
m oment, was duly presented. and in
his usual genial manner urged his
daughter's plan to such an extent that
Rebecca found herself yielding to their
and very happy in doing So
Picking up the evening paper. the
Judge exclaimed:
"A fearful accident is reported. and
much loss of life is attending it. 1t
must have been Between here and
your home, Miss Rebecca."
Why, yes" replied Rebecca. adding
IN a horror-struck tone, eand I should
nave been returning on that very train |
= = H. -. Z
wanted to do. How thankful I am |
md how mamma will rejoice that |
'emafned in the city instead of coming |
lome."
ectures. the girls spent together. and 1
IN SUNDAY Rebecca wended her way to |
Ter boarding house while Grace and |
Ter father returned to their city home /
or the brief time left them before
traces wedding should take place.
II am SO thankful I met Rebecca as
did," Grace said repeatedly. She is
UGH dear. and SO little changed since
We left college To think she will be
he only girl left unmarried from all
u~ classI I mean TO have her paired
# with Chauncey Holmes next Christ
mas, and IL something does not come
{ it l shall be surprised
Matchmaker cried her father |
inching her cheek Jlayfully. you viii
OF be content till the last girl is dis
osed of. l dare say. / am thankful
on are the only one I am responsible
DR. for more than one of your sort
-ould be more than / could manage
Rebecca wrote to her mother a
lowing account of all her Thanksgiv-
lg experiences and received in return
warm letter filled with the affection
te sympathy which always existed be-
ween these two, so closely bound to
ach other.
You said, dear child, that we should
2 THANKFUL some day for what seem
7 hi Of lief 1rft1 az 411a l
thankful am / that YOU did not come
cine. I shudder to think of your mar
DIV escape Some of our neighbors |
ere in that wreck. and though not in
1red themselves. thew were overcome
V the awful scenes that followed the