The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1918-11-22

had once been surrounded by
- wide acres, but gradually
Y the growing town had en-
~ crOached on its borders;
and, bit by bit, the property had been
swallowed up, until at last the low
browed, rambling farmhouse was ell
bowed by smarter town residences,
and could boast only u narrow door
yard in front, and Il cramped orchard
IN the rear.
THE mills had spoiled Layton" old
Hrs. Tetlow used TO say. with a dreary
hak Of the head, as she watched
these changes.
The TetlOw farm had been a pros
porous one in IT'S day. and its owners
had lived on 1t in quiet responsibility
for many generations. But they were
AL scattered and n nOw-these Tet-
fows-save for the one lonely OLD wom-
an. II gazed out of the s~mall-paned
windows.
People said Mrs. Tetlow was grow
ing forgetful. Perhaps she was-for-
getful of the present.
1t was a dreary November day. The
clouds hung low and a few scattering
snowflakes were beginning TO fall.
Real Thanksgiving weather" mur
INJURED Mrs. Tetlow, as she looked out
of her front window.
Yes. it's real Thanksgiving wealth
er." repeated the old lady, drawing
her small shoulder shawl closer about
her. ITS time TO be making the mince-
meat"
Mother always did that the first
thing" she went on by and by, land
today is Friday. Next week will bring
the last Thursday in the month. The
p~roclamationH be rea' next Sabbath"
The knitting needles lay idle in Mrs.
fellows lap, as she rocked slowly
back and forth.
Grandma Spencer's folks always
came by Wednesday night" she said.
after a reflective pause, "and brother
Peter and his wife and boys would
get here as early as o Thanksgiving
morning. The rest didn't come till
nearly noon. 1 wonder where Peters
Boy is now. I wish the West weren't
SO far off. 1 wonder if the boys done
we'll"
Mrs. Tetlow stopped rocking and sat
I'D straight in her chair.
wouldn't 1 like to get ready for an
other such Thanksgiving party" she
exclaimed. a red spot burning in Ell
Their cheek. 81 believe I will"
She arose, her slight figure trem-
bling as she rolled up her knitting
work and thrust the needles into It.
let me see" she went on musingly,
how many must l provide for? There's
Peter and Mary and the three boys,
and Jane and Henrietta and Uncle
Scion. Mamie and her husband and
the little folks, bless EN- and Grand
ma Spencer's folks and Joe and Lefty.
Et1l be a long tableful, but I'll be
ready for them"
Monday saw active preparations go
ing on in the old kitchen.
The last thing each night before GO
ing to her bed the old lady took her
wavering candle and inspected her
pantry shelves, and with every even
ing there were more toothSome goodies I
TO behold.
When the travelling butcher stopped
Wednesday for his usual small order,
Mrs. Tetlow followed him out TO his
cart and selected the largest turkey in
his collection. The mans eyes opened
wide.
Expecting company, ma'am?' he
asked as he weighed 1t, and the old
woman nodded ~gravely.
That morning the windows in the
upper chamber were thrown open TO
the wind and sunshine, and sweeping
and busting and airing of bed linen
were in order.
Grandma S~pencer's folks always
by Wednesday night" she said,
-aud the rooms haven't been used for
time They feel a little damp,
so I'll have them open all day"
Toward night Mrs. Tetlow put on
her second best gown and sat down
near the window to watch.
When her guests arrived, the near
neighbor might not have known,