Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-22

get a turkey most every Christmas. Last
year We had cranberry sauce and fixings
Lady (sotto voce)-He gives his youth,
his manhood, his health, his eyesight for
his country, and he gets a turkey and
cranberry sauce on Christmas.
Veteran-Ma' am, there was $4,000 of us
the last time / inquired. I'm only one of
the delayed list. Don't take it to heart So
We're kinder used to it. Some weeks
We get on very well. 1t depends so much
on the weather!
that he amt one of the fraudulent claims?
There's been a good sight more than $4,000
of them.
LADY, don't know, but don't believe
it; and L can look him up.
Gentleman from the crowd-Ill spare you
the trouble. l know the man. I'm neigh
Dor OF his, in way. L teach in his ward
His children come to my school L know
about the family. They are honest people.
1t is all just he says.
LADY, will see you again. You shall
hear from me. L will remember-and the
children! The holidays are coming along.
MARRIAGES. We do mind 1t when we
can't make Christmas for the children.
That's the hardest. Now, he talks about
Molly. / don't see how l can let that child
go on the street with him. Her little win
ter sacks worn to rags; it's past mend
ing, and I've cut over all the fiannels I've
got It's no place for Molly, anyhow, but
| amt very strong. Madam-(she whisper
ed.
Iady-oh! ,she wrings the woman's
hand).
Henry mechanically counting on the
stops of the f1ute)-Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill,
Bull Run. Antietam-
Lady (extending her hand, for which the
street player gropes)-So, goodbye, now. L
shan't forget you. Your country hasn't for
gotten you, either. 1 don't believe it!
Veteran tsmiling slightly)-Don't you,
ma'am?
Lady-well, 1 don't blame you for looking
that way!
Maria-AIa' am, he sings, too. You ought
to hear him sing before you go. My hus-
band is a born musician. de gives his
moneys worth. You ought to know about
that.
Henry Ciattered)-Now, madam! My wife
is so foolish about me. Women are, you
know. plays and singS:
My country, it's of thee,
Sweet land of liberty!
OF thee L sing.
Lady with emotion. turns away from the
singer and disappears in the crowd.
Time-December a year later.
Scene--The same street, the same shop.
The show window is superbly decorated
Its side and top are hung with dainty little
articles of infants and children's wear, all
of white. exquisitely trimmed with costly
lace. Holiday gifts for very young children
are scattered among the baby clothes. The
rear and floor of the window are given up
to a solemn spectacular effect. There is a
grotto; and manger rudely carved IN
rock. Oxen are chewing their hay on one
side. On the other kneel the three Magi In
gorgeous turbanS and draperieS; they pre-
sent myrrh, frankincense and gold. Humble
Jewish figures-a man and a woman-lean
over the Manager. The woman is young
and fair. In the manager lies a sleeping
babe A powerful electric jet, concealed
below, throws q glory upon the face and
head of the child. All the light in the win
dow comes from this jet. A crowd is col
lected before the window. The people talk
softly. Rude men and delicate ladies stand
side by side. Not an oath is heard nor
peevish exclamation. Many people look
silently into the window.
The street player comes to his stand upon
the curb-stone. His wife is not beside him
A little girl leads him by the hand. She
is decently dressed and of modest appear
ance. The player wears wooden jacket OF
the kind called cardigan beneath his thin
coat. He looks less cold than formerly;
but his face wears an expression of deep
anxiety. He speaks.
Henry Holt-Molly, did you say mother
seemed quite bright, when you went back,
after you left me on that corner to wait
worries me.
Moly--As bright as silver, father! She
told me to tell you. She said she was sure
she'd be out again by Christmas. Play
something jolly, father!
Henry plays and sings:
Oh, though the world turn a cold shoulder.
I'll take up my march and I'll fight,
For wife and for home ard for children
They need me from morning till night.
For wife and for home and for babies
They love me from morning to night.
Molly-Isn't that a new song, father?
Henry-Yes. / composed it last week,