The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1882-12-29
WHAT GAME OF IT.

turkey, girls we could not have one fol
Christmas, but we UiU have one fol
New Years day." 1t was Theo Clyde
who spoke, ms she tied faded blue vel
over her straw hat, and drew shabby
fur cape closely around her white
throat. She was very pretty girl, with
turquoise-blue eyes, and dash of scar.
let in her cheeks and lips.
eff you get your money, you mean,"
said stately Marian, Theo's elder sister,
who wore her calico wrapper with the
grace of princess royal.
20, Miss Briarby is always punctual,
and she will be satisfied with the dress,
l know"
And be sure you get apples and
raisins for the mince-meat, Theo,"
cried Madge, the youngest of all.
Lets have real Christmas dinner to-
morrow, il it is week late. It's so
long since we've had nice dinner!'
But I'm only to get three dollars for
the dress, you know, Madge. I'll do
the best can with that" And snatch
ing up small basket containing the
newly-finished dress. Theo tripped
away in gay spirits.
The three girls kept house in the
Widow Spriggin's third-story front
room. Inside, the air was mild and
balmy as summer morning, but out
side it was sharp and keen, and fine,
powdery snow was beginning to fall.
The dress gave entire satisfaction,
and Miss Briarby wished Theo happy
New Year.
Theo's purchases were soon made.
Such aplump turkey! Italmost filed the
little basket on her arm. Then to the
meat-shop for beef and suet; and the
jolly meat-man threw in a fresh, crisp
bunch of celery, smitten to the heart,
no doubt, by Theo's bright eyes and
ruby lips. Next, two pounds of raisins,
SO rich and sugary it made ones mouth
water only to look at them.
Half dollar still remained, and Theo
entered fruit store, tempted by the
display of golden-hued oranges and ba-
nanas, Brazilian dates, choice clusters
of Malaga grapes, luscious figs and
odorous pineapples. The gas was brill
iantly lighted inside, for the short De-
cember day was fast drawing to close.
A man in q slouched hat and seedy
overcoat lounged in after Theo, and
stood leaning against the counter.
"Now, then, what do you wantp" de-
manded the proprietor, roughly.
Nothing" was the low reply.
"Then the sooner you get out of here,
the betterr' clustered the vender of
tropical fruits. I'VE don't harbor
trampsr
"I'm not tramp" answered the
stranger.
Then you're drunk and get out of
here before / call a policeman!'
"For shame! o, for shamer' cried
Theo, with blazing eyes. ITO treat q
human being soon New Years Eve,
toor'
"Hc's an impostor," asserted the
hard-hearted dealer.
''Tve not tasted bread for two days."
said the man, in husky tones.
Here, sir;' and Theo followed the
stranger into the street; '.take this. :"
And she thrust her basket into his
hand.
mo, nor said the poor man. 81"
''But you must! You will need it.
And take this, too!' And she forced
him reluctantly to accept her purse, al
so, then quickly FASTENED away.
''She's coming!' cried Madge, flying
to the open door, as faint footstep
sounded OH the stairs. ''The basket
must be heavy, she walks so slowly.
Now for the turkey-why, Theo, you
haven't brought i'll Was it too heavyP
Are they going to send FTP"
Theo related her adventure.
"And I'm only sorry you and Marian
will be disappointed" she added, re-
gretfully.
"You did perfectly right" said Ma
rian, heroically. 1--WE are not starving
yet, thank goodness! and he was, poor
man."
But Theo still shook her head, anG
the tears sparkled in her eyes.
"Pm glad you gave it to him." cried
Madge, and added, softly, "you know,
Theo, who has said, Inasmuch as ye
have done it unto the least of these, ye
have done it unto mel "
The white pine floor had been washed
and secured within an inch of its life;
the brightly polished window-panes
shone and shimmered, as if daring one
to look at them and not blink; the
round brass knobs on the old-fashioned
walnut sideboard beaming good-natur
eddy in the slant rays of the morning
sun; pot of bright yellow chrysanthe
NUNS stood in one Of the white-curtain
ed windows, fragrant and full of bloom
and handsome tortoise-shell cat took
her morning nap on braided rug be-
fore the fire.
The three housekeepers washed ur
their breakfast-service, and swept the
room and busted, and put to rights with
a zeal worthy at least of a more extend
ed sphere of action.
Suddenly heavy, numbering step
heard on the stairs, and u sounding raj
on the door caused momentary panic
in the little room.
Marian, rallying first, opened the
door.
"A box, mum, for Miss Theo Clyde
expenses paid, num-"
The girls looked at each other in aston
ishment.
q