Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-01-31
WHAT THE PUDDING BROUGHT.
BY SUSAN COOLIDGE.


that we are won't to associate with thu
holy eve, but soft and bland, with milo
airs moving in from the sea, and misty
moon struggling through faint clouds
On the cliffs the surf lapsed and broke
with deep-toned murmur. The high
chalk downs above still wore carmen,
Of turf almost summer green. Greenel
yet was the trinity cut grass where tiny
Bonchurch lay buried in tree shadows sc
deep as to shut out every ray Of moon
light; and all the lovely Isle of Wight
seemed wrapped in a deep repose Of uni
versal sleep.
Not quite all Half mile away from
Bonchurch the moon. peeping through
the yews, revealed knot Of dark figures
collected under the windows Of small
house, and presently, after some prelim-
mary notes on q tuning g-fork, voices broke
forth in a Christmas carol. These were
the "wai's" beginning their tunefuI
round. They had come, first Of all, tc
Mrs. Durkie's, because Of her dodgers,
American ladies, TO whom the custom
nigh, probably be a novelty, and there
by provoke larger dole than the per-
formers were in the habit Of getting from
more accustomed listeners.
The American dodgers were not par
,icularly charmed to be thus reused from
their first sleep by strains which, though
we'll meant, were rather the reverse o.
harmonious.
Good gracious ! what is it, de-
manded Aileen, the first TO wake. Then,
her clouded senses gradually clearing
themselves, Emmy Emmy !" she
cried, do you hear that noise 1t
must be the carol-sirgers."
"Oh. dear, why did they come -
protested sleepy Emmy. Il was just so
nicely asleep" Blu, she sought ou,
wrapper and slippers in the dark. and
presently joined Aileen at the window.
from which the waits could be seen stand
ing in the shadow Of the yews, with their
lHueiS TWINS auH iaH'ctHS, hS s"t'N''
-sque group. Another moment and the
amer door opened. admitting Marian,
the third and oldes, sister of the trio.
What are those horrible sounds ::
she asked They woke me out Of
sound sleep. and such nice dream /
hough, we were at home again, and
spending Christmas a, Nestledown with
Auniy Rue. It's too bad TO be walked
up. should like TO sleep all through
tomorrow, and keep on dreaming. Where
are you, children, and what is this ex-
traordinary warming
Hush, Marian, and ccme and listen.
It's the waits"
Dear me why couldn't they wait
ill tomorrow They look rather pref
ty, too, out there in the moonlight ad-
miiied Marian, peeping over Emmys
shoulder. But, Why don't they keep
better time There. did you catch that
high note Half tone fat. And what
is the instrument that tall man is play
ing, which makes such extraordinary dis
cords now and then
A flute, think only it is always a
half bar behind the voices. What droll
old custom it is "
Il object to it, altogether" said the
fair. stately Aileen. What right have
,hese-well, very doubtful musical peo-
pie to come and wake US up, without
saying BY your leave" and remind us
Of the very thing we were doing our best
10 forget: You know we agreed not to
speak the very name of Christmas even,
or give any presents, or do anything diff
ferent from any other day of the year.
I've didn't reckon on these crotchet-
ers and quaverers, remarked Emmy.
What's that
That" was low knock at the door.
Ladies, do you hear the carols =
asked the voice Of their landlady, modu-
lated to a cautious whisper.
why of course we do, Mrs. Durkie !;
how can we help hearing them: :" said
Marian, with rather an exasperated ac-
cent in her voice.
The music walked US up" said En-
nv. "Mrs. Durkie, are we expected to
give something to the singers: You
must tell US"
We'll, it is usual" Mrs. Durkie ad-
mitted.
"Aileen, could you lay your hand on
your purse in the dark :"
IL think so. Yes, here it is"
Ten minutes later the waits departed.
made glad with half crown. and the
sisters were again in bed, and more than
half asleep.
The morrow dawned gray and misty,
and was made additionally cheerless by
drizzling rain which soon began to fall.
Tie little sitting room, which the sisters
had taken so much pains to make home
like on their arrival a month before, was
as its worst always in such weather. The
sea view, its chief advantage, was blotted
out, and Mrs. Durkies chimneys never
drew we'll with a southeast wind. The
three breakfasted almost in silence.
Emmy looked pale. Aileen was evident
" in low spirits. Marian suggested
church. but Emmy was not up to the
rainy walk. and Aileen would not leave
her.
Mrs. Durkie came for the days orders.
Her contented, rosy face and Merry
Christmas rather Jared on the home
sick three.
Don't. for PHYS sake, order any
thing unnatural for dinner said Aileen.
=. Let US make the day as unlike Christ
mas as we can. / don't think l could
Loo, q feahla imitation of the home holi