Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1891-12-25

was bending over a child who lay pros
trate In a sumptuous room. She was look
Ing up at him as he touched her body gent
W, a world of faith in her great brown
tyes. 1t was little wonder his mild yet
strong countenance inspired her conf
lence. The face was all she saw, but
her watchful parents had begun to hope
that here was a helper indeed, for they
noted the scientific way in wnich the firm
ands did their work and the keen ques-
lions which showed his complete knowl
etlge of the disease to be treated. And yet,
When Mr.. Claus found him, the man had
I'D: Il am not a physician, but only
tlysicians aid. help those whose bodies
Re helpless merely by giving them out
hard support
Tie group In that lovely room formed n
cture, and the growing hope in the par
tnts' faces b etme JOY as they heard him
ray presently II believe she can be cured;
bat it will take a long time, and will
unly act in connection with your regular
physician"
The chilG's look was triumphant.
Didn't tell you so, mammal And he
must cure K.yty too"
Then she old the gentleman of Kitty,
and how the 'oor child's illness had been
the means of their hearing about him, ana
lie agreed to 20 ut once to Gunnison alley
to examine Kitty, as Mr.. Claus requested
him to do.
at is Christmas eve," cried Margaret.
Tell her you came from Santa Claus, for
you really c., you know, because | am
playing Santa Claus this year. But
her voice grew very tender-'it isn't truly
fanta Claus at all; it's the Christ-child,
he puts it INFO our hearts, you see, and
want you to tell Kitty about him, will
you? Because | can't go. | don't think
hEe's so well acquainted with him rs she
Is with Santa Claus, They have the Christ
child in Germ my on Christmas, and like
it better than Santa Claus"
Well, "Dr. Good" as Margaret chose to
call him, though he wasn't Il doctor and
his name was plain Mr.. Goodsell, went to
. Gunnison alley and made favorable re-
port of Kitty's case also. And so touched
was he by Margaret's request that he did
not forget to tell his new patient about her
and the story of the Christ-child.
After he had gone another knock sur
prised the " orrels. This time "A colored
man came with Mr.. Santa Claus compli-
ments, and he wasn't feelin able to get
round to Gunnison alley but would they
accept these, with his best wishes and his
particular love to Miss Kitty"
"These" proved to be more things than
can he described Edbles, of course,
some wonderful toys for Kitty, soft
afghan and down pillows for her bed and
another purse, not at all like that the
strange gentleman had given her, but
quite as well filled.
The spirit of Christmas was lowering in
the air that night, for in the midst of Joy
Gus gift making in richer homes, the ring
ing of Christmas bells in towers and
steeples and the remembrances for child
hood throughout the world, some good
angel found time to bring dream to
weary, happy Kitty. She saw-not Santa
Claus-but beautiful child, who held out
hands full to OVERLOOKING with gifts and
blessings, saying, "The Christ-chld sends
them"
\ year passed. 1t was Christmas eve
again, and there was an air of expectancy
noticeable in Mary and Joe Worrell as
they moved about their humble home.
Kitty was too engrossed in a picture book
10 see it. She sat in a reclining chair-Mr
Claus and his wife had spared no pains to
make her cOmfOrtable-and was so interest
ell that she never heard the rattle of wheels
Joe lelt the room ana went down to help
If needed. There was Il sound of people
climbing the stairs; vision of loveliness
with golden hair framed in the soft white
of floating feathers and downy furs: then
II rosy faced maid placed Il child before the
t0or and stepped to one side. Joe leaned
from the other and gave a sounding knock.
1t was part OF the plan that when it opened
Kitty should see no one but Margaret, her
friend and benefactor, who had grown able
TO 20 out and was come to see her for the
first time.
Mary threw the door wide open, and,
smiling, Margaret stepped forward, her
Lands full Of packages. The figure in the
chair looked up. and never noticing the
slight limp and bent back, results of the
disease which time would cure, gave a
glad cry.
ut is my dream, my Christmas dream"
She said. at is the Christ-child"
mo, dear, it is Margaret" said Mary
gently, with tears in her eyes
81 saw it just AS plain" Kitty went on,
land never forgot how it looked. Are
You sure this is Margaret"
y merry laugh from the child herself
settled the question, and the two little
friends went straight to work to get bet II
acquainted over the contents of sundry
Christmas packages.