Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-12-20

tie it real nice an strong, so it won't un-
do again."
Jenny caught hold of her arm. 'Come
right into the house," said she, in
hearty voice. She quite turned her back
upon the figure on the wall.
ooh, Jenny, cam go in an leave him
a.settin there. ! shouldn't wonder if he
sot there all day. You don't know nothin'
about it. Sometimes l havo to stan an
argue with him for hours afore he'll
stir"
Come right in. The turkeys most
done, an VEN set right down rs soon as
It's. It's bout the latest turkey | ever
see. dunno where Deacon Little could
ha' got it, The plum puddin's all done,
an the vegetables is most ready to take
up. Come right in, an we'll have dinner
in less than half an honr."
After the two women had entered the
house the figure on the wall cast an IN
easy glance at it without turning his
head. He shifted lite.
IL was quite true that he could smell
the roasting turkey, and the turnip and
onions, ont there.
In the house, Mrs. Carey laid aside her
bonnet and shawl, and put them on the
bed ia Jenny's little bedroom. A
Christmas present, new calico dress,
which Jenny had received the night be-
fore, lay on the bed also, Jenny showed
il with pride. cts that chocolate color
I've always liked" said she. 81 don't
see what put it into their heads"
TITS real handsome" SAID Mrs. Carey.
She had not told Jonny about her visitors;
bp: she was not used to keeping a secret,
and her possession of one gave curious
expression to her face. However, Jenny
did not notice it. She hurried about
preparing dinner. The stove was cover
ed with steam ing pots; the turkey in the
oven could be heard Sizing. The little
deaf and dumb boy sat in his chimney
corner, and took long shifts. He watched
Jenny, and regarded the stove in a rap
ture, or he examined some treasures that
he held in his lap. There were picture
books and boxes of candy and oraures.
He held them all tightly gathered into MS
pinafore. The little Gagged wild things
tWittered swestly, and pecked at their
food. Jenny laid the table with the best
table-clo,h and her mothers lowered
china The mountain farmers, of whom
Jenny sprang, had had their little de-
eenc,es and comforts, and there we're
china and linen tBble-clo for a
Christmas dinner, poor as the house was.
Mrs. Carey kept peering uneasily out
of the window at her husband on the
stone wall.
"If yon want him to come in youth
keep away from the window" said Jenny,
and the old woman settled into chair
near the stove.
Very soon the door opened and Jonas
came in. Jenny was bending ever the
potato kettle, and she did not look
around. "You can out his great coat on
the bed, if you've mind to, Mrs. Carey"
said she.
Jonas got out of his coat, and sat down
wi III sober dignity; he had Tied his shoe
string very neatly and firmly. After a
while he looked over at the little deaf and
dumb boy, who was smiling at him, and
hs smiled back again.
Tho Careys steid until evening. Jenny
set her candle in the window to light
them down the oart-path. Down in the
village the minister's daughter and her
betrothed were ont walking to the church
where there was Christmas-tree. IL
was quite dark. She chung closely TO his
arm, and once in awhile her pink cheek
brushed his sleeve. The stars were out,
mspy of them, and more were coming.
One seemed suddenly to flash ont on the
dark side of he mountain.
There's Christmas JenDy's CANDLE"
said the girl. And it was Christmas
Jenny's caudle, but it was also something
more. Like all common things, il had,
and was, its own poem, aud that was-s
Christmas star.