The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-12-26
THE HAPP1EST CHRISTIANS.

"litc WtStc VI uclU anu FO1U IL SnO0G
with the splendor of the sunshine, that
made every crystal diamond.
Inside the windows of the old Rolf
farmhouse the frost-fowers had faded,
leaving clear ovals of stainless purity.
Outside, the pretty little snow-birds,
used to being cared for by the sweet old
matron at the farm, hoped on the
window-sills. their puffy little breasts
catching the reflected splendor of sun
and snow.
1t was the day before Christmas.
John Rolf did not expect company. He
was. therefore, taken by surprise when
Dea. Stokes sent over young man to
share of his Christmas bounty.
So you're a minister, be We, strang-
err" was his kindly greeting, as he
drew the great leathern armchair up
to the cracking hickory fire. New
to these parts?'
well, not new" was the reply. II
have been here BEFORE"
''You don't look muc, like folks
hereabouts. don't know but should
a took you for furriner. I've often
thought ministers want like folks GIN
orally. There's a sort of setness about
their faces-though, seems 8 if I'd seen
yours somewheres. How long hev you
been a minister?'
About two years." was the answer;
and the low voice fell 50 full and rich
upon the ears attuned to ruder sounds,
that the old man looked up and smiled.
Possible?" he queried, gazing stead
lily from under his thick eyebrows.
"Why, wouldn't think you more than
twenty! But looks is deceptive. You'd
call ME seventy, wouldn't you? Folks
does; and I'm only sixty-five come next
Guy Fawkes Day. I've had sight of
trouble. though" He sighed and bent
his eyes on the fire.
just then beautiful girl of sixteen
entered from the kitchen, and started
at sight of the stranger.
That's Lizzy, SIR" said the old
farmer.
The young man rose, gave the girl q
strange glance, took her hand in both
of his, then, seeming to restrain his
ardor, let it drop and sank back in his
chair.
"Lizzy," said her father, as the
blushing girl turned toward him. "take
the minister's bag upstairs, and then
hurry little with supper, that's good
girl. Git up some of your best griddle-
cakes. Folks says they bring on dys-
pcpsy, but l never had it-eat 'em all
my life, too.
II see you noticed my Lizzy," he
added, as the girl left the room.
"She's o'ny turned of sixteen, and
can't tell you what an amazin' help she
is. Best little housekeeper in all Brad
ford. and she'll give you some bread
for supper that the Queen couldn't
beat"
evil you allow me to 60 upstairs a
few minutes before teaT' asked the
young stranger, when Lizzy came
back.
Sartainly. Did you put a match
under the wood, Lizzy?' he asked when
the door had closed.
"Yes, father" said the girl.
"Seems to be nice sort of man."
Lizzy didn't answer, only with a
smile.
Not bit stuck up; some of 'em
are. That's right, get out the silver
spoons and the old cream-jug. I feel
like the old lady who said, Want
nothing too good for a minister Silly
feelin' mebby, but nat'ral. I'm glad
he come along" he continued, garru-
lousy, "for / was feelin' dretful low
spcrited. Don't like to be alone Christ
mas time-sets me thinkin'."
"Jim Bean brought over the chick
ems, father. Hadn't we better have
them in q pie for breakfast" asked
Lizzy.
BLESS me, yes; and now we've got
somebody to help us with the turkey, l
guess I'll 60 out and get little extra
wood. Looks like snow tomorrow;
and the heart of the old log is almost
broke"
The old man pulled his knit cap over
his eyes and went out. Lizzie paused
for moment, folding her hands on the
snowy table-linen, and smiled and
thought. Were the smile and thought
for the young minister, who had
greeted her so warmly? When her
father came back, the table was set.
"Well, l neverr' he exclaimed.
don't that beat all? Why, the table
looks like a picter, child. Honey!
thought that was all gone; and some
of mothers ounce SARGE! Poor Bill!
how he did love ounce SARGE, and so
did Benny!
AuClC. VuCAO q UdCA 1OS AOI yC.
he cried, bending his back to the task,
"beats the stars all hollow" Then
he stood off, alternately contemplating
the rudy flames and the cheerful table.
=" do'no what's the matter with
me-" he said. "Somehow feel like
boy tonight. Seems if the fire
never did look so pleasant. l can re-
member how me and Marcy-your
Uncle Marcy, dead long ACCUSED to
set at this same fireplace-it was the
kitchen then-and watch the sparks
crowd together on the black jamb, and
tell stories. Wonder what makes me
think of him tonight. Maybe I'm
going to him."
"Oh. fatherr' and Lizzie was cling.
ing to him. her pretty curly head shin
ing against his old cOat.sleeve. "You
sha'nt talk that way, father. Just 20
on thinking you're q bow again, and
hang up your stocking tonight, for the
sake of old times"
Twill you put an apple and some
doughnuts in it, Lizzy Dolly? Well.
I'll see. Bless us If here isn't motherr'
he almost shouted, as silver locks and
y sweet face appeared ut the door.
"Why, old lady, never was SO glad
to see anybody before. So AIMS better,
is she, and you thought you'd keep
Christmas with your old man? Bless
your dear hearth
Lizzy had taken of the gray silk bon.
net and woollen shawl, and seated her
mother in the old armchair, before
Mrs. Rolf noticed the extra splendor Of
the tea-table.
"lts for the minister, my dear.
We've got . live minister upstairs
caught him for Christina: The dea.
con sent him, he's 20 full, and glad