Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-04-09
exclaimed Stella.

dIIlILOR cal VI iHN1f
contributions from Irish Americans. We
grumble at our taxes for paying the inter
est on our public debt, but that is only
forty-eight millions, while these people
pay self-imposed tax of forty millions a
year to help their poor relatives in Ireland
to pay rent to the British landlords. Can
we wonder that they are anxious to see
landlordism crushed out of their father
land?"
"a voluntary lax of forty millions ayear
paid by American citizens to support and
pamper British landlordisml The paradox
of the nineteenth century is worthy Of our
serious thoughts"
"That is a wonderful factl But it is
quite different thing to be sending aid
to defeat slavery from what it is to support
it," said Sir Wren. "'The British govern
ment is always on the side of slavery when
the final pinch comes. LandlOrdism is on
ly another form of slavery"
'Look here, papa" said Annie, handing
Sir Wren paper. "Gee how Punch has
pictured Gladstone, Parnell and Salisbury,
as three wizards asking when shall we
three meet againP"
punch always sees the comical side of
anything" said Sir Wren, laughing.
80, did you know we were all to go to
Blue Ridge to spend Christmas?" 1 asked
after reading my packet of letters.
That was q key for a new theme of dis
cussion. Since the Colonel was wounded
we had not made any arrangements for
the coming holidays. We were all very
glad to accept the invitation.
"There will be some lively debates at
the dinners and receptions" said Sir
Wren, ''for COrdclia will never limit her
circle of friends for political effect"
On Christmas eve Il merry party met at
Blue Ridge. After being shown to our
rooms and making ourselves presentable,
we passed down 10 the draWing-room
where we were welcomed by the Duke of
Malyorne and his lovely wife. We were
presented to Mrs. Haynes, an elderly lady,
who had q kind, mOtherly face, with
strongly marked features; bat they were
So nicely blended and harmOnized by pa
tience and sympathy, that we were attract
ed to her at once.
But what was our surprise at seeing the
Colonel when he came into the room,
throw his arms about her neck and kiss
ing her on lips and brow exclai,n:
30. my mother! How came you herc?"
II sent for her" said the Duchess. II
knew You could not spend your holidays
with her IN America so [ sent for her TO
spend them here with you. had just re-
ceived word from Mr.. and Mrs Lollard
that they would be in Lol.-.Un before
Christmas, when we received your mes
sage saying that you were wounded.
sent message Immediately to the Lol-
lards asking them to call on Mrs. Haynes
and to invite her to join them on their
voyage; and, | also sent message to your
mother to be my guest and meet you
here"
well, this is royal SURPRISE" said the
Colonei, looking with loving eyes on the
face of his mother, after such long abb
sence.
Its my Christmas gift to you, Colonel
Haynes" answered the Duchess. 1t was
q characteristic feature of her life to do
something to make others happy, in the
most unexpected way and at an unexpect-
ed time.
1T was rather tedious waiting" said
Mrs. Haynes, II have been here a week"
but, Colonel, you will pardon my sell
fishness," said the Duchess. 81 have had
so much pleasure in my quiet visit with
your mother, that l am almost sorry the
week was so short"
The conversation soon became general.
Melvorae was in high spirits with his
family as he Familiarity called us. An
ME seemed Shy and embarrassed; but
through Stella'S thOughtfulnesS she was
soon talking at her ease with Mrs. Haynes
81 almost felt that l was personally &C
quGi1ted with you, Lady Waverland,"
said Mrs. Haynes, addressing Stella, while
she was gently coaXing Myrtle to her side.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lollard were very pleasant
companions and gave me vivid descrip.
tons of you all on our voyage"
I'VE had most delightful journey to-
gether in California ard Colorado. They
helped to form happy party" said Stella.
Mother" said the Colonel, joining the
group and taking Annie by the hand, "al-
low me to introduce to you my chosen
bride"
Mrs. Haynes adjusted her glasses, then
rising from her chair, said.
81 greet you as d daughter. I have
learned to love the gentle Annie from the
frequent letters that came when my son
was i'll | felt that some one was dear to
him by the wording of the messages If
you have won the love of my noble boy I
will gladly give you my blessing. His hap
piness is my greatest DESIRE" she contin-
ued, drawing Annie to her and giving her
such tender motherly kiss, that | felt
sure there would be real pleasure in their
new relations Of mothe" and daughter
The Colonel looked too happy for words
in possessing the love of two Sd dear to
him. | almost envied the love of his
mother. l could only think of one distant
grave, but it was garden full of sweet
memories!
After dinner as we were returning to tile
draWing-rOOm, we heard strains of en-
chanting music from some hidden nook.
Lady H0rtense, true to her artistic skill in
arranging for the pleasure of a party had
taken the lead with Myrtle by her side,
and opening a door to another part of the
mansion carried us back to the scenes of
our forefathers.
cop exclaimed Myrtle, "a Christmas
tree" Sure enough there stood Christ
mas tree in room beautifully decorated
with the time-honored mistletoe and holly,
and in the open fire place lay the ancient
yule-log!
Eyes, little one," said Lady Hortense
kindly, this is your Christmas gift. You
are the fairy to light the fire and to call for
old St Nick. Wave this wand" she con-
t1nued, handing Myrtle goIaen scepteI.
Myrtle was little bewildered for mo-
ment, but intensely Interested At a
movement from Lady Hortense the great
log fire was soon blazing with bright
splendor; it seemed to send forth all the
colors OF the rainbow, and, what was
strange, it did not burn away
At signal from Lady Hortense corpu.
lent old Santa Claus stepped from the fire
place and began robbing the tree of its
dairt1 fruit calling the name of the OWN.