The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-12-24
THE HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS

That Christ was born to-day.
-Bald,uin's Monthly.
THE HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS
Snow on all the hedges. Over the
white waste Of field and road it shone
with the splendor Of the sunshine, that
made every crystal a diamond.
Inside the windows of the old Rolf
farm house the frost flowers had faded,
leaving clear ovals Of stainless purity.
Outside the pretty, little snow-birds, USED
to being cared for by the sweet old mat
ron at the farm, hoped on the window
stills, their puffy little breasts catching
the reflected splendor Of sun and snow.
It was the day before Christmas. John
Rolf did not expect company. He YVES,
therefore, taken by surprise when Dea.
Stokes sent over young man to share of
his Christmas bounty.
80 you're minister. be We, stranger2"
was his kindly greeting, as he drew the
great leathern armchair up to the crack
ling hickory fire. "New to these parts2"
"Well, not new" was the reply. "I've
been here BEFORE
''You don't look much like folks here
abouts. don't know but I should "a
took you for furriner I've often
thong hit ministers want like folks giner
ally. There's sort of setness about
their faces though seems if I'd seen you
somewheres. How long hev you been a
minister?'
''About two years. was the answer:
and the low voice fell so full and rich
To
that the old man looked up and smiled.
''Possible?' he queried, gazing steadi-
ly from under his thick eyebrows. "Why
I 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-fve come next Guy
Fawkes' Day. I've had sight of trou-
bic, though" He sighed and bent his
eyes on the fire. ~sl
Just then beautiful girl of sixteen en-
tered from the kitchen, and started at
sight of The stranger.
"That's Lizzie, sir,' said the old farm
er.
The young man gave her strange look,
took her hand in both of his, then, seem
ing to restrain his ardor, let it drop, and
sank back in his chair.
"Llzzie," said her father, las the blush
ing girl turned toward him, take the
minister's bag upstairs, and then hurry
a little with tho supper, that's good
girl. Git up some of your best griddle-
cakes. Folks say they bring on dyspepsy,
but never had it-eat 'em all nv life,
too.
II see you noticed my Lizzie," he add
ed, as the girl lett the room. "She's on'y
turned of sixteen, and I can't tell YOU
what an amazin' help she is. Best lit
tie housekeeper in all Bradford, and she
will give you some bread tor supper that
the Queen couldn't beat.''
CIVIL you allow me to 90 upstairs
few minutes before tea?' asked the young
stranger, when Lizzie came back.
"Sartainly. Did you put match under
the wood, Llzzie?" he asked when the
door had closed.
Yes, father" said the girl.
'Seems to he nice sort of man.
Lizzie didn't answer, only with a smile.
mot 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' mcb.
hey, but nat;rai. I'm glad he come along"
he continued, ga1rulously, "for T was
feelin' drettul low-sperited. Don't like
to be alone Christmas time sets me
thinlxin'."
"Jim Bean brought over the chickens,
father. Hadn't we better have them in
pie for breakfast" asked Lizzie.
"Bless me, yes; and now we've got
somebody to bel p US with the turkey, I
guess I'll go 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
Tor moment, folded her hands on the
snowy table-l1nen, and smiled and
thought. Were the smile and thought
tor the young minister, who had greeted
her so warmly2 When her father came
back, the table was set.
''Well, never" he exclaimed "Don't
that beat all? Why, the table looks like
apicter, child. Honey! I thought that
was all gone; and some of mothers
ounce saree! Poor Bill! how he did
love ounce SARGE, and so did Benny:
"There there's q back log for ye!' he
cried, bending his back to the task. cheats
the stars all hollow" Then he stood off
alternately contemplating the .ruddy
flames and the cheerful table.
II dot no what's the matter with me. )
he said. Somehow I feel just like ,
boy tonight. Seems if the fire never die
look so pleasant. Can remember hov
me and Marcy-your uncle Marcy, deat
long ACCUSED to set at this replace
it was the kitchen then and watch tn
sparks crowd together on the black jam
and tell stories. Wonder what make
me e: think Of him tonight. Maybe III
going to him."