hinking, Joel," resumed the wife, "that the exclusion of our
own child, Cecelia, from the family re-unions, from joining us in
returning thanks to God for his mercy and preservation of us, is cruel
and offensive to Him we deign to render up our prayers."

"Rebecca," said the old gentleman, "I but agree with you in this, you
have but anticipated my feelings in the matter. I have long fought
against my better feelings and offended a discriminating God, I know.
Ashamed to confess my stubbornness and frailty before, I now freely
confess an altered feeling and better determination."

"Then, Joel, let our daughter Cecelia and her husband join with us
to-morrow in rendering our thanks to a just God and kind Providence."

"Be it so, Rebecca. God truly knows it will be a millstone relieved from
my heart. I wish it done."

Three family re-unions, three days of Thanksgiving had been held in the
paternal mansion of the Newschools, since Cecelia had left it for the
humble home of the poor artizan. But their several re-unions were
clouded, gloomy, unsocial affairs; there was a gap in the social circle
of the Newschool family, as they met on Thanksgiving day, which all
felt, but none hinted at. It was hard for a parent to invoke blessings
on a portion, but not all, of his own flesh and blood; it was hard to
return thanks for those dear ones present, and _wonder_ whether the
absent and equally dear had aught to be thankful for, whether instead of
health and comfort, they might not be sorrowing in disease, poverty, and
despair! Such things as these, when they obtrude upon the mind, the
soul, are not likely to make merry meetings. And such was the position
and nature of the re-union upon the late Thanksgiving days, at the
Newschool mansion. But better feelings were at work, and a happy change
was at hand.

Several carriages had already drove up to the door of Mr. Newschool,
Sen., and let down the different branches of the Newschool family. A
brighter appearance seemed gathering over the household than was usual
of late on Thanksgiving day, in the old family mansion. As each party
came, the good old mother duly informed them of the invitation given,
and the hope indulged in, that Cecelia and her husband would join the
family circle that day, in their re-union.

The proud sisters seemed willing, at last, to cast away their pride, and
greet their sister as became Christian and sensible women. The brothers,
chagrined at the unmanliness