Cleveland County herald., 1918-11-21


 AESrsSXY had once been surrounded by
 Es$TSl wide acres, but gradually l H the growing town had en- & croached on it's borders ; and, bit by bit, the property had been swallowed up, until at last the low browed, rambling farmhouse was el- bowed by smarter town residences, and could boast only a narrow door yard in front, and a 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 1t in quiet responsibility for many generations. But they were all scattered and gone now-these let 4ows--saye 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.
 It was a dreary November day. The clouds hung low and few scattering snowflakes were beginning to fall:
 Real Thanksgiving weather" mur- mured Mrs. Tetlow, as she looked out of her front window.
 "Yes, it's real Thanksgiving weath- er." repeated the old lady, drawing ;Aer small shoulder shawl closer about her. Its time to be making the minee- 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 --lrnclamationll be reg next ext Sahhatl. Sab atl.. 7
 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 a reflective pause, land brother Peter and his wife and boys would get here as early as 9 Thanksgiving morning. The rest didn't come till nearly noon. I wonder where Peters boy is now. I 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, a red spot burning in ei- ther cheek. "I believe I 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 I 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 ana Spencers folks and Joe and Lefty. It'll 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 ito behold.
 when lne ITaVellllS DulCleI SLOppeu "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 dusting and airing of bed linen were in order.
 Grandma Spencer's folks always eome by Wednesday night" she said, "tand the rooms haven't been used for some time. They feel a little damp, 80 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 est neighbor might not have known,