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

It was the morning of Thanksgiving
day-a bleak November morning, with
a dull gray sky betokening snow and
with a bitter wind blowing over the
frostbitten fields. On such a morning
the old Barber homestead looked pleas
ant indeed, with it's windows full of
open fires that sent their red forks
dancing up the chimney to join the
winds.
Judge Barber, the owner of this old
family home, although an old man,
was as straight and tail as he was
when young and he still ruled his
household and the village affairs, too,
with the same iron will as of old; and
although he was respected by all, he
Was more feared than loved.
Years before he had turned his only
daughter, Betsy, out of doors because
che refused tc marry E. rich young
farmer whose land adjoined his, and
instead had married poorer man
whom she loved. They he'd had hard
luck; her husband had died ana she
was left unpsovided for with five small
children to care for: but the Judge
had never given in and would not help
her or allow his wife to.
Although the Judge was visiting a
brother in the distant part of the state
and was not expected home for the
holiday, nevertheless preparations were
being made in the big kitchen for
big Thanksgiving dinner. Mrs. Bar
Der: SMALL frail-looking woman,
whose spirit had been crushed by her
husbands domineeriny ways, was
packing baskets brimful of good things
to be sent to her less fortunate neigh
5ors. Sarah Smith, her buxom maid
of all work, was ornamenting big
plum cake with frosting, at the same
time keeping her eye on her mistress,
who appeared more nervous than
usual. The table was laden with but.
ter and eggs, and dishes of pounded
spices, and flalSy pies just rescued from
ha caI xac hnf1
small waiting their turn to be frosted.
Two great turkeys were roasting be-
fore the fire and their drippings fixed
and sputtered down into the pan.
Every once in while Mrs Barber
would rush to the window. and at
last Sarah's curiosity was fully arous-
ed.
do you expect many of them ~ she
inquired.
let me see.' said her mistress.
counting on her fingers. Yes, Sarah,
there's six of them
Mercy sakes," said Sarah. Where
You goin' to get 'em all? You never
have had bI the Elder and his wife,
Some of 'em are little tots" Mrs
Barber continued, -'and to think that
I am their own grandmother--
Goodness sakes!" interrupted Sa-
rah. you amt never gone and asked
even if the Judge is away,
have your
Yes, Sarah; I've thought it all out
and he can't possibly be home till
after today. and 1t can't be wrong to
ask them over she said, plaintively.
No; faint wrong, and I'm glad
you've got your spunk up at last, but
won't the judge be mad when he finds
it OUT and Sarah shook her head as
if relishing the prospect Of seeing the
old man in a rage
Go up garnet, Sarah, and bring Down
the high chair and Betsy's little green
<.I -t,<,r-
and get some nuts and apples
Sarah hurried off, and soon was
heard the laughing and shouting of
children and, amid all the noise, could
be distinguished the cry of Grand
mas house."
Grandma ran to open the door, and
in tuInbled four small boys who had
outrun mother and the toddling girl
baby. In moment more tired look
ing woman wearing a shabby hat and
coat came in and kissing the old lady
broke down and sobbed on her neck
There, there. child. don't take on
So said her mother, and she led her