The Twin City star., 1918-11-23


HTxH3 had once been surrounded by
~ wide acres, but gradually
q the growing town had en-
n croached on it's 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 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 a 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 won.
an, who gazed out of the small-paned
windows. 4.
People said Mrs. Tetlow was grow
Ing forgetful. Perhaps she was-for.
getful of the present.
1t was dreary November day. The
clouds hung low and few scattering
snowflakes were beginning to fall.
Real Thanksgiving weather." mur.
INJURED Mrs. Tetlow, as she looked out
Of her front window.
Eyes, it's real Thanksgiving wealth.
cr." repeated the old lady, drawing
her small shoulder shawl closer about
her. "Tt'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
the last Thursday in the month. The
proclamation'll be read next Sabbath y
The knitting needles lay idle in Mrs
Tetlow's lap, as she rocked slowly
back and forth.
Grandma Spencer's folks always
came by Wednesday night" she said
after 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. wonder where Peters
boy Is now. I wish the West weren't
SO far off. wonder if the boys done
WELL"
Mrs. TetlOw stopped rocking and sat
up straight in her chair. p
"Wouldn't like to get ready for an.
other such Thanksgiving party" she
exclaimed. red spot burning In Ell.
ther cheek. II believe 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 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 Spencer's folks and Joe and Lefty
It'll be long tableful, but I'll be
ready for them" .... a
Monday saw active preparations 60
ing on in the old kitchen.
The last thing each night before 60
ing to her bed the old lady took hel
wavering 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'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
We're 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 or
her second best gown and sat down
near the window to watch.
When her guests arrived, the near
est neighbor might not have known