The Jasper news., 1918-11-21


had once been surrounded by
wide acres, but gradually
4 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 a narrow door
yard In front, and cramped orchard
In the rear.
"The mills had spoiled Layton, old
Mrs. Tetlow used to say, with dreary
shake of the head, as she watched
these changes.
The Tetlow farm had been q pros
porous one in its day, and its owners
had lived on 1t in quiet responsibility
for many generations. But they were
all scattered and gone now-these Tet-
lows-save for the one lonely old wom-
an, who gazed out of the small-paned
windows.
People said Mrs. Tetlow was grow
ing forgetful. Perhaps she was-for-
getful Of the present.
1t was q dreary November day. The
clouds hung low and few scattering
snowflakes were beginning to fall.
Real Thanksgiving weather." MUIR
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. tits time to be making the mInce-
meat"
'Mother always did that the first
thing" she went on, by and by, "and
today is Friday. Next week will bring
the last Thursday in the month. The
proclamatlon'll be read next Sabbath"
The knitting needles lay idle In HRS.
fellows lap, as she rocked slowly
back and forth.
Grandma Spencer's folks always
came by Wednesday night" she said,
after a reflective pause, land brother
Peter and his wife and boys would
get here as early as 8 Thanksgiving
morning. The rest didn't come till
nearly noon. I wonder where Peters
boy Is now. wish the West weren't
so far off. I wonder If the boys done
WE'LL"
Mrs. Tetlow stopped rocking and sat
up straight in her chair.
wouldn't like to get ready for an
other such Thanksgiving party" she
exclaimed, red spot burning in ell
Their cheek. II believe / will"
She arose, her slight figure trem-
bling as she rolled up her knitting
work and thrust the needles into 1t.
LET me see," she went on musingly,
how many must provide for2 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 'em and Grand
ma Spencer's folks and Joe and Lefty.
It'll be long tableful. but I'll be
ready for them"
Monday saw active preparations 60
ing on In the old kitchen.
The last thing each night before go.
ing to her bed the old lady took her
wayering candle and inspected her
pantry shelves. and with every even.
ing there were more toothsome goodies
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'amT' he
asked as he weighed II, and the old
woman nodded gravely.
That morning the windows in the
upper chamber were thrown open tc
the wind and sunshine, and sweeping
and busting and airing Of bed liner
were in order.
"Grandma Spencer's folks always
come by Wednesday night" she said
'and the rooms haven't been used fol
some time. They feel little damp
so I'll have them open all day."
Toward night Mrs. Tetlow put OF
her second best gown and sat dowr
near the window to watch.
When her guests arrived. the near
est neighbor might not have known