re had not already
been settled the Thanksgiving before. In some families the last rite
of each Thanksgiving feast is to discuss this question and settle it
then and there for the following year. Conservative and clannish
families who live far enough apart so that little quarrels can not be
born among them to upset this fixed yearly programme usually do this.

The greater part of Green Valley however leaves itself absolutely free
until some time in August. By that time though, the heat is so intense
that stout, collarless men in shirt sleeves, in searching about for
some relief, think gratefully of Thanksgiving and snowdrifts and ask
their wives whom they are planning to have for Thanksgiving.

"Why," may be the answer, "I hadn't thought of it yet. But I rather
think Aunt Eleanor expects us this year."

"Well," answers the husband, "all right. Only if you decide to go,
don't forget to take along some of your own pumpkin pies. Your Aunt
Eleanor's never quite suit me. I like considerable ginger in my
pumpkin pies."

Another husband may say, "No, sir! Not on your life are we going to
Jim's for Thanksgiving. That wife of his is much too young to know how
to make just the right kind of turkey dressing. And I'm too old to
take chances on things like that now. Those pretty brides are apt to
get so excited over their lace table doilies that they forget to put in
the sage or onions and there you are--one whole Thanksgiving Day and a
turkey spoiled forever. No, sir--count me out!"

Sometimes wives say, "We've been invited to three places, Jemmy, but
let's stay home. When we go out I always get white meat and I hate it.
And I like my cranberries hulls and all instead of just jell."

It is just such little human likes and notions that finally decide the
matter. And so it was this year.

Sam Bobbins' eldest sister was having Sam and his wife "because Sam's
spent so much money for his fighting roosters that he ain't got money
for a Thanksgiving turkey."

Dolly Beatty's mother was having Charlie Peters for Thanksgiving dinner
and all the immediate relatives to pass judgment on him. He had
proposed and Dolly had accepted but no announcement was to be made
until all the Beattys and Dundrys had had their say.

Frank Burton and Jenny were going by train to Jennie's rich and haughty
and painfully religious aunt in Cedar Point. All Jennie's sisters,
even the one from Vermont, were to be there and Jennie did want to