“We can have everything—ice cream, and candy, and nuts!” "Yes, and invite our friends!” added Kip. They were about to jump up and dance around the room for joy as they often did when they were happy, but their mother’s serious voice stopped them. “ I said we could spend a lot on our Thanksgiving meal if we wanted to." "But you promised, Mamma, you promised!" cried Lollie. Kip, with a cloud on his sunny face, joined in: “Yes, Mamma, you said as soon as we could ’ford it!” "I know I did, my dears, and that is why I have called this family con ference today. Something has hap pened since I made that promise and I want to tell you about it. Last Wednesday night, while you were do-
“What’s the ma t t e r , M a mm a ? Couldn’t you save enough?” asked Lol lie, who understood quite well the problems connect ed with the little red bank book. And Kip, wise, too,, in finance for a seven-year- old, complained: “Is it some more old insurance, Mamma?” “No, children, it isn’t
Lollie and Kippy learn the real meaning of Thanksgiving. K IPPY! Kippy! Come quick! Mamma wants us for a ‘con- furns’ !” Chubby little Kip looked up from his marbles as his nine-year-old sis ter, Lollie, came running across the lawn, her yellow hair flying. “1 think she wants to talk ’bout Thanksgiving,” continued Lollie. Kip quickly followed her to their small house, “The Crackerbox,” where they lived with their mother. Nearly every day Mamma went downtown to work, but this was Saturday after noon, and she was at home, cleaning, cooking, and mending their clothes. The children came Into the kitchen, breathless with excitement. Nothing ever made them feel so grown-up as to be called into a family conference. When their mother said in a business like tone, “Let's sit here beside the table,” they were sure that something important was about to be discussed. With a smile at the four brown eyes regarding her so earnestly, Mamma began: “Do you remember, my dar lings, that when we had so little for Thanksgiving last year, I said that as soon as we could afford it, we were going to have one grand Thanks giving feast, no matter how much it cost?" “Oh, yes, Mamma,” answered Lollie eagerly, “we haven’t forgotten. Only yesterday Kippy and I were talking about it ’cause next Thursday is Thanksgiving.” “Sure,” chimed in Kip, "we have been putting pennies in our bank for i t Shall I get them, now, Mamma?” “No, sit still, dear. Not now.” Mamma looked troubled. NOVEMIEk, 194 *
that The Lord has been very good to us this year. He has given me some extra work, and we have money enough for a big turkey and all the things that go with it. We can spend quite a sum on our Thanksgiving dinner, if we want to.” “Goody! Goody!" shouted Lollie.
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