A Rich Man's Thanksgiving

A RICH MAN'S THANKSGIVING DINNER.

A STORY FOR THE BOYS AND THE RICH.

BY L. L. GREENE RICHARDS.

Mr. Edson Clarell was the wealthiest man in Lower Weldon; and for one particular Thanksgiving day he had decided to be also the most generous and hospitable. It was not enough that he donated liberally to the charitable societies, to make the day truly one of thanksgiving for the unfortunate and needy; he had taken it into his head to carry out a splendid scheme of his own, also, for which elaborate little

preparations had been made for a number of days previous to the last Thursday in November. His good-natured plan was to have all the poor, who resided in his immediate neighborhood, at his own tables, in his own house,

to dine with him on that Thanksgiving day. Some of his very prudent friends tried to prevail on him not to make the affair quite so general, a much injury to his handsome carpets and fine furni- ;

ture might result from such an unusial entertainment. But when Edson Clarell had once made up his mind concerning his own affairs, he was not one easily to be persuaded out of having his own way. As he was a young "old bachelor," and there was no Mrs. C. to help him decide matters, he made his own decisions and usually carried them out. This time he said that to see the statu- ary and pictures in his house might be as great a treat to some of his poor neighbors as a good dinner. So it came about that the poor people of the neighborhood, men and women, young and old, and little boys and girls, assembled in the Clarell residence to par-

A RICH MAN'S THANKSGIVING DINNER. 29

take of the master's kind hospitality, by his own invitation on that Thanksgiving day. He stood at the front entrance himself, greeting each guest with a beaming smile and a warm handshake. The poorest among his visitors received more cordial welcome and more careful atten- tion than others who appeared to be not so especially in need. One bright boy, of about fourteen years, came to help his temporarily crippled mother along, and very tenderly he relin- quished the care of the precious charge to Mr. C, with a loving "Good-bye, mother; I'll return for you early." "Why, here !" said Mr. Clarell, motioning the boy, who was starting off, to remain, "won't you stay, young man ? What's your hurry ?" "I didn't consider I ought to stay to dinner here," replied the boy, "because I have work, and am earning a living." "Well, well !" said Mr. C, "I like your independence very much; but this is a holiday, you're not working today, are you ?" "No, sir," the boy answered, "but I can buy my dinner." "Well, well !" said Mr. C. again. "See here, my boy, you stay with your mother, because she will enjoy her dinner more with such a son beside her. We shall have an abundance for all, and you're most heartily welcome. And since you appreciate work, and feel that you should pay for what you eat, you shall have the privilege of helping me to wait on and entertain my guests. How will that suit you ?"

"Fine !" said the boy. "I shall be delighted to stay, under those circumstances. I thank you ever so much, and will do my best to help you." "Take your mother into the parlor, then, and give her the very best seat you can find; talk bright and interesting things to her, and to others who will be near you; I am sure you can do that." The kind host turned his attention to others who were coming in. Later, when the guests were invited to the tables, Mr. C. noted with pleasure how quick and handy the boy with the lame mother was in assisting to seat the company, making them leel comfortable and at home, and looking to the wishes of all who were near enough to be cared for by him. Several times, as the

dinner progressed, the host felt remarkably well pleased with the boy's readiness to see what should be done, and his alacrity in doing it.

By and by, Mr. C. moved around to where the boy stood ana sat down by turns, as occasion required or permitted, under his double obligation of reaching and passing dishes to and fro, and doing justice in his own behalf to the excellent meal provided. "Young man," said Mr. C, "your mother and friends call you Johney, I believe." "Yes, sir, John Fisher is my name," answered the boy, politely, arising to look at his host. "Well, well !" said that gentleman. "1 notice, Johney, that you know what you're about when you're waiting on a company of people, and I believe you'll know just how to serve the wine; and that comes now. Will you hilp some of my waiters ? There's one or two (here Mr. Clarell dropped his voice almost to a whisper) that I dare not trust to handle the sparkling beverage. Now, if you will help with that part of the serving, I'll be extremely obliged." For the first time that day, Johney hesitated, and seemed not exactly clear in his mind as to his duty in the request made of him. "Well, well !" said Mr. C, "what is it ? Have you signed the temperance pledge, and does that restrict you from passing a glass of wine to another person ?" Johney now stood close to Mr. C, and answered as they moved a little aside from the others, "No, sir, I have not signed the pledge; but I have joined a people who have a 'Word of Wisdom' from the Lord, suited to these latter-days; and wine is among the forbidden things, except on very rare and special occasions. Therefore, if you will please excuse me, Mr. Clarell, I would prefer some other service, and not touch the wine." "Well, well Wisdom ! Wisdom from the Lord ! That is !

what I want, what I am seeking for, and what I'll have, if I can get it !" exclaimed Mr. Clarell. "What is this Wisdom you have, Johney ? Tell me what it is, can you ?" "Yes, sir;" replied Johney, "I could explain something about it to you, if you had the time." "Well, well ! I must hear it ! I must hear it ! Now let us

A RICH MAN'S THANKSGIVING DINNER. 31

just tell the waiters to go on with what they are about, while I'm busy for a few moments; and I'll return to you." While Mr. C. excused himself to his guests for a short time, and instructed his waiters how to proceed, Johney went to his mother and asked if she had that card in her hand-bag, which they had been studying that morning. She had the card, and handed it to her son, who again withdrew from the company, and wss pres. ently joined by Mr. C. The card wliich the boy handed to the gentleman was covered with printed matter on both sides. At the top of the first page appeared in large letters, "Word of Wisdom.'' Glancing hastily at the card, Mr. C. said, "Well, well ! Johney go and finish your dinner. I will read and consider this; and thank you." Johney returned to the table. When he and his mother had fully completed a first-class din- ner, they arose, and immediately Mr. C. came to them. The wine had been forgotten, no strong drink was served; and yet no lack was felt; every one of the guests seemed to be

thoroughly satisfied with the generous repast. Besides, there remained ever so much food to be taken away by the visitors. When all had eaten as much as they could, each one was given something to take home for future need. So they were more than satisfied.

"Well, well ! Mrs. Fisher and Johney," said the host, "there is something extraordinary about the reading on this card. I should like to look it over and consider it, when I have more leisure. Will

you let me retain it for the day, please ?" "Keep it altogether; we are very glad of the privilege of giving it to you, Mr. Clarell," replied Mrs. Fisher, "and we have other reading matter that might interest you, which Johney will bring you at any time, if he may do so ?" "Well, well ! indeed he may. You know where my office is,

Johney; call in and see me." Again warmly shaking the hands of Mrs. Fisher and her son, Mr. C. went about among his guests saying cheery, pleasant things, receiving their grateful thanks, and feeling that he was really the happiest soul in that happy throng. "Well, well !" he remarked to himself that evening, as he retired to slumber, "what a good day this has been, the best in —

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32 . IMPROVEMENl ERA.

all my life ! Truly a day of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. And that card !" he continued.takiog it from the stand by his bed and looking it over once more. Then, reating himself, he read the "Word of Wisdom" through, aloud, emphasizing some portions which struck him more forcibly than others: "Inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither mete in the sight of your Father !" These lines he read and re-read several times. Something in the sentiment seemed to appeal to his soul as nothing had done which he had ever read or heard before. He read to the end, then laid the card on the stand, and praying, retired. He closed his eyes, but for some time his lips moved, and he spoke audibly, saying, "Health Bodily health ! What a recom- !

pense to receive and be made sure of, for remembering and keep- ing the things wh'ch the Lord commands His children I must !

know more of this, I must learn what the commandments are." For a moment he lay silently contemplating, then he quoted* "And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hid- den treasures, and shall run and not he weary, and shall walk and not faint P^ "What promises !" he exclaimed. "What would I not sacrifice to secure them ? And to think that they are so sure to those who live for them. That they are actually from the Lord !

"That He has spoken them who cannot deceive nor utter that which is not true. I must know more concerning these things — — must what a day this has been for me and for others How that !

poor but intelligent old French-English gentleman glowed while ex- plaining the nature and value of my paintings and statuary ! Why I have learned today that I have wealth my home that I had in

never dreamed of. The radiance of the old maid sisters over my choice collection of books Wonder if they will remember my !

invitation to come and examine my library at their leisure ? How the children and all enjoyed everything ! It was like being in heaven to see and hear them. And Johney Fisher — and — the card—Well !— We-11 !— We-1-1 !" And Mr. Edson Clarell slept the sleep of an honest and gener- ous-hearted man, after a perfect Thanksgiving day.