Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-12-25

put hats in the corner in place of stock
ings, had great big picture book, and
Stella her nice rubber doll, and Lewie
his rubber boys. Cousin John sent
them, but Santa Claus brought part and
he is coming to other houses, why can't
he come heref"
And Carries roguish mouth pouted,
while Estelle and Lewie felt themselves
badly used.
Elsie heard all this and went back to
her mother, who listened patiently to all
her plans, and finally agrsed that she
might try to get something with her
"You can go tomorrow" the mother
said, ''to the store at Centerville. Mre.
Dean is pleasant to children, and there
will not likely be any men in, so You
won't be afraid.
The morrow came, with cold, keen
wind, but Elsie could not wait, and
mother said she need not. Then the
dear mother went up stairs to trunk,
where Clara's clothes had been packed
away since Clers went to be with God,
two years before.
When Elsie saw her mother bringing
Clara's thick shawl, and heard her say,
with little tremble in her voice, "You
may wear this, she felt sudden chok-
ing in Der throat; and, after the shawl
was carefully pinned, Elsie Rugged her
pood-bv with no more doubt of mothers
sympathy.
What q long walk seemed the half
mile to Mr.. Rhodes, whore she was to
stop and ask the price OF Cora's doll,
that Elsie had concluded was best, for
Estelle liked dolls better than anything.
Mrs. Rhodes was at home, md very
willing to talk. Cora's doll cost fifteen
cents, but it was not bought at Center
vile, and she thought Mrs. Dean had
none so cheap, etc.
Elsie hurried on quarter Of q mile to
the store, and waa very glad to find only
Mrs. Dean and her two little boys In the
room.
''Good-morning," said Mrs. Dean.
"Whst would you like to see to-dayT
Elsie was looking eagerly about at the
display Of drums, trumpets, china cups,
candy, etc. She said, slowly:
~ want Christmas gifts. What are
your cheapest dollsT
"Some very nice ones for twenty
cents" said Mrs. Dean, turning to lay
her hand on q box.
"No, ma'am, I couldn't buy one,"
stammered Elsie.
What usefulness was in the chila's
face, or what memories in Mrs. Deans
heart, I know not, but from that moment
she seemed anxious as Elsie to find the
BEST and cheapest thing.
The show case was looked over, and
after much talk one gift was chosen for
Estelle. As Mrs. Dean said, it really
was three toys in one; for when you
shook it it was rattle box, and at one
end was real little horn, and at the
other cunning little looking glass. It
cost ten cents, and Elsie paid at once tie
paper dime, and put the purse back in
her pocket.
Lewie's gift was next, ard Mrs. Dean
sent her boys out of the room, and then
showed box of jews. harps, and softly
twanged one as she remsrked:n
"Every boy likes jews -harps, and Tn
going to save one for each of mine. I'll
let you have this one, not so bright as
he others, for three cents"
The parse was quickly out, and the
silver three cents paid. Elsie tried to
ind something for Carrie, too, but con
,luded she would not mind if she had
only candy. So she turned, with conf
]ent air, and said:
II viii take three candy kisses" with
out asking the prize
Mp. Dean took them from jar 80
,ull that it seemed IS il they could not
be missed. When abe said, sThat viii
be three cents," Elsie's face fell. but she
counted out the three ooppers. Then
cooking into the purse, 90 nearly empty,
The said:
."rll take two cents worth Of stick
andy"
Mn. Dean took down three jars; red
sticks, striped ones, and others clear
brown aud white.
"Which win you haver
Zone red and ono striped" Elsie de-
,ided, and Mrs. Dean took them out, and
hen, oh, wonder | she put her fingers in
he other jar, and said:
81 like this kind best, and I'll give
you one stick"
Elsie thanked her, and paid the last
swo cents with grateful heart, as che
saw the three sticks of candy rolled
paper.
Then she started home, but on the
road by herself she stopped agaia and
again to give one little tot on the horu,
md see If the jews harp was not broken,
Or she thought sure one candy kiss was
Iost and emptied her pocket to be sure
Ill was safe. Yet, after al, the way
seemed very short, and soon she was at
home, eagerly telling her mother al