Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-20
GaIss xito Skettbes.
4 CuRISfMk6 GIFT.
By AndEE CAREY.


ranks Of teachers were full to Overlooking
made one essay 1t sewing, one - sales.
woman; when l heard Of the place a
West Willow Grove, applied through q
niece of Mrs. Wilburton, and was taken.
was 30 glad to have . permanent home.
Did wonder sometimes about Mr.. Mol.
linean.' Yes. was thinking of him
now, in . partly curious. partly vexed
manner. No doubt he was glad enough
70 possess the Manor free from incum
brances.
Miss Delphyw
Isprang up. dropped my book with q
clatter. I had been dreaming in the mids
Of those long sentences, with the sound o.
the Christmas bells in my ear. My tack
was scarlet, and the quick tears Of shame
sprang 70 my eyes.
pardon me o. cried confusedly.
What were you thinking about?" and
the keen gray eyes studied me earnestly
picked up my book and found the
place.
ut must have been curiously entertain
ing. You were looking into that CRATE
for fully five minutes"
WAS II l beg your pardon for my
negligence" 1t j,
at was of the past" said slowly
"Of changes and trouble. and perhaps
vain wishes. A year ago was listening
TO the Christmas bells, but they brought
me no luck
Trouble! You are two young. child. "
"Years have little to do with it. think. -
Then went on in mood of strange cour-
age. II should like to see one bright, joy
Gus Christmas, to know what youth and
pleasure were really like, 10 be happy ~
Come, now, what would make you
happy? A lover Of course. Well, there
will be plenty Of them"
81 was not thinking of a lover" re-
piled Indignantly. There are many
other things"
How old are your" in his abrupt
fashion. still eying me intently.
Eighteen, few months ago."
"And the Christmas bells stirred up old
memories. Well, Miss Delphy, when
you have finished that chapter, You and
Mrs. Wilburton shall 60 over to tho
church. They are practicing carols and
putting up evergreen. as. dare say. you
have done many time"
mo, have had no bright, sunny youth.
That was why l wanted little happi-
ness before"
"Old age" he finished. 1.-THE wish is
natural, child. But you have not yet said
what would make you happy. If it is not
the lover"
ut is not the lover!" and flushed
angrily.
.Can not a woman think OF happy
home, with glad hearts in it, of kindness
and affection in hundred little things, of
cheerfulness and beauty. Of remembrance
in absence. of joy in home coming, Of q
birthday kept now and then, of house,
shining and garnished for a Christmas
feast, where friends and neighbors shall
be called in, and the peace and good will
made sweetor and more precious than any
gold! If were rich, should have it
ing and passionate despair, turning to my
book again.
Come here" said Mr.. Travers, pointing
to the stool upon which his feet had rested
before he transferred them to the fender
II have something to say to you. Child
answer me truly-are you not grleving
for an old loverP heard something from
Mrs. Wilburton. that an aunt"
"Chose me husband" and laughed
scornfully. There was but one fortune,
and she wanted it to answer for both so
she asked him to marry me. 1t was a
year ago tonight"
"And YOU"
Refused TO be bargained away-that
was ALL"
did not sit down, but stood there, de-
family. | knew there was q scarlet flush
upon each cheek. and that my brown eyes
were flashing. vet was in no cOquetish
mood. should as soon have thought OF
trying to charm the housekeeper.
"A brave lover, truly! Child. am not
sure but that can bestow some of that
much coveted happiness upon you. You
are poor. and . woman; you caa not 60
in search of it as men do. Will you mar
~ me am old enough to be your grand
father. and. perhaps no angel in temper
delicate ways. As my wife, you will have
be hard master. Do your duty faithful
will be your own mistress, with wealth
enough to give you all you desire. Come,
will you do this, and give me this little
hand in return ?"
was struck dumb with establishment.
During the four months that l had been
here. not one look or word could have
given the impression that Mr.. T ravers
thought of me in any light than that OF a
paid servant.
A tap on the door reused US both. II
was Mrs. Wilburton.
"Here is the evening mail, sir. Jasper
went over to Wormley, and was detained.
Will you have some tea brought in ?" she
asked.
Eyes. take care OF the papers, Miss
Delphy, and hand me my glasses. Mrs.
Wilburton. will you take Miss Delphy
over to church presently, and let her hear
the carols? She stays in doors too much )"
The good woman glanced at me won
deringly. and assented, bidding me roll
out the table. and put on the cloth, while
she went for the tea.
''Stay Mrs. Wilburton y and he de-
tanned her with . wave of the hand.
"How ID this "a letter delayed, and a
guest coming to keep Christmas! VIII
you have . fire lighted in . spare room
immediately And we should have sent
to meet the train. All! that must be nv
friend. Bring him in here. Miss Delphy
exert your sense Of beauty to tidy the room.
Put away the books and stir up the Ere. -
III =