The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-12-26

would smile aud kiss her sister, never
whispering one word Of the hope that was
still alive in her heart.
Uncle Ralph knew her secret, and Un-
Gle Ralph was the wisest and kindest Of
friends. He knew how the new partner
of Hill & Hill was prospering in all he
touched. He heard the first rumor Of the
fact that Maynard Wight was to again re-
turn to his old home, and establish him
self once more in his former business.
He was one Of the first to offer his con-
gratulations to the rising young merchant,
aud invite him to resume his visits to his
house.
Christmas Eve, and showing fast,
Eta said, as she rose from the dinner Ia
BILE. 81 suppose we must go to Marion's. "
| would like to see you staying away
from Marion's on Christmas Eye,' said
Uncle Ralph
If the snow was two feet deep, We
would have to go, ! suppose" said Eta,
laughing.
If you don't, we shall have commit
tee Of half dozen or 50 Of those young
savages Of hers here, TO see what had be-
come of Aunt Eta"
Uncle Ralph !" said Eta, coming to
her uncle's side, and putting her hand upon
his shoulder.
What is it?" Some weighty matter,
to judge by your face"
Do you remember Christmas time six
years ago2"
Six years ago2 Let me sec Why,
it is just six years since Maynard Wight
went to Baltimore"
Just six years.
And you invested five, thousand dol
lars in his future business. Well, it was
pretty well invested, it seems. Here is
the young man at home again, in his old
business, and as hourishing as ever. More
so, indeed, for he will not have his father
making ducks and brakes of his capital
The old gentleman is coming money in
Chicago in real estate. / think, my dear,
you may now send in your bill"
Nonsense, Uncle Ralph had let
ter this afternoon from Maynard"
"0h, no So am to lose you?"
He loves me. He has loved me all
these years"
"And you?"
"You know" she answered, with a
bright blush
Yes, know" he said, gravely. at
is hard to give you up, Eta, but | will
give you gladly to Maynard Wight. He
is my beau ideal Of an honorable gentle
man.
Thank you! Now We must go, or
Marion will be sending that committee
you mentioned"
Eta r.
"Wellr'
II am afraid | can't keep that secret Of
yours much longer
Keep it till tomorrow, Uncle Ralph.
| am to say yes or no at AIarion's tonight"
The Christmas party at Marion's won
dered loudly at Aunt Etta's unaccountablc
delay. All the young savages were beat
ing tattoos with their feet upon the stair
cases, and loudly declaring it was too bad
Aunt Eta did not come, that the tree
might be lighted. The more decorous
party Of older people in the drawing-room
wondered why Marion was watching the
door SO anxiously. Maynard Wight, list
euing courteously 10 the small talk of Ma
rion's eldest daughter, was thinking Eta
meant to say no, and stay at home.
Suddenly Marion vanished, and in
few minutes all the children fled into the
front parlor, aud fixed their eye upon the
folding door that hid so many delightful
treasures upon the Christmas tree. May
nard Wight fixed his eyes also upon that
door, certain that When it opened there
would be a message of hope or certainty
of disappointment for him.
1t opened, revealing glare of light,
and the great tree in the centre Beside
It stood Eta, dressed in bright blue
silk, with her light curls decorated with
blue ribbons, and bright light of happi-
ness in her large eyes, and flushing her
round cheeks. In her hand was long
wand, with which she detached the gilt
tering presents from the tree. Everybody
was too busy in examining the various
gifts that were being distributed to watch
Maynard Wight, but had they done so,
they would have seen his eyes, wide open
with astonishment, gazing at gay object
dangling from one Of the branches Of the
wonderful tree. There was every variety
of Christmas fruit there, but he never
needed any Of ii. Wider aud wider grew
his eyes.
Certainly he knew that object Ger
tainly in the past six years he had too
often speculated upon a similar one TO be
mistaken. Blue aud red stripes and yell
low stars might exist in thousand socks,
but certainly the one dangling from that
tree was the mate to the one Kriss Kringle
had sent him six years ago. How did IL
get therc2 who had owned the other
one before it passed into bis hands? He
was beginning to think he must be asleep,
when the long wand lowered for a moment
over the gay sock, detached il, and Etta's
clear voice said
Kriss Kringle to Maynard Wight
Uncle Ralph took it from the wand,
and handed il to the still bcwildered young
man.
al believe Won know where To find the