or the table of a prince. So the
children thought as they surveyed the attractive array, and felt that
Thanksgiving, come as often as it might, could never be unwelcome.

Through the forenoon of Thanksgiving day the preparations continued.
Frank and Mr. Morton went to the village church, where an appropriate
service was held by Reverend Mr. Apthorp. There were but few of
the village matrons present. They were mostly detained at home by
housewifely cares, which on that day could not well be delegated to
other hands.

"Mr. Morton," said Frank, as they walked leisurely home, "did you notice
how Squire Haynes stared at you this morning?"

Mr. Morton looked interested. "Did he?" he asked. "I did not notice."

"Yes, he turned halfround, and looked at you with a puzzled expression,
as if he thought he had seen you somewhere before, but could not recall
who you were."

"Perhaps I reminded him of some one he has known in past years," said
the young man quietly. "We sometimes find strange resemblances in utter
strangers."

"I think he must have felt quite interested," pursued Frank, "for he
stopped me after church, and inquired who you were."

"Indeed!" said Henry Morton quietly. "And what did you tell him?"

"I told him your name, and mentioned that you were boarding with us."

"What then? Did he make any further inquiries?"

"He asked where you came from."

"He seemed quite curious about me. I ought to feel flattered. And what
did you reply?"

"I told him I did not know--that I only knew that part of your life
had been passed in Europe. I heard him say under his breath, 'It is
singular.'"

"Frank," said Mr. Morton, after a moment's thought, "I wish to have
Squire Haynes learn as little of me as possible. If, therefore, he
should ask you how I am employed, you say that I have come here for
the benefit of my health. This is one of my motives, though not the
principal one."

"I will remember," said Frank. "I don't think he will say much to me,
however. He has a grudge against father, and his son does not like me.
I am sorry that father is compelled to have some business relations with
the squire."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, he holds a mortgage on our farm for eight hundred dollars. It was
originally more, but it has been reduced to this. He will have the right
to foreclose on the first of July."

"Shall you have the money ready for him at that time?"

"No; we may have half enough, perhaps. I am sometimes troubled wh