The Dolores star., 1918-11-22

AYN
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 u cramped orchard
in the rear
The mills had spoiled Layton" old
Mrs, Te.iow used to say, with n drenry
shake of the head, as she watched
these changes.
The Tetlow farm had been n pros
porous one in its day, and its owners
had lived on it 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 a dreary November day. The
clouds hung low and few scattering
snowtiakes were beginning to fall.
Real Thanksgiving weather" muir
INJURED Mrs. Tetlow, as she looked out
OF ner front window.
yes, it's real Thanksgiving wealth
cr. repeated the old lady. drawing
her small shoulder shawl closer about
her. IT'S 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
. ln t.-t
proclamationll be read next Sabbath"
The knitting needles lay idle in Mrs.
fellows lap. as she rocked slowly
back and forth.
Grandma Spcncers folks always
came by Wednesday night" she said,
after reflective pause. land brother
Peter and his wife and boys would
get here rs early as Thanksgiving
morning. The rest didn't come till
nearly noon. | wonder where Peters
boy is now. l wish the West weren't
SO far off. l wonder If the boys done
we'll"
Mrs. Tetlow stopped rocking and sat
up straight in her chair.
Wouldn't l like to get ready for an
other such Thanksgiving party" she
exclaimed, red spot burning in ell
ther cheek. 81 believe l 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
Solon. Mamie and her husband and
the little folks, bless 'em, and Grand.
ma Spencers folks and Joe and Lefty
It'll be long tableful. but I'll be
ready for them"
Monday saw active preparations 90
| ing on in the old kitchen.
The last thing each night before 20
| ing to her bed the old lady took he1
waverihg candle and inspected her
pantry shelves, and with every even
ing there were more toothsome goodies
| to behold.
When the travelling butcher stoppet
Wednesday for his usual small order
Mrs. Tetlow followed him out to his
cart and selected the largest turkey ir
his collection. The mans eyes opened
wide.
Expecting company, ma'am?" he
asked as he weighed it, and the ole
woman nodded gravely.
That morning the windows in tn,
upper chamber were thrown open I,
the wind and sunshine, and sweepin.
and dusting and airing of bed liner
We're In order.
"Grandma Spencer's folks alway.
come by Wednesday night" she said
land 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