The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1883-12-28

W.a4 <H@4H VI AAs
"And now. good-bye' I'm on for
the turkey, girls We could not have
one for Christmas. but we wW have one
for New Years Day" II was Theo
Clyde who spoke. as she tied faded
blue veil over her straw hat and drew
shabby fur cape close around her
white throat. She was very pretty
girl. with turquoise-bluc eyes. and d
dash Of scarlet in her cheeks anil lips.
II you get your money. you mean"
said stately Marian. Thco's elder sister,
who wore her calico wrapper with the
grace Of Princess royal
20. Miss Briarby Is always punctual.
and she viii be satisfied with the dress.
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-mor-
row. II IL i a week late. It's 50 long
since we've had nice dinncrr
"But I'm only 10 get three dollars
for the dress. YOU know. Madge. I'LL
do tine best can with that. And.
>natching up small basket containing
the newiy-tinished dress. Theo tripped
away ia gay spirits.
The three girls kept house in the
Widow SpriggnS' third-story front
room. Inside. the air was mild and
balmy a. a summer morning. but out
side II was sharp and keen. and fine.
powdery snow was beginning 10 fall.
The dress gave entire satisfaction. and
Miss Briarby wished Theo happy New
Year.
Theo's purchases were soon made.
Such q plump turkey, II almost filed
the basket on her arm. Then 10 the
meat shop for beef and suet: and the
jolly meat-man threw in fresh. crisp
bunch ~ celery. smitten 10 the heart. no
doubt, by Thco's bright eyes and ruby
lips. Next. two pounds Of raisins. 50
rich and sugary il made ones mouth
water to look II them.
Hall dollar rcma ned. and Theo en-
tered fsuit store. tempted by the dis
play Of golden-hucL oranges and ba-
nanas, brazilian dates. choice clusters Of
Malaga grapes. luscious figs and odor-
Gus pincapples. The gas was brilliantly
lighted inside. for the short December
day was fast drawing to close.
man in q slouchcd hat and scedy
ovcrcoat loungcd in after Thco. and
stood leaning against the counter.
Now. then. what do you wantPr de-
mandcd the proprietor. roughly.
Nothing" was the low reply.
Then the sooner you get out of here
the better'' clustered the vender Of
tropical fruits. I'VE don't harbor
trainps,r
I'm not tramp" answered the
stranger.
Then you're drunk; and get out Of
here before call policeman"
For shame! Ofor shame" cried
Theo. with blazing eyes. 10 treat a
too
Hes an impostor. asserted tho
hard-hcar!cd dealer
I've moi tasted bread for two days
said the man, in husky tones.
Here. sir" and Thco followed the |
stranger into the street: take this"
And she thrust her basket into his
hand.
NO, no." said The poor man.
'but you must. lou VIII need II. i
And take this. too And she forced l
him reluctantly 10 accept her purse.
also. and then quickly FASTENED away.
shes coming" cried Madge. flying
70 the open door. As faint footstep
sounded "a the stairs. "Ihc basket
must be heavy. she walks 30 slowly. /
Now for che turkey why. Thco. you
haven't brought IL. Was il too heavy?
Are they going % send itP'
Thco related her adventure.
"And LIN only sorry you and Marian
will be disappointed she added. re-
grotfuIly
You did perfectly right. \ said Mar
Ian. hcroicalIy. I'VE arc not starving
yct, thank goodness! and no was, poor
man.
Hut Thco still shook her head. and
The tears spsrklcd II her eyes.
''l'm glad you gave Il % him." cried
Madgc. and added. softly. "You know.
rhco. who has said: .Inasmuch - ye
have done II unto Tho least Of these, yc
have done u unto Mel
The white pine toor had been washed
ind secured within al inch ~ ~ lifc;
'ho briehily-poIishcd window-pancs
'hone and shlmmered. y II daring one