The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1889-12-25
PAPA'S CHRISTMAS JOKE.


pas big library, right in front Of the
open fireplace, papa's three little daugh-
ters were huddled together, trying, with
their backs and shoulders, to shut of
glances that might find out what the
busy hands were doing.
Hazel's pretty tidy for mamma was all
done but the last stitches; Edith's sweet
scent-bag had been tied up with the
daintiest blue ribbon, while little Katie
had finished at last the book-mark COM
menced long before, and toiled over so
patiently by the chubby little fingers.
swell, I'm glad it's over!" said Edith
in a satisfied tone. "We've worked real
hard, anyhow, and we have present
for every single one; and L think now,
at the last minute, we can think about
our own presents little, and wonder
what they'll be-"
'I've thought some about mine
already" said Hazel, laughing, land
wondered If I'd have the very things l
want the most"
"Dear mel" piped in little Katie. II
think about mine all the time, and want
to dance, Tor just can't wait till l get
my stocking"
swell, only meant that we can spend
all the time thinking now" said Edith,
''for our own presents are ell done, and
we haven't any thing else to do"
Eyes; that's what mamma calls 'hav-
ing clear conscience" said Hazel.
land says that we always have better
time after we have made our consciences
feel right by doing what we ought"
II wonder if that's the reason she
always has such happy look?" began
Edith, thoughtfully, but the talk was
altogether too sober to suit little Katie.
Mammals just lovely, anyway! But
you don't talk one bit about our pres
ents, and by and by 1t will be later
sighed she.
swell, haven't said any thing a bout
1t for long time,'' said Hazel; ''but l
told papa last Christmas that thought
l would be old enough for a chatelaine
watch this year, and he looked at me as
If he thought so, too! do hope he
hasn't forgotten it!''
"And l have talked so much lately
about locket like May Roses, that l
don't believe any one has had chance
to forget it," said Edith.
"Well, of course want my dolls and
my candy" said Katie, land lots Of
other things that I've asked for, but my
very pet want is darling little ring;
prettier than yours, Edith, with the blue
stones not just on the back, hut all way
round; and I've been good, so think
I'll get it."
"Well, littlebodiesw sounded hearty
voice behind them, which startled them
little, for they had not heard any one
come in, ''got your presents all done,
and talking about your stockings, are
you?" and in minute more papa was in
the big chair, with Katie in his lap, and
Hazel and Edith each on an arm.
Eyes, papa" said Hazel. "We were
telling our very dearest wishes, and
wondering if we should get any Of the
things we really want the most"
"But of course we'd like any thang!"
put in Edith.
"And we'd know you loved us, il we
didn't get single thing!" explained
Katie.
Papa smiled at her, and then looked
sober.
swell, girls" he began, slowly, 81
don't know but it's as we'll to tell you
now, though you may be little disap.
pointed-but then q great many little
girls are disappointed on Christmas, you
know: and Of course some years papas
can give nicer presents than Others, and
--well-the fact is"-here the tea-bell
rang, and papa jumped up to put away
his hat but looked back when he
reached the door; ''the truth is, girls
of course mamma always has presents
for you, and will have this time-bu,
I'm afraid all the presents can afford
10 give you this year could be put ia .
autshelf!"
As he disappeared the girls looked al
one another blankly. He means thai
he isn't going TO give US any thing,
sighed Katie.
HE means we're going TO be poor
like Jennie Porter" said Edith, little
frightened.
| .! .hink he means that he aas lost
money and is poorer than he was" sait
Hazol, soberly; ''for heard him say las
night 70 mamma that he had lost som,
money. And oh, girls, I've thought o
. beautiful Christmas present for him