St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1891-12-24

Christmas eve Mr. Reynolds large
parlors were filled with brilliant
company Christmas cheer seemed
everywhere, and for the time Reta
had forgotten her trouble; possibly
her cousins refusing to come down
with her might have been a slight
cause for the happy face.
AS Frank Sherman stepped toward
the piano a nurmur of delight was
heard. 1t was a rich treat to hear
him sing.
Would you like me oplay oryou,
Frank? ?" his sister said.
Not now, thank you" he replied
as he leaned carelessly against the
piano Just then the strains of
violin were heard from the library.
1t was evidently an artist hand that
drew the bow. Soon Mr.. Sherman
Joined with rich full tones in a song,
which held them spell bound. After
that intense silence, which is more
fattering than instant applause,
was broken, questions flew fast as to
the invisible musician. No one seem
ed to know, but repeated requests
were to hear more, and again the
violin spoke in such exquisite melody
that scarcely an eye was dry. AS
silence once more reigned Reta ran
to her father, who was standing
near Mr.. Sherman, and said, Papa,
do tell us who it is, no one among
our number can play like that. 1t is
exquisite; don't keep us in suspense
any longer"
Turning to Mr.. Sherman. Mr..
Reynolds said: Frank you, have
| the best right to introduce her, go
and get her.
In a few minutes the young man
returned, and leaning on his arm was
a lady whose sweet face was full Of
emotion She was dressed in an
evening costume of cream white, a
cluster of dark roses at her waist, a
tiny diamond star glittering in her
| hair. At first no one knew her, and
Mr.. Sherman with pride in every line
of his face led her to the piano and
seating her there spoke to her in a
low tone. Instantly she proved to
/ all that she was master of the piano
also.
Those who have heard the Thunder
Storm may imagine little the feel
ings of that company as her graceful
hands swept the keys. Reta, who
was watching her, was, at first, as
much puzzled as the rest as to the
identity of the player, but like a
flash it came to her, that this was
the ignorant country cousin. With
face almost colorlesS, and trembling
with excitement, she went to Miss
Hathaway at the close of the piece,
and putting her arms about her said +:
Cousin Mildred, can you forgive
me ?" then turning to her friends she
made a full confession of her false
pride, and said: But [ shall beg
papa to send me to the country to
finish my education 1t was terri
BILE punishment, Mr.. Sherman" she
continued. Il did wonder what you
would think of my ignorant coun-
try cousin"
Nov, Miss Reta," he laughingly
replied, "you might have saved your
self that worry. L had my opinion Of
your cousin long ago." and he added
in tone for her ear only. 81 expect
when l return to New York after
New Years, to take Miss Mildred
with me-"
won't wonders ever cease ?" said
Reta that night after all were gone
and she sat curled up by her mother
side, and listening to the midnight
chimes as they rang out their peace
on earth"
what a happy Christmas this will
be-" she continued. 81 feel as though
it was peace on earth, good will TIC
everyone" Never again, God help
ing ME, will l judge others by what
they seem to be, but find out what
they really are"
| DAISIE WESLEY