Page:Life and Works of Abraham Lincoln, v1.djvu/66

36 their aunt, and also have a high respect for the memory of Thomas Lincoln. They resent even now any imputation upon his moral worth. He was not eminent as a financier, so neither was his illustrious son. A granddaughter of one of the Elizabethtown merchants has her grandfather's account books, which attest that Thomas Lincoln was an excellent and prompt customer, if not, indeed, an extravagant one, for living in a community that used hickory bark for suspenders, he at one time indulged in "one pair silk suspenders, $1.50."

Abraham's inner life was a desert of sorrow with an occasional oasis watered by well-springs of happiness. And probably the greenest spot in his memory was the sight of his father, returning after a week's absence, driving a four-horse team hitched to a heavily loaded wagon, which, on its arrival, diclosed a quantity of homely and substantial household goods, and, what was even more joy-inspiring, a considerate, motherly-looking woman, who, clasping the neglected boy and girl to her heart, and calling them Abe and Sallie, told them that henceforth she was to be their mother, and that the three children who had climbed down from the load and were shyly hiding behind her, were also to be their brother and sisters. How Abe's tender heart glowed with gladness and gratitude as he saw feather-beds and blankets, coverlids and tablecloths, chairs and "stand tables" loaded into the small cabin, usurping nearly the whole space!

Joy reigned supreme in the little Lincoln cabin that evening as the augmented family sat down to the first good meal which had graced the little puncheon table since Nancy Hanks had taken