St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1883-12-29
WHAT CAME OF IT.

WHAT CAME OF IT.
s.And now, goodbye! I'm off for
the turkey, girls! We could not have
one for Christmas, but we aoill have one
for New Years Day." 1t was Iheo
Clyde who spoke, as she tied a faded
blue veil over her straw hat and drew
a shabby fur cape close around her
white throat. She was a very pretty
girl, with turquoise-blue eyes, and a
dash of scarlet in her cheeks and lips.
. If you get your money, you mean,
said stately Marian, Theo's elder sister,
who wore her calico wrapper with the
grace of Princess royal.
30, Miss Briarby is always punctual,
and she will be satisfied with the dress,
i know =
.And be sure you get apples and
raisins for the mince-meat, Theo, cried
Madge, the youngest of all. "Let's
have real Christmas dinner to-mor-
row. if it is week late. It's SO long
since we've had nice dinner!'
ssBut I'm only to get three dollars
for the dress, you know, Madge. I'll
do the best I can with that. And,
snatching up a small basket containing
the newIy-tinished dress, Theo tripped
away in gay spirits.
The three girls kept house in the
Widow spriggins' 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 a plump turkey! 1t almost filled
the basket on her arm. Then to the
meat-shop for beef and suet; and the
iolly meat-man threw in q fresh, crisp
bunch of celery, smitten to the heart, nc
doubt, by Theo's bright eyes and ruby
lips. Next, two pounds OF raisins, SC
rich and sugary it made ones mouth
water to look at them.
Half dollar remained, and Theo en-
tered a fruit-store, tempted by the dis
play of golden-hued oranges and ba
nanas, Brazilian dates, choice clusters O
Malaga grapes, luscious figs and odor
Gus pineappfes. The gas was brilliantly
lighted inside. for the short December
CAV was fast drawing to a close.
A man in slouched hat and seedy
overcoat lounged in after Theo, ane
stood leaning against the counter.
..Now, then, what do you want?' de
manded the proprietor, roughly.
Nothing was the low reply.
s.Then the sooner you get out of herr
the better!'' clustered the vender o
tropical fruits. I'VE don't harbo
tramps!''
.sTm not tramp" answered tn
stranger.
"Then you're drunk; and get out Q
here before / call policeman!
"For shame! Ofor shameW cries
Theo, with blazing eyes. ..To treat
human being soon New Years Eve
too
Hes an impostor, asserted tn
hard hearted dealer: 4.
i've not tasted bread for two days,
said the man, in husky tones.
Here. SIR and Theo followed tn
stranger into the street; ''take this
And she thrust her basket into hi
hand.
mo, no!'' said the poor man
II 'i
but you must! You will need il
And take this, toon' And she force
him reluctantly to accept her purse
also, and then quickly fastened away
she's comingr' cried Madge, flynn
to the open door, as faint footste
sounded on the stairs. 1.-The baske
must be heavy, she walks so slowly
Now for the turkey Theo, 20
haven brought it! Was it too heavy
Are they going to send it?'
Theo related her adventure.
sAnd m only sorry you and Maria
will be disappointed" she added, r
;gretfully.
..You did perfectly right said Ma
ian, heroically. eve are not starvin
yet, thank goodness! and he was, poe
man.
But Theo still shook her head, an
the tears sparkled in her eyes.
..Im glad you gave it to him, erie
Maage, and added. softly, "You know
Theo, who has said: Inasmuch as ]
have done it unto the least OF these, J
have done it unto Mel
The white pine floor had been Washe
and secured within an inch OF its lif
the brightly-polished window-pan'
shone and shimmered. as il daring OF