The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1890-01-23
PAPA's CHRISTMAS JOKE.

pas big library, right in front OF the
open Fireplace, papa's three little daugh-
tiers were huddled together, trying, with
their backs and shoulders, to shut of
chances that might find out what the
busy hands were doing.
Hazels 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 overt said Edith
in satisfied tone. We've worked real
hard, anyhow, and have present
for every single one; and / think now,
at the last minute, we can think about
our own presents a little, and wonder
what they'll be.
i've thought some about mine
already said Hazel, laughing, '.and
wondered If I'd have the very things
want the most
ssDear me-" piped in little Katie. Il
think about mine al the time, and want
to dance, for just can't watt tilET get
my stockings' !:
swell, / only meant that we can spend
all the time thinking now said Edith,
s.for our own presents are all done, and
we haven't any thing else to do"
Eyes; that's what mamma calls HAY
ing a clear conscience said Hazel,
s.and says that we always have a better
time after we have made our consciences
feel right by doing what we ought.
wonder if that's the reason she
always has such happy lools??s began
Edith, thoughtfully. but. the talk was
altogether too sober to suit little Katie.
-----4- Mammals just- lovely. anyway But
you don't talk one bit about our pres
ents, and by and by it will be late''
sighed she.
well, haven't said any thing bout
it for long time said Hazel; but l
told papa last Christmas that ! thought
v would be old enough for chatelaine
watch this year; and he looked at me as
If he thought SO, too! do hope he
hasn't forgotten it!''
.'And ! have talked so much lately
about Docket like May Roses, that
don't beileve any one has had chance
to forget il" said Edith.
'sNyell, of course / want my dolls and
my candy said Katie, ~and 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, but all way
round; and I've been good, so think
I'll get it."
s.Well, littlebodies.. 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
your and in minute more papa was in
the big chair, with Katie in his laps-and
Hazel and Edith each ON an arm.
Yes, papa" said Hazel. HWe we're
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 hsngi +"
put in Edith.
And we'd know you loved US, If we
didn't get single thingr' explained
Katie
Papa smiled at her, and then looked
sober.
'sNYell, girls he began, slowly, II
don't know but it's as we'll to tell you
now, though you may be a little disap-
pointed-but then a 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--but
I'm afraid all the presents ! can afford
to give you this year could be put in a
nutshell!'
As he disappeared the girls looked at
one another blankly. '.He means that
he isn't going tq give US any thing, I
sighed Katie.
HE means we're going to be poor,
. like Jennie Porter, " said Edith, little
frightened.
II think he means that he has lost
money and is poorer than he was said
Hazel, soberly; flor heard him say last
night to mamma that he had lost some
money. And oh, girls, I've thought d
beautiful Christmas present for him.
and one that heswould be sure to 1iker
and the three curly heads clustered close
together, the little faces bright with the
reflection Of the loving thought.
Christmas morning dawned on thu
world, and was as bright and gay morn